"you're such a bitch!" you yelled as you slammed your bedroom door, sevika was trailing close behind

"what did i even do?!" she was clearly avoiding raising her voice with you, and you found it difficult to avoid rolling your eyes as you sat on the bed

"go fuck yourself, sevika!" you didn't recognize the malice in your voice, and you almost regret the words as you spoke them

almost.

until your burly, stubborn girlfriend was sinking to her knees in front of you, wrapping her big arm around your calves

you felt the words leave you as you let out an unimpressed huff, hoping she didn't see you press your legs together

"i'm sorry sweet girl.." her hand traveled slowly up your leg until it was resting on the plump of your ass

"let me show you how sorry i am" the soft rasp in her voice made you dizzy

in spite of this, you petulantly turned your head away from her, letting out another unsatisfied huff

sevika continued to drag her hand up and down your side, placing delicate kisses on your exposed thigh

you tried to control your shaking breaths, lacing your hands into her hair as you mumbled something inaudible

the woman at your feet cocked her head at you, encouraging you to speak up

"i want to watch" you murmured, an uncharacteristic look of confusion appearing on sevikas face as you spoke

"watch?" her short brown hair swayed to the side as she questioned you

your face flushed as you spoke again, "i want to watch you..touch yourself, vika" you trailed off, turning away in embarrassment

sevikas confused expression quickly turned to a smirk, "oh?" her confidence was heightened by what you saw as your pure humiliation

you couldn't seem to find words as her grey eyes scanned yours,

and you failed to ignore the growing wetness between your legs as she slowly brought her hand down to the bottom hem of her shirt

in one swift movement, she pulled her shirt over her head, exposing her unbelievably toned chest

you felt yourself let out a small gasp, and your embarrassment seemed to go out the door when she moved her hand down farther and worked on the button of her jeans

her fingers flexed beautifully as she started pulling them off, giving you a full view of her muscular thighs

finally, your eyes landed on the wet patch on her boxers. the sight alone was enough to make you shudder, and you had an unbearable urge to bury yourself in her

you sank down to the floor with sevika as she continued slowly pulling her boxers down, but just as you were leaning forward you were met with her hand on the center of your chest

"no," she said firmly, continuing to pull down her boxers once you backed up, "watch."

you sat on your hands, not being able to take your eyes away as sevika spread her pussy with her index and middle finger

she was putting on a show you couldn't resist, sliding her fingers down to play with her glistening clit

"vikaaa" you couldn't bother being embarrassed by your whining, simply focused on the woman playing with her pussy in front of you

sevikas hands traveled farther down, and you watched as she threw her head back with every stroke of her fingers

the heat between your legs was getting unbearable, and you wanted nothing more then to get lost in between your girls legs

her fingers kept drawing down, eventually pressing her middle finger into her leaking hole

your eyes flew down, watching her fingers dissappear into her cunt. the sight alone was ruining you, and you knew you wouldn't last with the sounds she was making

sevikas head flew back, rough groans and near whimpers leaving her pretty mouth

you took your opportunity and inched towards her, lowering yourself down and watching her fingers pump into her at a pace you could barely believe

after what felt like hours of watching her stuff herself full, sevikas hand moved back up to rub circles around her clit

she looked down at you and cocked her brow, before nodding at you as you moved in to plunge your tounge into her

as soon as your tounge filled her, she let out an intense moan, letting you take her pussy over

her big hand knot into your hair, pulling you closer while she pushed her cunt into your face

you felt completely at peace letting sevika use your face the way she was, covering the bottom half of your face in her slick

she completely let herself go, moaning and breathing heavily as her orgasm caught up to her

much to her amusal, you reached your hand under you, rubbing your own clit in search of release

her moans were laced with breathy chuckles as she watched you desperately try to get yourself off

sevikas hand trailed down your back, reaching for your pussy.

your moans echoed and mixed with sevikas, and you couldn't tear your eyes away from her face, slack with pleasure

"this pretty pussy all mine?" she murmured above you, so sexy without having to try

you nodded aggressively into her, pussy drunk and just wanting her to finish on your tounge

of course her timing was impeccable, as she gripped your hair, her moans raising in pitch. "gonna come on that pretty face" she moaned out, her body tensing with her grip

you pushed your tounge deep inside her, your eyebrows screwing together as you lapped up everything she gave you

she noticed you still working yourself back onto her fingers, chasing your own high while working her through her own

without a second thought, sevika pulled you up into her, eliciting a surprised yelp from you

she leaned back, putting her abs on full display while she lined your pussy up with hers, slowly lowering you down and easing your hips back and forth

your moans echoed through the room as you slid your dripping cunt against sevikas, her clearly overstimulated pussy pulling needy groans from her

with the way the band in your stomach was tightening, you knew it wouldn't be long before she pushed you over the edge

her big arm slithered around your waist, pulling you in and clashing her lips against yours while you continued your ministrations

sevikas hand traveled freely along your body, adjusting you to exactly where she wanted you to come

knowing she had that physical power over you was enough to snap the band in your belly, and your moans spilled out while you continued grinding against sevika

her eyes were glued on you as you came, her hand eventually coming up to cup your face and trace your lips

sevika, of course, rode you through your high, telling you how pretty you sounded slutting yourself out for her

after your eventful evening, sevika was sure to lay you down. her generosity was endless as she prepared you for the rest of the night, knowing she wasn't even close to done with you

----------------------------------------------------------

facing her new counterparts, shoola returns their pointed looks, a look of distaste blanketing her expression. after all that was done–joint efforts made to bring down the forces that threatened both zaun and piltover–individuals can still find it in themselves to look down on zaunites. if she had the power, she would deny the addition of such people, prompting a seat on the council if a bias is dismissed and a leveled mindset could be put forth. 

because that is what is needed. yet here they all sit, ready to continue a vile cycle that has done nothing but further divide a once united society. 

amid the first meeting of the renewed council, as expected, sevika’s words are cut into, demands scoffed at while attitude-filled responses are shot back. fist clenched, sevika’s brown skin heats, frustration building as she sees the obvious barricade made for her requests. her jaw clenches, teeth grinding against each other as she prepares to speak again. 

