#arcane ask

Once turned into twice. Twice turned into seven days. With three weeks left until the end of this rat race, Mel couldn't afford distractions... but that's not what Sevika was. From food to laughter to the warmth of her reassuring touch and the safety of her arms, Sevika was more than a bodyguard. She was a lifeline, all strong muscle and hard glare, yet soft and caring. She saw Mel, in all her messy, rambly, and exhausted state, whereas most of the world only got the primped and preened politician. And selfishly, Mel wasn't ready to let her go.

Four days to the election, and Sevika looked at her emails, a flood of requests now that she had guarded the hottest topic in politics. And, if she was being honest, the hottest woman she'd laid eyes on. But more than looks, Mel was sharp. Sure, she might've been lacking in a little street sense, but the woman was savvy in a boardroom, courtroom, or in front of a press junket. Trying to keep up with her in conversation left any normal person's head spinning. But Sevika found herself enamored. More than that, she found herself wanting to take care of Mel, well beyond what her actual job entailed. She wanted to provide, even though she knew Mel could more than handle herself.

So she tamped down on her feelings and tried to remain professional.

Election night was like a breath held too long: anxiety-inducing and suffocating. Sevika knew she wouldn't be able to convince Mel to stay away from the TV set in the office. It was deathly silent; every intern, staffer, and even janitor was sent home for the night. Sevika stood behind Mel, clutching her slim hand in her right. When the count ended at 1:00 AM the next day and Mel's victory was finally announced, she jumped up screaming. Sevika caught her and spun the younger woman around, the two laughing for joy.

When the initial exhilaration wore off, Mel realized she could have the one thing she had denied herself since going on the trail all those months ago. She pressed a kiss to Sevika's mouth, tame and chaste, but something unsaid on both ends. She pulled back, half scared to say what she'd hoped the kiss conveyed on its own. Mel knew Sevika could give her what she wanted, what she needed. She knew that now more than ever.

Her unvoiced question was answered, and Sevika brought her back by her hips, pressing an equally yearning kiss into plush lips. She knew now, and even better could say now, that she wanted to be Mel's provider. Fuck it, she just wanted to be Mel's, whatever she needed for as long as she needed.

Mel found herself moaning as the kiss continued, a habit she'd never broken, and her knees buckled, and Sevika chuckled. Their bodies conversed like old friends, and it felt so, so right. When they separated, their faces hot and breath short, Mel knew exactly where she wanted to take this. But she had to be sure.

"Will you be mine?"

"As long as you'll let me."

Despite being so gone for each other, they both have a lot of insecurities, particularly when it comes to the others’ feelings and commitment to the relationship.

Ekko is scared he’s just a convenience for Jinx and she’ll easily abandon him again; while Jinx is scared Ekko’s going to realize he doesn’t actually want to be with her, because why would he?

To make things a bit more heartbreaking, Jinx sometimes wonders if Ekko is only with her because she’s the closest thing to “Powder” he can be with.

They have a lot of issues and it took them many years to work through them; but those issues and insecurities still make an appearance from time for time.

-

Ekko isn’t always great at taking care of himself; he’s always putting others first and he’s easily consumed by his projects and responsibilities.

But taking care of Jinx forces him to take care of himself.

He can’t argue she should go to bed at a reasonable hour, when he’s up at the same godforsaken hour she is nor can he complain about her eating unhealthily, when he’s eating the exact same thing or something worse.

-

Ekko is always running late; while Jinx (to many people’s surprise) is either on time or very early. When the two of them arrive late together, it’s because Jinx didn’t want to go to the thing and she succeeded in distracting Ekko (usually with sex).

-

Being together was one of the easiest things for them as they’re two pieces who fit perfectly together; at the exact same time though it was also the most difficult thing for them, due to their history.

Ekko has struggled with his feelings of guilt because it was so easy for him to be with Jinx and love her; he feels like he’s betraying his fallen friends and people. Jinx is responsible for many of their deaths and even when she wasn’t directly responsible, she still benefited as Silco’s daughter.  

