Trapped in thoughts, you were chewing on your bottom lip while letting the pen dance over the paper.

Lines and shapes met, forming syringe like structures, mechanisms and ideas.

The biggest issue you had noticed was the time that Silco's treatment needed. A quicker injection could possibly milden his pain. But a human hand would not be steady enough, not clean enough.

It had to be an injector, specifically fitted to the size of his eye. If it would work out, he could even do it by himself once you were free to go again.

At the thought your heart pulled together. One day you would be free again.

But somehow that thought made you feel mixed feelings.

Working for Silco was a duty that had been put on your shoulders without consent, but the lines stared to get blurry. After each treatment, you started to feel closer to him, more understanding.

He couldn't die because his vision of Zaun could not become reality without him. Jinx was one more reason why he had to live.

If you were totally honest, you and him were not that different. You had children as well, blood and flesh that wasn't you. The responsibility of hundreds of people was pushing down on you, he was responsible for all of the undercity.

And in the end, even if you hated to admit it, hd carried the same pain of loneliness with him. The two of you had lost loved ones, had made sacrifices. And both of you were the people that you are because the harsh world had forced you to be.

The biggest difference was that he had decided to make use of the monster that he was while you kept it locked deep down inside.

Sighing, you dropped the pen and had to run your eyes. You were tired, the light was already gone and the colourful lamps of neon were glowing in the streets.

Behind you, steps sounded. Struck by surprise you flinched, but stopped as Silco's pale hand appeared in your field of vision.

Tired, he gifted you a soft movement of his lips.

A smile.

"It's quite late.", he said with a glance at your sketches. "Be my guest."

Raising an eyebrow, you put your hand in his but hesitated to get up.

"Where are we going?", you asked.

"To dinner. I'm feeling hungry and would like some company. Your company."

"How strange. I thought you are a lone wolf."

"I am picky with the people close to me. But you've seen me weak, why not see me eat? Or are you not hungry?"

"No, I am. Do I need a proper attire?"

"You're fine."

"If you say so. I'll trust your judgement.", grinning, you got up.

"A wise decision.", he gifted you the hint of a smile.

It wasn't the same kind of smile you had, but a quite big gesture considering that Silco's face seemed to be a constant state of displeasure and judgement. But today he acted softer, more casual.

You didn't complain though. You liked this human side of him.

As Silco had asked to dine with you he had not specified that the restaurant he invited you to was located in Piltover. Right in the middle of the wealthiest area to be exact.

Everybody around looked like they had jumped straight out of a fantasy book, dressed in gold and silk while their faces resembled perfect facades. One person was prettier than the other.

Secretly, you wondered if anything on them was real. And even if it wasn't, they still made you feel like a pigeon surrounded by hummingbirds.

"You could have warned me.", you hissed into his ear while your hands were clinging to his arms as if his presence could protect you from the judgemental gazes.

Huffing amused, he handed a small book back to the waiter who led the two of you to a table in the furthest corner of the room.

Golden light kissed the bloody silk, making it sparkle.

With the gesture of a real gentleman, Silco pulled a chair back for you and let you take a seat before placing himself at the other side of the round table.

"You don't look amused.", he noted.

Pulling your head in to make yourself as small as possible, you threw a gloomy gaze into his direction.

"When you said you were hungry I would have expected to pay the market a visit.", you growled. "Maybe even one of those shady restaurants in the lanes."

Pulling his eyebrows together, he shook his head. His hand reached for the glass of whiskey that the waiter placed next to him.

So this place not only looked sinfully fancy, it also offered services without the guests having to request them.

The fact that Silco got served drinks without having to open his mouth made it clear that he was a regular.

"Don't be ridiculous, darling.", he said, letting the glass dance between his fingers.

Frowning, you had to think twice before speaking.

"Darling?", you asked.

Somehow, the word was enough to make you shiver. But it didn't also make your body react. A sweet taste spread on your tongue, making you feel like he had treated you to the best candy of the world.

Smirking, he looked up from the menu.

You had not even dared to touch the leather folders. The outside looked expensive enough, but the inside must have costed a kidney or even more than that.

"Indeed, darling.", he said. "You gave me a nickname as well."

"One that suits you."

"Mine suits you as well."

"Says who?"

"I do. Darling."

He smirked, this time so broad that it was unmistakable.
Rolling your eyes, you had to hold in your laughter of disbelief.

"First you invite me to dinner while not fitting into the picture and now you're mocking me. What a cruel man you are."

"Rest assured that you look perfectly fine."

"I look like you. Like your pet."

"And I have nothing against that. We don't have to look like them, spoiled by luxury and comfort. We look like us, Zaunites.", his hand reached out and covered yours to give it a gentle squeeze. "You are the noblest of them all. I wouldn't wish to sit here with anybody else."

"How vain of you to compare me to you, peacock."