“if i may?” comes shoola’s silvery voice, her two-toned eyes looking at sevika. 

sevika remains tense, meeting shoola’s gaze, the stare a stark difference from the others of the council. a slight nod of her head is given. 

shoola brings her attention to the rest of the councilors sitting at the table, the adornments on her fingers glinting in the soft rays of sun pouring through the windows. “i don’t think willful ignorance is the right path to take following an event birthed from such an aspect.”

undeterred by the collective reactions to the accusation, shoola maintains an even look on her face. her voice raises in volume as she continues, “removing the factories that border the fissures should not be an abstract idea that brings all of you to disrespect a fellow member of the council; you are not here to fight against sevika’s wishes or ignore them, you are here to listen, learn, and aid the individuals, the families, the lives of zaun.” 

“councilor shoola, with all due respect, the removal of the factories would pose a massive loss for those who depend on jobs for their families and their lives,” is a response. 

shoola is reminded of her own words that reflected the response just given, but ultimately, people cannot be sacrificed to support another–there is a way to support both, there has to be. 

“with such an obstacle, being named the “city of progress” should be an embarrassment if we cannot even move forward to ensure our counterparts are safe and healthy,” shoola places her words with a firm force, holding eye contact with each individual sitting at the table. she looks at sevika lastly, face softening as she does. “do you have anything else to bring forward, councilor sevika?”

sevika points her words to shoola only, purposely ignoring the others, “all good for now. how fast can we get the supplies to start repairs?”

“as soon as they are needed,” shoola responds. 

examining her fellow councilor for a moment, sevika holds a smidge of approval for the other, yet keeps a controlled expression. she relaxes slightly in her chair, right index finger tapping with an aura of impatience as she has to sit through the rest of the meeting, listening to the topics with half a mind. when there is input from shoola, sevika looks her way, taking in her mannerisms that flow with grace, the sound of her claw adornments tapping the table as she makes a point settling into her mind. when any other councilor speaks, sevika lets out a tired exhale.  

 a sharp breath is taken as she settles back into reality once realizing ending statements are made and the impending end to the meeting is to come. 

sevika is the first to stand, chair legs groaning against the floor as the back of her legs push it away. concern bubbles inside of her thinking about isha and jinx still in recovery even though she is sure vi hasn’t left either of their sides. fuck, she thinks, get me anywhere but here. she can’t stand the demeanor the council holds, can’t fucking stand it. but she would endure worse if it meant aiding zaun and rebuilding it. heels hurriedly click behind her but her mind is focused on the young ones back home. 

hints of that familiar amber aroma makes sevika side-eye her right side, a gold claw coming into view. 

“have you taken a look at your office?” shoola questions, falling in step with sevika. 

fully turning her head, sevika quirks her brow, eyes following the shape of shoola’s face plate before darting to her lips then settling on her gaze. “i haven’t.” 

the mechanism of the door lightly chitters as the grand structure begins to open, letting the two individuals pass through. shoola guides the direction to the right, the long corridor holding various rooms in a simple pattern. it is quiet between the two as they walk together, having yet to move past a formidable barrier established simply from places of origin. sevika holds a deep-seated hatred for piltover, their forces onto zaun too embedded in her memory; for shoola, no bold sentiments can be made for the sibling society.  

“what sits at the council,” shoola starts, “have only a quarter of the minds of who filled the seats before.” 

“must have been small minds,” sevika slyly retorts, casting a glance toward shoola. “that what usually happened if anyone tried to get to zaun? a bunch of irrelevant responses and excuses?”

shoola accepts the shots taken. “usually, yes. and motions could have been fought against harder.” she focuses the guilt on herself. 

sevika huffs, shaking her head, movement in her jaw evident. “so what? takes a war to change your mind?”

“not a war–weakened hands and figures. mel would’ve stood along my thoughts. it is the majority that would’ve opposed.” shoola slows, reaching out to halt sevika’s agitation-fueled march, finger jewelry skimming the exposed skin on her bicep. “though i do think actions would’ve served better than to simply accept battered down propositions.” she opens the door to a clearly unused space, a sleight of hand bringing the key from her person to the slot. 

her trek slow and cautious into the room, sevika surveys the area. calculated steps lead her to the desk, a chair with a different structure from those in the main council room tucked under it. sevika brushes her fingertips along the desk, the mineral cool under her touch while she studies the shaped stone. shoola stays near the entrance, still clutching the key to the room; she is kept in sevika’s peripheral at all times.

