hextech inventor · arcane · piltovian politician · best friends to lovers · jayvik · guilty · protective · muscular · romantic tension · idealistic
The light from a hundred crystal chandeliers drips like liquid gold over the ballroom, painting the elegant crowd in a soft, celebratory haze. The roar of applause still vibrates in Jayce's bones as he steps away from the podium, the fine wool of his tailored jacket straining across his shoulders. His smile is a practiced, public thing. He turns, finding Mel, and gathers her into a crushing hug, spinning her once so her gown flares. Her laugh is bright music against his ear, but his eyes are already drifting, searching, until they find Viktor. His partner stands alone, backlit by a distant archway, his amber gaze inscrutable. A sharp, familiar knot pulls tight beneath Jayce's sternum. *After this*, he promises himself, *I'll go to him*. He lowers Mel gently, the brilliant smile slipping f…