Jinx has struggled with feeling like she’s betraying Silco and rejecting their bond as she doesn't talk about him for the sake of her relationship with Ekko. She can’t talk about Silco with Ekko at all, because anything negative about him (no matter how small) only confirms to Ekko she was abused and brainwashed; while anything positive or even neutral is like "attacking" Ekko and everything he's gone through.

Silco was the reason Jinx was happy and able to thrive over the years and he's the reason why Ekko suffered and struggled to survive during those same years.

While they never truly come to terms about Silco, they still try and make an effort to respect the other’s feelings for him.

-

Gift giving is a huge part of how Jinx shows her love. She doesn't need a special occasion or reason to give Ekko gifts and she likes leaving them where he can come across them randomly. Her presents can be anything - from a cool rock she found to a specific piece of machinery Ekko wanted.

Oh and of course, a beyond valuable item she stole from some elitist Piltovan or vicious Chem-Baron who is more than willing to start a war over their stolen property.

Ekko knows she means well (at least he thinks she does); but he would appreciate it if she didn’t bring him and the Firelights more trouble with her gifts.

Which Jinx doesn’t fully understand.

It’s not that she doesn’t understand the value of things; but a cool looking rock and some wealthy Piltovan’s prized heirloom have the exact same value to her – she thought Ekko would like it, so why wouldn't she get it for him?

-

These two can be so beyond competitive it’s not even funny and nothing brings out their unhinged competitiveness than when they’re up against each other.

But they’re having fun and that’s all that matters in the end... ignore all the property damage and fires.

-

Sometimes when things get heated between them, Jinx gets a red blotchiness on her neck and chest; which she's more than embarrassed by. Ekko on the other hand tries to see if he can make her even redder and he’s more than smug when he can.

-

Ekko wasn’t always a great boyfriend to his previous partners, not because he was an uncaring asshole or anything but because he never opened up to them. He never shared his problems nor did he let them take care of him; he was always the caretaker. It also didn’t help that he put his responsibilities as leader and other people before his relationships.

However, this isn’t a problem with Jinx. Ekko is quite selfish when it comes to their relationship. He’s not willing to put others’ first. Not this time. Not if it costs him Jinx.

Jinx also knows him far better than his previous partners did, she sees past the front he puts up for others and is more than willing to call him out on his bullshit. Plus, Jinx is in no way shy when it comes to her wants.

Ekko has also learned that if he doesn't rely on her, then she has no reason to rely on him. If he doesn't trust her, then she doesn't trust him.

Finally, Jinx tries to get Ekko to be more selfish, while this is for her own benefit (obviously), she genuinely wants Ekko to put himself first; she’s even willing to put herself second (at times), if that’s what it takes.

-

Over the years they balance each other out – Jinx makes Ekko more selfish and gives him the freedom to put himself first without feeling guilty, while Ekko makes Jinx less selfish and he's a good starting point for her to become more considerate to others.

Of course, Ekko will never be a selfish bastard who turns his back on his people and Jinx will never be a living saint who sacrifices herself for the greater good.

-

Ekko usually takes the lead in the bedroom. He loves riling Jinx up and embarrassing her in bed; he’s particularly obsessed with getting her to beg him to keep going,

However, it doesn’t take much for Jinx to ‘turn the tables' on him; her ‘begging him' is a sure-fire way to get Ekko to unravel quickly, which Jinx is more than willing to exploit for her own fun and pleasure.

-

Ekko accidently taught their kid(s) how to curse.

-

They’re packrats.

These two are very attached to their things and look they might need that random useless thing one day, you don’t know, they obviously can’t throw it out.

-

Jinx is very honest with their kid(s).

She doesn’t lie nor try to hide who she is nor who she was and what she’s done. Silco was always forthright with her; Jinx knew exactly who Silco was and loved him all the same and she wants the same for herself (Silco wouldn’t have accepted anything less for her).

She doesn’t want her child(ren) to love a fake version of herself; she wants them to know and love the real Jinx – monster and all.

-

I honestly don’t think a threesome would be possible for these two; they’re way too jealous and obsessed with each other to let a third party involved. Especially Jinx.

Let’s be real, she would absolutely kill someone for touching her Ekko or if Ekko touched them she would 100% have the logic of “they can’t steal my Ekko if they’re dead.”