“any supplies that you need, make it known and i’ll put it in place for you–”

“this part of a plan?” sevika’s voice is gruff, coated with suspicion. 

shoola’s head tilts as she narrows her eyes. “i’m sorry?”

sevika rounds the table and grips the back of the chair. “get one of the councilors to close in. do a couple of favors. then what?” her lips downturn, watching shoola walk closer, the sound of her heels echoing throughout the room. the darkened gray sights follow the motion of shoola’s hand setting down the key on the table then keeping it under her index and middle fingers as she slides it to the other side of the mineral desk. 

“then what?” shoola repeats, voice remaining gentle. “i have no reason to hold contempt for you. i am only your equal, prepared to aid you and zaun. if you want to do this alone, i can step aside; but the road here had enough obstacles, there shouldn’t be anymore.” she lifts her fingers off the key.

sevika looks at the key then back to shoola, ruminating on her words. she’d be lying to herself if she thought she didn’t have to have at least one ally for this line of work–a primary caretaker of zaun. vander had grayson. silco had marcus. though the power scales have altered a bit, it is still a significant factor in the relationship between the societies. 

seeing that sevika needs time to think, shoola backs up from the table and starts heading toward the door. her direction changes at the last moment, bringing her to one of the pneumatic tubes, her left index finger tapping the mechanism. “anything you need.” 

realizing that she is under surveillance, shoola smooths her hands over her shirt, and adjusts the asymmetrical neckline. “um…i am, yes. you don’t have to follow me though. i’m alright.” 

sevika only hums, motioning to the direction where the restrooms are with a slight raise of her left brow and simultaneous tilt of her head the same way. “you’re gonna head down that way and then either door on the left or right.” 

shoola looks over the heads of people with a craned neck, brows furrowing as she spots where she will be going. “okay, i’ll be back.” she passes sevika, her fragrance a factor that makes shoola swallow thickly, thoughts becoming more loose with the intake of the alcohol. maybe we’ll stop there with the drinks, she thinks to herself, we’re good where we are. looking back to where sevika was last standing, shoola stops once seeing that she’s no longer there, her body turning fully and spotting her just right behind her, gaze even and only on her. 

shoola’s heart skips a beat, words stuck in her throat. she looks sevika up and down, a spark of excitement lighting up her system at the closeness maintained despite her half-hearted request. turning back around, she continues to the bathroom, stares of the surrounding guests on her before landing on sevika, those who are in the way moving themselves before shoola can say ‘excuse me’. 

reaching the restroom, shoola tries the door on the left, the locked handle barely budging. by the time she turns around to attempt the other, sevika is already checking inside, holding it open once she straightens up and faces forward. the subtle nod to the empty space makes shoola start moving to the open door, a quiet ‘thank you’ leaving her while she slips past sevika, subconsciously searching for contact as she does. 

“no problem,” sevika murmurs, the haze of the alcohol urging her to make advances she’s unsure of. instead she keeps a lingering gaze on shoola’s backside before stepping back to let the door close. when she hears the lock click she sighs to herself, running her right hand through her hair, eyes shutting tight for a moment before she relaxes, clearing her throat as she stands guard at the restroom door. just made a cheers to being friends a damn near hour ago, so i don't know what you’re entertaining, she chastises her own mind. a quick rebuttal formed, sevika’s imagination stuffs her thoughts full of shoola and her nestled into one of the booths, her mouth a delicate touch to her collarbone while her hand traces shoola’s inner thigh. 

before her mind can wander any further, sevika forces a cough and looks at the restroom door and then at the crowd, shifting her feet slightly, trying to ignore the flutter in her lower abdomen. she perks up once she hears the door unlock and open, forcing her gaze away for a moment before having it return to shoola. she swallows, eyeing the other closely while she puts on the last claw, her body heating as the sentiments from that particular scenario stay put. 

“...look like security posted outside the door like this,” shoola is chuckling to herself, making space for the person passing by her to get to the restroom. without a second thought, her hand touches sevika’s hip as she nods to the individual getting by, a friendly smile on her dark lips. turning her head back to sevika, her eye bulges as she comes face to face with her companion, both their necks craning naturally as their breaths meet one another’s lips. “um…” shoola’s hand twitches on sevika’s hip, tightening accidentally before she leans back, retreating her touch. 

sevika exhales, blinking a few times to get herself together. “old habits die hard, i guess.” her left arm motions to the path back to the bar. “i’m followin’ you.” 

shoola keeps the topic in mind, wanting to hear her voice more. she starts walking away from the restrooms and back into the crowd. “were you good? at that…security position, i mean.” she looks to the bar where they were once sitting then at the booth she was eyeing earlier, a quick decision made once comparing the privacy either offers. “if you want to talk about that—i hope i’m not poking around too much.” 

a low hum coming from her, sevika watches shoola make her way to a booth tucked away in the corner, excitement pushing its way through, before her calculating and right mind escorts the emotion back behind the barriers. “yeah, good. dedicated, i think…a bit too much,” she mutters, “...unnecessary, maybe.” she passes by a server and puts in an order before joining shoola’s seated figure, the different arrangement letting her come closer unlike the stools at the bar. “are you humoring me? acting like you don’t know about me back then?”

