[Title:] Night Reconnaissance ("Slow dancing in a burning room" – John Mayer)
[Pairing:] QuinnxTalon
[Chapters:] Songfic. It was supposed to be a Oneshoot...
[Author's comments:] I have weird tastes but... it doesn't matter because I'M NOT ALONE ANYMORE! I wrote this songfic because I've craving for this pairing for a long time. And I-m happy because lot of people are writing about them and YAY! I wanted to contribute with these part of my beloved fandom. So, for you guys. With all my love. (Sorry the grammar problems or if anything sounds weird ^^;)
They have worked a lot in the relationship they have developed until this day. After years of fighting, hard tactics and brutal combat, they found someone and something they desired more than their nations being victorious. For first time they desired for themselves and quitted what their superior were asking.
Who was the first one to tell their people about the decision? They still don't know.
Talon still can remembers the "pleasant" conversation he had with his "sister". How could he forget? The first thing she did was only to stare him for a few seconds, processing what he did say. Did she hear right? He, Talon "The Shadow's blade" was deciding to stop being an assassin. "This is not a prank right?" the man just stared at her, crossing his arms over his chest and letting a sigh escape his lips. When did he thought this was a good idea? Oh right, he didn't. It was Quinn's decision after all – What if she comes for you, thinking you were taken as a prisoner? – Then, the couple fought about the crazy idea of him being taken captive. What a joke.
But the scout was right. Katarina was the closest person to him. Of course he was her emotional pushing-ball but still, they learnt to live and fight together, to be a family. It didn't matter if Marcus du Couteau was dead, missing in action, or another possibility, she was family in her own way.
The redhead just exhaled, still taken back with Talon's confession. But, she couldn't deny freedom to this man, he deserved it. At her father's disappearance, it was surprising he stayed at her side. How many nights did he drink with her? Assuring they would find him, that they would find the leads he left in his way.
And even if they didn't found any lead, nobody saw or heard a thing, he was at her side in the most difficult moments of her life. When her little sister changed to half-snake, and oh-god, that was hell. When Darius and Swain were over her head, Talon was her shadow. He has been uncountable times with her, so now, she should do the same right? "And what do you want me to say? Do you want my blessings? I can't mother you about falling for a Demacian, but couldn't you just be more rational? And you just told me that you're quitting of being an assassin? What kind of crap is that?" and here she was being as blunt as ever. He knew she worried about what he was doing. She didn't want to find out, after letting him be… that he was dead.
The man sighed, now he remembered why he didn't tell Katarina about this decision. – Because you own her an explanation, you're family after all –. And he hated Quinn for being so compassionate, caring for things she shouldn't. How could she cope with everything if she gave room to such emotions? But, Quinn was Quinn and he couldn't change her. He tried, and failed miserably.
But that happened years ago.
A letter arrived that morning with a Demacian's eagle, not as beautiful and graceful as Valor. He was majestic in all meanings. But the girl wasn't at home, she was helping some of the villager to gather medicinal herbs they weren't able to recognize, but her trained eyes could find easily.
How many time they have been here? Maybe 2 years? More? He wasn't good keeping track of time since he left Noxus and with that his "old life". But he was sure it has been, at least, 2 years since they came to this part of Valoran, between the Serpentine River and Freljord.
It was hard for them to choose the place, both agreed to not live at the borders of their countries. People could recognize them and it could be the end of this "new life". Southern land wasn't a nice choice neither. Shurima? Too hot. Kumungu? Too damp. Voodoo lands? No, these wasn't places where they could go incognito. The 'Wings of Demacia' and the 'Shadow's Blade' were nice tittles, nice for bounty hunters.
And even if Katarina let him be, but he was still the deadly assassin of Noxus, some people wanted his head.
And for her, it wasn't easy neither. The crown let her step aside her duties, not in the warmest way you could imagine. There were nobles who accused her of traitor, others just pointed she was failing her duties. Others simply looked away and mocking her.
It was… unnerving how Demacian society could give you their back, saying she owned them everything and she couldn't just leave.
The King and Prince? They let her go, but they didn't defend the one who saved so many nobles sorry asses from the Noxus assassin, the one who infiltrated years ago. People can really forget this kinds of things when they weren't favorable to them.
It's not a silly little moment,
It's not the storm before the calm.
This is the deep and dying breath of
This love that we've been working on.
Later that night, after what it seemed an eternity (really, the man should do more contracts… staying at home wasn't an activity he enjoyed) he gave her the sealed letter. At the beginning she just dismissed it. "I've told them I won't be back again" and she went to the kitchen, to do something more productive than staring his inquisitive eyes.
"Then, Can I read it?" he asked.
It was a little unnerving the way she dismissed it. He can recall the time when she got a letter like this one, requesting some help from her to scout the South since there were rumors about Azir, the Emperor of the Sun, somehow returned. They needed the Demacian's wings back.
She recommended someone else, an old friend from the scouting league who would do it for them, with the discretion needed. The crown was disillusioned of her decision, and she felt a little remorseful about it, but she decided time ago she would leave the military, and never come back.
She gave him a skeptical look but he ignored it, just torn the seal and start reading. "They need you again" he keep reading the letter, a frown appeared. "But not the king". The girl went back to the room, questioning him silently. "Then, who?" she requested back the letter, but Talon just looked at her grimly. "The Crownguard youngest child request your help as a friend not as a soldier, again". Quinn gave him an alarmed look. Lux? Why? What did happen? Of all the people, Lux was the one who showed more respect about her decision. – You just can't let the opportunity slip from your fingers, Quinn – she remembered the blonde fondly, she was the one who always offered comfort and company in the city, knowing the anxious and indefatigable heart of hers.