Now Ekko will never be as bad as Jinx (very few people can reach our girl’s levels) but I easily see him being like “No. Go Away. My Jinx.”

-

I’m torn between Ekko being concerned by how much he finds Jinx’s unhinged jealousy, possessiveness, and intense (creepy) expressions of love to be charming and beyond endearing; or if he honestly doesn’t understand why people are weirded out and concern for his safety when Jinx says she wants to rip out his heart and feast upon it.

I hope you all enjoyed this insanely long list and maybe even accept a few of these headcanons as your own.

Viktor clicked his tongue as Mel tried to hold in a laugh. He swiped his cane and opened the door while Mel continued on with her paperwork. When he opened it, Jayce was surprised to see him inside. His eyes were wide,

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.” When Viktor noticed Jayce staring at his shirt, he looked down to see that his collar had a smudge of wine-colored rouge on it. Viktor sighed and said under a breath,

“This was my favorite shirt,” throwing a glance at Mel from behind, who only hummed to herself as she thumbed through her documents. When he looked back up to see Jayce, his eyes averted with the smallest bit of perspiration on his temple and with slightly flushed cheeks. Viktor chuckled out loud,  before squeezing Jayce’s forearm. 

“Mr. Viktor?” He asked, when he noticed that Viktor didn’t let go.

“I’m not your father, Jayce. Just call me Viktor.”

“Yes sir.” Viktor paused to correct him again, but sat on the term. He didn’t hate being called sir if it came from Jayce’s lips. 

“Viktor, leave us. I have much to do with Jayce,” She said in a dark tone. Viktor rolled his eyes. Liar.

He let his hand on Jayce’s arm linger there for a moment, before slowly dragging his fingertips off him, tracing casually over the rippling muscle on his forearm. He left the office without a rush.

When the door shut, Mel asked smoothly,

“So, how did you feel with your first day on the job?”

“I liked it. I got to meet the other staff, they were all accommodating. And I always enjoyed talking to people, so the customer service was fun,” He smiled.

“That’s good,” She hummed, smiling sweetly as she walked to him. When he noticed her studying him, he gulped. “You do have a way with you, Mr. Talis. So I’m not surprised that you’re getting along with everyone.”

“Ah, just Jayce.” He laughed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. When he said the words, she noticed that he had avoided her gaze.

“Right, Jayce.” She began to pull off her sweater, only a thin pale blouse just underneath. Jayce fumbled,

“Ms. Medarda,”

“Let’s stop with the honorifics, hm Jayce? Mel is fine.”

“M-mel.”

She smiled wryly as she looked at him, standing at the door with his eyes averted, face as red as a tomato.

“Oh, don’t be so flustered. I’m just warm.” She walked up to him and placed his hand on the apron’s strap,

“Also, your shift is over, take it off. You don’t need that apron anymore.”

He nodded before untying the apron and sliding it off his shoulders. When he looked up, he saw her stepping towards a towering bookshelf that lined the wall of her office.

“You’ll help me organize some of these books, Jayce. I want to make sure you have your work cut out for you.” When Jayce watched her step on the small stool, he said hastily,

“Here, let me do it for you.”

“No need. But if you’d like, you can spot me.” As she stood and reached for a book on a higher shelf, she gasped quietly when she felt his hand on her. She knew Jayce was a big man, but one hand nearly wrapped around her entire waist. She tried not to shiver from the warmth that seeped from his palm through the sheer fabric of her blouse. Oh, what it would be like to feel those hands elsewhere. How easy would it be for him to grip onto her thighs, and…

“Mel?” She snapped out of her daze,

“R-right,” She said quickly, “I can step back down, the rest of the books are still on the desks to be sorted.”

As she stepped off the stool he helped her down, one hand fully planted on her hip, the other pressed into her back. She tried not to blush when he looked in her dark olive eyes, eager to help. It wasn't the books she wanted help with. No, what she really wanted was to push him down and climb on top of him; feel the hard muscle of his chest and stomach under her palms.

When she eventually dismissed him, he stepped outside to see Viktor at the front, already on his third cigarette. Nose cold from the night air, a scarf tightly wrapped around his neck and shoulders. When Viktor looked over, his eyes widened. He didn’t expect Jayce to be done so quick; didn’t anticipate to run into him outside. He hoped it wasn’t too obvious that he might have been waiting.