“oh, i knew about you.” shoola sees the server approaching and notices sevika’s attention stray for a moment, scooting closer until the warmth from both their bodies entangle. “but i think you know better than i do that seeing things for yourself is much better than listening to some…topsider rant and basing everything off of that.” 

sevika lets out a breath, the sound of the drinks getting set on the table dismissed as she focuses on shoola. though her companion’s ‘thank you’ to the server brings on her own gratitude, a glance to the worker is given as she nods. then she holds sevika in her sights, a small smile on her face as she raises a brow. “now i just think you’re tryin’ to flatter me. let me see if you're attempting to butter me up for something ridiculous,” is the lighthearted response from her before she takes a swig from the honey-hued liquor. 

taking her own cup and bringing it up to sevika’s, shoola’s mind is foggy, thinking they were doing another cheers, a bit of force put behind the motion. she is surprised by sevika’s small gag, a good amount of the liquor rushing down her throat and the sides of her mouth. realizing her actions, shoola starts apologizing profusely, her laughter held back while she genuinely feels bad for making her choke on her drink. her own cup set down before sevika’s, the napkins on the table are a second choice. her clawed fingers fly to her face. 

flinching is the last thing sevika thinks to do, eyelids fluttering for a moment as the cold metal lightly scrapes her chin and bottom lip, the motion slow but urgent. refocusing, shoola has leaned in, concentrated on getting her cleaned up, a light furrow in her brows as she apologizes over and over. “...it’s all good,” sevika murmurs, a bit light-headed, reveling in that sweet and smoky scent. her eyes low, she keeps her gaze on shoola. “careful. you’re on track to give me a couple more scars the way you’re movin’.” 

“i’m sorry,” shoola says again, laughing as she shakes her head. she finds the last bit of moisture and wipes it away, yet her hands remain, almost cupping sevika’s jaw. “at least i didn’t smudge your lipstick.” 

sevika’s left hand settles in the bit of space left between their bodies, each mechanical digit twitching. “at least…” 

a saxophone solo seeps into the atmosphere, shoola’s hands slipping away from sevika’s face and resting on her lap, abashed by her forward and boundary-crossing actions. friends can take care of each other like that, she tells herself, i mean, i would appreciate it if they helped me after making a mess. she ignores the innate response her thoughts conjure, her thighs squeezing together while she shifts her lower body. she swallows down her warm saliva, reaching out for her cup. 

sevika mirrors her position and touches her cup as well, sliding it across with her hand wrapped around it, a gentle clink emitting as the glass touches shoola’s. she earns an unreadable expression from her newfound companion, a smile coming onto her face when she sees the faint one upturning shoola’s plump plum-hued lips. 

-

hours past their arrival to the bar, shoola and sevika are now leaving the establishment, a plate of food having been shared before their exit from the still lively space to make sure their inebriation is tamed a bit. down the ramp from the door the two descend, their laughter following jamie’s words of farewell to them. despite the time, the streets of zaun are still full of people, nocturnal beings wading through the city. 

shoola is grateful her heels are still cooperating with her, her choice for this pair garnering more respect with its sustained plushness and comfort. small taps emit as she does a short speed-walk for no reason, turning to face sevika who hurries to her, the moment their eyes meet making them both burst out in more laughter. through her giggles, shoola asks, “why did you look at me like that?” 

“where did you get that little spurt of energy from?” comes sevika’s rebuttal as she pushes her hair from curtaining her face, needing a clearer view of shoola.

“...i don’t know.” 

sevika quirks a brow, the mildly lost look on shoola’s face her reason for her reaction. “it’s good we left when we did. had you took that drink des offered instead of eating somethin’ i think i would have had to carry you out over my shoulder.” 

shoola can feel a firm thump of her heart when she imagines the scenario, almost able to form the sensation of sevika’s hands gripping her legs before she brushes her claws against her own forearm, dragging herself from the thoughts. she can’t help but say, “and then what?”

the tip of her tongue runs over the center of her bottom lip, prosthetic whirring as she motions to shoola. “and then escort my coworker in distress to her home.” 

her jewelry still rubbing up and down the length of her bicep, shoola then pauses her motion, shrugging more to herself than anything. “do you want to?” she gestures vaguely. “come over, i mean.” 

sevika’s eyes widen, mouth parting as she nods, holding shoola’s gaze. she reminds herself that she can say ‘no’, keep that necessary boundary between the two of them that keep either of them from passing a point they might regret. with that thought, she proceeds to say, “i can.” to make things a bit lighter, she continues, “this mean you are in distress and need the gentlest, most kind person you know to be by your side?” 

shoola lets out a single ‘ha’, before actually chuckling for a moment. “absolutely. i prayed on it before i even left my house.” 

sevika looks down at her boots, the soles hitting the ground in unison with the soft click of the heels alongside her. she quiets for the time being, following the path back to the elevator, with an anticipating heat building in her brown skin. bringing her hand to her face, she brushes her thumb along her chin, the side of her finger grazing the piercing just under her lip. she starts toying with the small sphere, thinking of the kids back at home. a split comes to the path and sevika calls out to shoola before she can take the one straight to the elevator. 

“yes?” shoola nears her, tilting her head slightly. 

“before i go anywhere, i need to check on the kids. make sure they’re good for the night.” sevika is unsure of shoola’s presence near that particular part of her life, her earlier thoughts on boundaries beaming back into her mind. “or if you don’t want to come along, i can head to the elevator with you and we end our night there.”

“kids? you have…?” shoola trails off then remembers the younger individuals that were by sevika’s side during the funeral—a very small child and two older, one of them being the one that nearly killed her with her rocket. she raises a hand, the side of her index finger rubbing the skin just under her faceplate, the edges of her scar peeking out from it. her golden eyes find sevika’s, the gentle grays studying her as she lets the weight of memories build atop her. “no i…i can. i mean, unless you have more private matters to discuss with them, i wouldn’t want to intrude.”

sevika leans toward the direction of her place before taking a slow step, beckoning shoola to come along. “let’s go.” 

“inviting a councilor willingly to your home. what would past sevika say about this?” shoola forces her sentiments to simmer, her thoughts bouncing around in an overactive fashion. 

looking over at her, sevika replies, “why? you like ‘em better than present me? i could always go back to getting on your ass about complacency and ignorance.” she drops her gaze suddenly, demeanor curling into itself slightly. “i think…past sevika was a hypocritical asshole who needed to take a look at her own bullshit before pointing out someone else's.” 

shoola hums softly. she remembers her conversation with may, her words on growth and effort  seeping back in. her chest tightens, admiration swelling as she keeps her gaze on her friend. “i think past shoola needed a firmer stance regardless of majority council opinion. well, i guess that’s what i’m for—realization then evolution. doing better because i am better.”   

sevika’s eyes return to her, now somewhat hiding behind her hair. “...yeah. i hear that.” 

a few minutes walking the expanse of zaun’s streets, sevika points out where her place is, all the talk about the past making her think of new places to move herself and the kids. it’s not the present moment that this idea first comes to her; after silco’s death, the war, and the funeral, settling into this space with isha, jinx, and vi felt like it carried everything the past was while a renewal was heavily needed. but with everything assigned to her and her eagerness to take the reins to compose something worthwhile of the privilege, stagnance was placed onto this piece of her life seeing as no complaints came from either vi or isha. yet she was always irked by keeping the kids in the reworked office of someone who changed their lives for the worse. 

the commotion from inside the space alerts sevika and in turn, shoola, when she hears the squeals from isha and vi’s voice, ekko’s laughter mixed in with the sounds as well. her steps a bit quicker, sevika is digging in her pocket for the key before sliding it into the lock and hurrying inside.

she thinks, maybe i shouldn’t. regret arises with the idea, knowing she is expected by sevika. concerning gatherings outside her home, she has only carved herself out of the supposed safety of her abode to attend council meetings and the only most necessary of invitations that are fundraisers and attendance to university—both having dwindled significantly since the incident. in lieu of these thoughts, her inner voice speaks up again: this is necessary; not in an obligatory manner at all.  

shoola rolls her shoulder back once, stretching out her body with the motion. the words from khane, having registered moments ago, beam in her mind like a message that needs a reply, the lotion rubbed into the last of her unmoisturized skin as she conjures her reply. 

“a night out…with a friend.” shoola leaves the bathroom, the softness of her slippers caressing her feet while she pads to her closet a few feet down. she rolls her eyes at the scoff that emits from khane in response, her hands still rubbing together just to feel the sensation of her skin with the lotion on. 

khane sits up on the bed, interest in the puzzle departing to get into the thick of it. “and which friend have you suddenly decided to accept an invitation from after” –he feigns a count on his fingers despite being out of shoola’s view– “centuries?” 

shoola’s airy laugh floats through the contents of her room, her fingers brushing over the garment she's examining. by the tone of his voice she can only fake a wrong answer to who he’s alluding to, her thoughts shifting to the individual easily. “can’t i just…go out? if i was all tucked in for the night you’d be on another rant about that.” 

“this isn’t a rant. i asked a question—that you are unsuccessfully dodging by the way.” khane juts his lips a bit as he smooths his thumb over the metal device in his left palm. “how you feelin’?”

looking over a white off-shoulder top, shoola nods to the choice before answering, “i’m feeling the best i can. i…sevika is…nice to be around. different. i need that.” the last words are a bit quieter than the rest.

“yeah? even if she gets on your ass about the council?”

shoola sets aside the top and begins to search for a bottom. “well she’s right every time with every point. her agitation and anger aren’t misplaced; that is the least she could do.”

khane hums. “so you like being told off i guess.” 

a flowy pair of black pants catch shoola’s interest, her hand reaching to take the garment from its place before her left hand smooths over the length of the fabric. her thoughts put together the full outfit in her head before khane’s pointed statement loops through as well. “i think you should point your gaze to your own matters with rekia.” she finds her undergarment next with ease, slipping on the soft fabric, thumbs tracing the waistband. 

“you don’t have to tell me.” khane grunts softly as he stands up from the bed, joints popping softly. “maybe i should invite ‘em. so we can spy on y’all. then i’m going to tell mama and pa—hell the whole family’s gonna hear about it.” 

“i doubt my personal life is of any interest the way you’re making it sound,” is shoola’s reply, her words clearly spoken with a smile. “and it might be ironic to say considering the fact that zaunites track my every move when i’m down there–”

“they do–”

“but i don’t need anyone else…watching. and i truly doubt sevika favors that idea.” 

khane tightens up at that thought, pocketing his handheld puzzle. though he expected that was who shoola is going with, her vague attitude has finally dropped, meaning she is warming up to the fact as well. his sly smile is hidden as he actually considers taking rekia to the same bar and doing a little lounging, a dash of drinking, and a smidge of specified people-watching. 

exiting her closet, shoola comes out in her outfit, her chosen shoes held by her right index and middle finger tucked into the heels, free hand smoothing over her torso and sides. she walks over to her vanity and takes a seat on the plush seating. “that shut your mouth right up—does sevika scare you?”