“Viktor, you’re still here? I’m so sorry about that. Would…it be too late to get you a drink?”

Viktor’s eyes widened before he grinned under his scarf,

“Of course not. Please, lead the way.” When he turned, he could just make out Mel through the restaurant’s glass pane, with a frown. He chuckled deviously and flipped her off, before leaving. Jayce turned to look at him from the laugh,

“What was that?” Jayce asked confused,

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

When they arrived at the nearest bar, Viktor strode in like he had already been there many times before. And he did. Despite his small frame, Viktor liked his alcohol. He held his liquor better than most people his size, but it wouldn't seem to help him that night.

He greeted the bartender with an easy smile, and by name, which surprised Jayce.

“Two whiskeys, neat.” Jayce only watched in silence after the bartender came back with their drinks. Viktor took the glass to his lips before saying,

“You’re staring, Jayce.” He smiled in his cup before finishing off the rest of his drink.

“Uh-I’m sorry,” He said, clearing his throat before picking up his own glass. After a couple of rounds, the bar started to feel warm. Viktor tried to fan himself with his hand, when he looked over to see Jayce removing his coat. He had changed out of his work uniform long before they got to the bar, and he had worn a plain T, tight enough to hug the curve of every muscle. Viktor nearly keeled over from the sight. Jayce’s arms were as large as one of Viktor’s thighs, and his hands were so big that it dwarfed the liquor glass in an almost comical way. He could probably lift Viktor like it was nothing. And those hands could wrap around his waist to meet in the middle with no effort. Viktor let his eyes close, imagining them pulling him in.

“So, Viktor,” His eyes snapped open, cheeks and nose red. Jayce noticed the blush on his face, but just assumed it was from the alcohol. “How long have you worked at the restaurant for?”

“Seven years.”

“Oh wow. That’s a long time…I’m thankful you were willing to help me out. I’m sure you have a busy schedule,” He said quietly. When he looked over, he noticed Viktor trying to stand,

“I’ll be right back," Viktor said, with a sway. Maybe the drinks were on him a little bit. When he reached for his cane he nearly tumbled over, before Jayce caught him.

“Careful,” Jayce said in a low tone, getting the cane for him. Viktor squeezed his shoulder,

“Quite a gentleman. Are you going to assist me in the bathroom as well?” He asked, chuckling as he looked at Jayce from the corner of his eye. Jayce flustered before Viktor continued, “Sorry, poor taste in joke. I think it’s the liquor. Watch my drink for me, will you?”

Later that night.

Mel stirred in her bed when she heard her phone go off. She squinted at the screen. A notification from 'Viki'

Viki: hey

Mel: vik. Its 2 in the morning. what do you want

Viki: just left the bar with a certain server boy ;)

Mel shot up from her bed, tight curls falling over her face. She brushed them back, excited, but also exceedingly pissed.

Mel: wth…I swore that man was straight

Viki: …hm. idk about that.

After a few moments, another notification popped up on her phone, with an image attached. When she opened it, her eyes widened. It was a blurry photo of what she could only assume was Jayce’s hulking body hovering over the camera.

What he had failed to mention was that Jayce had assisted a VERY drunk Viktor to the back of a cab. When Viktor ‘accidentally’ tugged harshly on his sleeve, Jayce nearly fell on top of him, and even in his state of complete inebriation, he still had the wherewithal to snap a quick picture of the new server boy pushing him into the back of the cab.

Mel shut off her phone and went back to bed.

The next morning, Viktor looked like shit. Mel couldn’t help but feel a sick satisfaction about it.

“You sure you can work today’s shift?” She asked coyly, nudging him with her shoulder.

“Of course I can,” He huffed, before popping a couple of advils in his mouth. He took a drink from a water glass.

“Good. Because we’re catering today. Graduation party of 20.” Viktor nearly choked on the water, his face becoming pale. But when she couldn’t stop staring at him, he smiled.

“Oh, Mel.”

She furrowed her brow. “What.”

“My sweet Mel. You know, you’re not very subtle. Your jealousy is easily written all over your face.”