“uh, is a fork found in a kitchen?” khane wanders the expanse of the bedroom, nearing shoola in his slow trek. “but it’s still one of her best qualities. sevika’s like zaun in that way—based on face value they’re a bit…y’know. then you dig a little and you have a soft, vulnerable individual.”

shoola applies a base of black eye shadow, laughing lightly in the middle of the careful swipes. “have you told them that?” 

“when i’m in the mood to get told off, yeah. but you can definitely slide that comment in there and get off scot-free. since y’all havin’ breakfast and everything together now.” 

blinking a couple of times, shoola angles her head from side to side, studying her efforts so far then giving a humored sigh and closing her eyes for a moment. “is this you just being ten feet deep in my business or a case of wiloh’s loose lips.”

a feigned moment of thought with a light hum comes from khane before he says brightly, “good fortune from both.”

next on the applicator is the golden hue, shoola’s response withheld for a minute as she focuses on applying eye shadow. during some point in her makeup application, her right hand develops a light tremor, her brush set down immediately as she tucks her hand under her vanity, squeezing it repeatedly to calm the trigger. “...good fortune for who exactly?”

khane finds himself near the pitcher of water, pouring a fresh cup and then bringing it to shoola, setting it on the corner of the gold-accented vanity. “me, myself, and i. i’m a big fan of whatever you two got goin’ on.”

shoola can’t help the tired laugh that comes from her before she murmurs a ‘thank you’ to him, left hand reaching to pick up the cup and take a couple of soothing swigs. “i think you’re bored and you need more hobbies.” as she sets the cup back down, her right hand is relieved from the tremors, and she picks up the applicator to continue putting on her eyeshadow. 

“is that a nice way of tellin’ me to kick rocks?” 

“not at all, but your foot is fitting nicely into the shoe.” she finishes off adorning her face, then places her faceplate on, standing up from the chair as she massages her lips together, making sure her lipstick is spreading evenly. even as she stands, she is in the view of the vanity’s mirror, taking a long look at herself, angling her face to study the entirety of it while she shifts her body to see how it all comes together. 

khane looks at the clock and starts to gather his own things while he speaks up, “you look cute. get out of that mirror’s face and get to enjoyin’ your night.” he opens her bedroom door, slipping through the space before lingering for a second. “give sevika a hug and a kiss for me. love you, stay safe.” 

certain thoughts already neatly tucked away, the playful words make shoola turn away from the mirror, the shutting of her door making her reply begin with a stammer before she calls out her own farewell. 

-

sevika waits in front of the elevator, sights in a deep concentration to study the mechanism before them. they shift their stance, taking in a breath as they keep the overbearing thoughts to a minimum. their brown skin is tight with nerves, the heat surging through being a different sensation from what has been felt in the past few weeks. to pinpoint a main feeling would be a failure, the whirlwind of emotions letting sevika hover in a limbo. 

the next descent of the elevator, sevika takes a subconscious step forward, their eyes darting from each person leaving the mechanism. they keep walking until the familiar frame of shoola comes into view, their gazes setting on one another, simultaneous hesitance in both of their next movements. sevika does their usual once-over, a bit of a repetition in the action as they admire the look shoola put together, the jewelry remaining focused on golden accents with matte black adornments mixed into them. they tilt their head, a faint smile on their face. 

immersed in the sweet spice of sevika’s fragrance, shoola takes a moment to realize how close she is to them, the hairs on her skin perking up at the proximity while the blood rushes to her face. “overdressed, didn't i?” she adjusts the positioning of her top, making sure it is sitting right.

a soft hum comes from sevika as they shake their head, lips downturning a bit. “i don’t remember making a dress code for tonight. and you look good.”  they motion their head toward the space behind them. “ready?” 

“i am.” shoola catches their gaze and her chest constricts, her posture straightening as she watches them quickly look her up and down before turning and leading the way away from the elevator. she is graced with the sight of her acquaintance’s back, the fabric of the vest they’re wearing wrapping the expanse of their wide body just right; an unashamed dekko is given to sevika’s ass, the fitted material accentuating the curves. her stare raises as her face warms, sights landing on the nape of their neck, a visible growth coming to the undercut. the thought to touch and caress is quickly shooed away while she clears her throat, tugging at the neckline of her top again, her claws grazing her chest. she looks away to her surroundings, trying to gather herself with another aspect to focus on. 

“you feelin’ alright tonight?” sevika slows and looks to their side, watching shoola abandon her position just behind them, the back of their hands brushing against one another. neither pull away immediately, the bit of comfort offered by the unintentional. 

“mhm.” shoola nods. “how about you? i didn’t keep you waiting too long, i hope.” 

“not at all.” sevika hears the incoming commotion before their body bumps shoola’s, right hand finding the small of her back while they let the group pass, their broad build pressed against her curvy, thick frame for a moment before they guide both of their bodies to the side of the street. they look back at who just trudged through uncaringly, bottling the holler to concentrate on the path to the bar. “you know how close i am to posting up rules for how to walk with other people on the same damn route?” 

shoola is hushed, the firm touch of sevika’s hand building a desire she knows she has no business indulging in. when they look at her, she nods a couple of times, forcing a chuckle. “they were a bit close, yes. um…that happens a lot?” obviously, she thinks to herself. 

bringing their hand back to their side, sevika notices the other’s rigidity, the presumed discomfort letting them know they need to think of particular actions before doing it. they return to their normal posture and start back on the path. “yeah, often.”

the rest of the short trek is enveloped by silence, more of a distance in between the two as they walk through the lively streets. an even livelier building is where sevika is headed, a nervous prickle bringing a light heat to their skin as they approach, hoping the environment serves to ease both theirs and shoola’s turmoil. they walk up to the door and open it, the muffled music no longer stifled, the clear notes ringing through the air. looking back at shoola, they tilt their head toward the inside once seeing her just stand there. 

“waiting for an invite? or are you scared?” sevika has a ghost of a smile when they are given a pointed look, their gray sights set on shoola’s golden-gray eyes. 

she steps forward. “i don’t think i’m afraid of much.” another step and she enters the tavern fully, the air a stark difference from outside. shoola ignores the stares and scans the room’s interior, taking in the decor with a light smile before finding sevika’s gaze. 

“i can tell.” sevika’s left arm points to the bar and then a small booth in the corner. “your choice.” 

even through the loud instruments, the deep, smooth tone of sevika’s voice reaches shoola, their slight lean to make sure they are heard making the councilor cycle through her thoughts a couple time before being able to respond. seeing as her mind structures a more intimate outcome with choosing the booth, shoola points to the bar, the claws adorning her fingers tonight carrying a fully black presentation with golden tips. “can you tell khane is scared of you?”

sevika’s visage lights up at that, a laugh quick to follow. “he told you that?” they follow her to the bar and watch her sit on one of the stools before moving theirs a bit closer. “and you’re just putting his business out like that? damn.” they meet the bartender’s gaze and wave him over. 

“funny you say that considering he would be sat right next to us if i didn’t pry him off of his plans to follow tonight.” shoola examines the bottles lining the wall behind the bartenders. ultimately, she is unfamiliar with the zaun-produced liquor, mentally handing over her choices to sevika. when the individual behind the bar comes to take their order, she looks at sevika just when they look at her. 

quick to read what shoola’s gaze conveys, sevika orders two shots of the same thing, chilled, small cups put in front of the two before a light brown spirit is poured into both. as she thanks the bartender, shoola slips in a request for a regular beverage on the side to accompany the shot, then she adjusts her position on the stool, thick thighs rubbing against each other while her ass shifts back slightly.

“i didn’t expect this bar to be the one you’d plan to go to,” shoola says, nodding her head and smiling at the bartender when he returns with a regular sweet drink. her gaze drops to sevika’s fingers tracing the bottom edge of their shot glass, a couple seconds of her stare bringing stray thoughts; quickly, she looks to her own cup and ensues aimless touching of the glass as well. 

“yeah? well i think what you had in mind is a bit more rough around the edges then this place.” sevika grabs their glass and raises it toward shoola. “to good health.” 

shoola does the same. “and…to new friends.” 

the edges of the cups kiss, shoola’s prompt finally processing when sevika’s lips meet their glass to take the shot, a small smile stretches across as they murmur, “to new friends.” they down the shot with a slight wince, tuning into her immediately as the burn in their throat is dismissed. shoola eyes narrow a bit as she swallows the shot, her opposing hand already taking a hold of the requested cup of juice and eagerly taking a small sip to wash away the bitter evidence. 

a glimmer within their gray eyes, sevika chuckles at her drinking procedure, attention brought to shoola’s hand resting on her lap, the golden tips of the matte black claws scintillating when she moves a bit. “also…thought you’d like live music rather than some old, beat up jukebox.” 

looking at the space around her, shoola notices the small area to the side where individuals and couples are dancing to the jazz, gesturing toward them with a slight angling of her head. “do you think i’d like dancing too?”

sevika takes the chance to give shoola a feigned once-over, lips jutting to the side a bit. “hmm. i can see you out there, yeah.” a scenario of shoola out on the floor dancing conjures in their mind as soon as the words leave them, their new companion’s presence and movements planted alongside their own, following the beats perfectly, bodies nearly touching while their hands are occupied in caressing one another’s. a quick blur applied to their loose imagination, sevika taps their shot glass while bringing their eyes they look at shoola’s empty one. by now the shot has settled into their system, another layer of warmth blanketing their skin. “should we have another?”

shoola takes her gaze from the band, still moving her shoulder to the music while she gives an affirmed hum, a soft clink emitting as her claws push the shot glass forward. “i usually like a simple wine, but this is good. i didn’t expect the aftertaste to be so sweet.”

sevika is about to go into the details of who makes the particular brew, leaning forward as the forearm of their prosthetic rests on the bar counter, a soft whirring projecting from the motion. their eyes flit to the entrance of the bar before the door opens, a few individuals trickling in, making sevika look back to shoola before focusing on the group trudging through again. 

the advances sevika has made for the betterment of their community has unfortunately struck a chord in particular types of people who once thrived under what zaun was when silco and vander were at the forefront of taking care of everything. since sevika has seen the fault in both efforts and took it upon theirself to break the complacency of the position, flushing out the infrastructures that are truly rotting zaun from the core, it could only be expected that there would be such attitudes in response. 

but in this moment, sevika is already agitated, having hoped for a night that took both shoola’s and their mind off the pressures of duties and working. 

“i’ll be back,” sevika tells shoola, holding her gaze for a few seconds as they get up from the stool. 

“oh. are you okay?” she tracks their movement, and looks to where they are heading, now noticing the presence of a few new attendees to the bar. concern arising in an instant, she continues, “who are they?” 

sevika gets the bartender’s attention. “jamie, anything she wants on my tab.” their eyes say the rest of their order while their head motions to the guests that just entered. 