She scoffed before closing the locker door on him, just before his fingers could be snapped in half.

“I call bullshit. He was probably just helping your drunk ass home or something,” Mel provoked, hopeful. When Viktor didn’t respond, she said,

“I fucking knew it.”

They were interrupted when they heard Jayce’s unmistakable, deep voice reverberate near the front desk. They watched as a young girl spoke to him,

“She’s one of the new servers,” Mel whispered to Viktor, “Jayce looks oblivious.”

“Of course he does. He’s a sweet little pup. And he’ll be in my bed by the end of the week.”

Mel pulled her head from around the corner to look at Viktor, and spoke with a challenging tone,

“Oh, you want to bet?”

He hummed, “You didn’t see the way he was looking at me last night, Mel.” She rolled her eyes as he started to laugh. But it was muffled when she slapped a hand over his mouth. Viktor looked at her while she stared around the corner again. Then, he closed his eyes and licked her palm. She wacked him lightly on the shoulder, which only elicited another laugh from him.

“Shush. If you keep playing around, our hard work on eavesdropping will go to waste. We might find what he fancies if you can just be quiet.” They watched as the young girl tried to speak with Jayce. The girl fidgeted with her hands,

“H-hi, Jayce right?”

“Hey, did you need something?” How kind.

“Well, I was actually. I have a friend. He was too shy to come up to you, because–”

The word he made Viktor grin. He could already feel the sweet taste of victory on his tongue, before Mel threatened to wipe the smirk off his face. Jayce’s eyes widened before the server girl continued,

“Because…I guess, so it wouldn’t be awkward. But um, but do you happen to be into men? Sorry if it’s a weird question.”

With how quiet it was in the kitchen, Viktor and Mel could hear a pin drop, and their ears burned to make out what his response would be. They watched Jayce blush as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Ah well, actually. I like both men…and women?” He responded, as if it was a question. And when the words came out of Jayce’s mouth, both Mel and Viktor's jaws dropped. They looked at each other.

“Hey.” Viktor said not so inconspicuously, “I have this bangin’ idea.”

“Sure you do” She said flatly. “And don't use the word bangin’. It doesn’t roll off your tongue well.”

“Shut up. How about we call a truce…and join forces?”

Mel stared at Viktor silently before breaking out into a smirk. “Oh? Last I remember, you hated sharing.” When they both stood up, Viktor didn’t move away. He only stepped closer, towering over her with his sharp, amber gaze. She she gasped quietly before she heard him say,

“I’ll make an exception.” Viktor saw the heat on her cheeks, and she watched as his golden eyes studied her lips. They both look at each other, and without another word, Mel moved close and kissed him. He pulled her in, one hand steady on his cane, the other wrapped tightly around her waist. His lips grazed down to her neck, and she moaned when he pushed her to the wall. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hand tangled in his auburn wisps, when they suddenly began to hear footsteps nearby. Jayce walked in, as Mel and Viktor parted with the warm air still swirling between their breaths. The two pushed off each other unison before Jayce could notice. His face was still red with the interaction he had with the girl, and he was so flustered he hadn’t even noticed Mel and Viktor. How cute.

“Jayce, come to my office. There’s something we need to speak with you about.” He looked up in slight surprise from their presence, but only nodded quietly. He followed Mel and Viktor in the office before shutting it closed, then said,

“Ah…I’m sorry, did you happen to hear that out there?” He laughed nervously, “I know it’s probably not work appropriate to talk about that, um.”

Viktor whispered to Mel, “Oh, we’re going to ruin him,” before he stepped over to Jayce.

“No need to be nervous, Jayce. It’s a natural conversation.” Jayce looked up when he felt Viktor’s lithe hand run up his toned arm. “Everyone has their needs.” His face turned a brighter shade of pink, and he soon saw Mel come close to stroke his cheek. His eyes widened as he looked at her, his gaze eventually lingering on her soft lips.

“Jayce, we have a proposition for you.” She spoke the words with a soft, sultry tone that managed to run a shiver up his spine. He swallowed over a dry throat. Her hand ran down his jaw, to his neck, and down to the tight muscles of his chest. He startled when Viktor’s hand pulled him down. He brought his lips to Jayce’s ear, whispering quietly,