“you got it,” jamie chirps, the task of looking after shoola already having been imprinted as soon as she arrived with sevika. his dark green eye tracks sevika’s movement before settling back on the first time guest.  

a lingering look given to the lead of the group, kel, sevika walks past until they reach the door, opening it and waiting for him to follow them outside. never left alone in their efforts to protect what is being rebuilt, several guests that were already in the bar get up to back sevika, watching the gang follow them out as they accompany the group. the door closes behind them all and the band resumes playing, maintaining the light atmosphere that was once albeit a bit more tense with thoughts of what is occurring just outside. 

shoola keeps her eyes on the door, brows furrowed while her chest constricts with worry. she knows well that sevika is more than capable of taking care of theirself in that manner of defense, yet there is a weird feeling in her stomach that urges her to make sure that factor remains; but she doubts her lessons in self-defense are a match for individuals that have been fighting for most of their lives. 

“...you a drink?” the end of the inquiry reaches shoola, making her turn to the person standing near sevika’s seat. silver eyes set atop dark sclera’s stare burn into shoola, a polite smile on her face when she faces the stranger fully. 

“i’m sorry, what was that?” shoola looks the individual up and down, her analysis transparent. 

the stranger does the same, tilting her head toward the empty shot glass. she repeats, her accent thick,  “i asked if i could get you a drink, councilor shoola.” 

“oh, you don’t have to call me that,” shoola laughs airily. “and you can get me a drink if i can offer you one back…?” she leaves space to ask for her name without asking.

“may,” she finishes. humming with satisfaction, may calls jamie over, his look between the two telling, but he keeps quiet, seeing no harm in the friendly interaction. ordering for shoola, may slides a few bronze cogs over the counter, turning back to her when they finish speaking to him. 

“whatever she wants,” shoola tells jamie. 

as he retreats to start making the drinks, may dips back into conversation with shoola, silver eyes running up the length of her body. “i didn’t take you as a patron of zaun’s businesses.”

shoola hums. “you just haven’t seen me around. but i’ve been back and forth for decades—i have some family that lives here. and…friends.” 

“friends?” may takes a seat where sevika was sitting. “and one of them is supposed to be sevika, i’m assuming.”

jamie sets down the drinks in front of the two, lingering nearby as he hears his companion’s name. he takes out a rag and cleans the counter with no need to do so, the handmade decor lining his right eyepatch glinting with his movements. gaze darting to the door, he expects sevika to be returning soon, the next confrontation one he will be having a frontrow to. 

shoola thanks him before indulging in the pale blue cocktail, a leveled amount of spirit and additional beverages mixed together bringing a satisfied expression to her face. hearing the pointed words from may, she takes the straw and swirls the drink. “one of them is sevika, actually. are you here to tell me something about my choices? you sound disappointed,” is the light reply, her shaved brows raised. 

may takes a sip of her own drink, shrugging. “you seem like you’d keep better company around. not a drug dealing, child labor enabler.” 

her fingers letting go of her straw, shoola stares may right in her eyes. “do you think piltover is above any of that? that i am a saint who has never seen or had a hand in other’s suffering?” she leans in slightly. “you think i don’t know? i can take a group of piltover citizens and a group of zaunites, tell them to hold out their hands and see that not a single one is clean; i could do it again and see the innocents. they are melded in these societies. there are some who sustain that role and continue to dirty their hands.” she motions to the door behind her where kel and his gang are being handled just outside of it. “and there are some who will choose to scrub them clean no matter the stains that remain. efforts and a change of mind—i see that and i do not care who i call my companion.”

the door of the bar opens; sevika wants nothing more than to sit and enjoy the rest of their night, a bruise forming on the right side of their ribs while anger shudders through their flesh—preferred company and a drink is a highlight in the near future. then they espy shoola’s engaged body language and their seat occupied, their gaze hardening as they start a slow march back to her. they know who is sitting next to her but can’t bring theirself to care much past recognition, mind in a slight daze. 

shoola’s skin prickles and she hears the familiar thud of sevika’s boots, her body straightening as she brightens before glancing to her side and craning her head slightly to hold their gaze. but that was only with the expectation that they were already looking at her. instead, sevika has a hard glare on may, a slight quiver to their gaze as they remain speechless, breaths heavy and prominent through their nose. 

may is mid-sip of her drink, her side-eye becoming a dead-on returning stare. larger swigs of her drinks are taken before she gets up from the seat to stand, the energy she’s getting from sevika enough of a prompt for her to leave and return to the back of the bar. 

sevika watches her retreat, then looks at her seat before setting her stare on shoola, the concern in her eyes a layer of balm to their demeanor. they sit back down in a languorous manner, wincing slightly. they push may’s empty glass aside with their knuckles, the glass taken by jamie and replaced with a fresh cup of liquor for them, more than a shot poured into the short, sturdy glass.

shoola stays quiet, focusing on her cocktail and taking a long and hefty sip. when her lips detach from the straw, she motions vaguely. “that…happens often?”

a drink taken from their cup, sevika keeps her friend’s eyes within their sight, the burn a welcome distraction from their body pulsing with pain. they discard that inquiry as the topic of their conversation, placing humor to divert the obvious answer, “i leave for a couple of minutes and that’s who you replace me with?” 

“no, i…i thought she was friendly. emphasis on thought.” shoola’s study of sevika’s state is constant, her position on her chair shifting to come toward them slightly. “and i don’t think i have any candidates to replace you.”