She wasn't able to read the first line when the man's voice interrupted "What does mean again?" as she tried to keep reading, but the man started to demand some explanations until she couldn't bear it. "She asked me to scout the region once, it wasn't for the crown. There were rumors about some bandits rounding the northern lands of Demacia. I just went to the old watchtower, abandoned years ago" she answered.
It wasn't the big deal, he knows better. But what troubled him wasn't her scouting for her friend. What it troubled him was he didn't know about it sooner. How many times did she fight him for doing his contracts? She never asked him to stop being an assassin. It was a ludicrous idea. Besides, she accepted him for everything he was. But she always asked for one thing, to stay as far as they could of the crown and the high-command… at least as the soldiers they were.
He wasn't able to keep the promise, sometimes Katarina would need him to do the things in the most discrete way. And by all the means, he did the dirty jobs she couldn't do herself because she was Swain's target. And Quinn, what was her opinion? She wouldn't say anything, she would just go to scout for days to keep her away everything. She being in the woods was something that keep her sane, calm; just as the old good days, when Caleb was with her. When she didn't know the true meaning of fear.
She avoided his inquisitive glance. She never felt she needed to do more for her country, not as a duty at least, but for her own pleasure. She liked to help people, to help them to feel peace… that there weren't more dangers ahead. But she made a decision, she wanted to stay true. But, in the other hand, Lux was worried about the new assassin rounding the capital.
"Will you go?" he asked before going to the kitchen, something would get burnt if he didn't turn off the stove. She just sighed and didn't say more "I will… consider it. I'll talk with her and see what it's happening". He gave her a mocking smile as he leaned in the wall "So demacian of you".
After an awkward and silent dinner, Quinn went outside and consider her options. She sent Valor to Lux requesting for more information and maybe a meeting place, so she could provide her some context and bring the news from the Capital.
Quinn knew he was being hostile because she didn't tell him about the favor and that he didn't care about the little jobs for the crown. He was being distant because he was frustrated. How many times they did fight about this? She felt hypocrite for acting so righteous and proud, but lying to his partner about her little adventure. She never thought of her works as a recon as a real work for the crown.
All that said, she was a little uncomfortable being totally alone with the man. Valor was always with her, she never used him as a carrier pigeon… he wouldn't let her, anyway. She wasn't a lady in distress, she was used to fight back, but this time… it was her fault. What she could do? Apologize? She owns him a good one. Decline the work? She could do it. But in the end, this wasn't an ego problem. It was a distrust problem.
She can't blame him, she was part of the problem after all. Distrust? What a horrible word for a couple that had tried to make this work for so many years. But there weren't a better word if not "distrust", because every time he goes to a mission or a contract, she feels she will lose him against his old life.
Who would imagine the Shadow's Blade acting based in his feelings? Him, being emotional as any human being could be? People wouldn't guess the real reason of his "hiatus". After all, nobody thought the man could have such a human emotions.
After all the years he has been the best assassin of the Noxus? (Katarina stills begs to differ, but it was her opinion). Talon? Loving someone? But… a Demacian?! The thought had haunted her until this day. And she cannot blame him for her own distrust problems, for her fears, for her inner demons. She cannot put the blame in someone else… this was her choice. He… was her choice.
Tired of just sitting, she got in her feet. Still didn't want to get inside… Maybe a little walk would help her… to cool her head. She knows better he will get angry, but won't say anything. He will glare her with his impassive eyes but no word will leave his mouth… The nerve of the man! Always so cool, never falling away.
Can't seem to hold you like I want to
So I can feel you in my arms.
Nobody's gonna come and save you,
We pulled too many false alarms.
Talon had waited long till he decided to go outside… to find she was gone. He hummed, going back to the house. Then, he let a little snort escape. Really Quinn? Going for a walk, cooldown and come back later, maybe tomorrow? What were they? Teenagers?
He couldn't blame her anyway, they fight like teenagers when something like that matters occurs. When they decided to have a word with their people, he just scoffed and pushed away the idea, finding it laughable… not giving her credit. But how many time has passed since they started this love affair.
No, he was a man… a grown man. He wasn't immature and selfish anymore. They have worked for long time to get this kind of life. Was it hard? Yes. Was it weird? That too, but they owned this relationship… it was totally his and hers. He closed the door and started to walk to the forest, luckily, he'd find a track and find her.
As he walked he began to remember their past. They tried, for years, to kill each other; to bring the other one to their own nation and let the other rotten in the lost cells. He "hated her" for her compassion. She "hated him" for his demeanor. But as time goes by, they changed the view of each other… it wasn't their war, even if they were in the middle.
Quinn started to change when she started to meet more people at the passing time. Her perspective changed… this wasn't about justice anymore. It was about the people, the people, not the country, needed heroes to protect their futures. With her visits to Freljord she found that the strength could be found in the most impressive places even against all the odds. At Bilgewater she understood that battles weren't a test for the strength, but of will. When she came back, she found herself not hating Talon… on the contrary, he found the man had survived against the odds… with his own strength, he was pretty impressive in his own way… forgetting he was a treat to her country.
One day they found each other in their own respective missions, but the scout didn't mind him... she just told him she was doing her work for her people… that she wasn't interested anymore in okaying the cat and the mouse anymore. She gave him her respect and left him alone.
Talon started to change after she did. 'The cat and mouse?' He thought, scoffing her sayings and dismissing any children's play. She wasn't a plaything, but a rival. He smirked at the thought, she would learn that the Shadow's blade didn't play… now he'd take it very seriously. He'd enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
The thrill of the hunt. He almost stumbled with the thought and slap himself in the face for being so childish. But back to those days he was a brat, just like the day he accepted the General's match and failed oh-so-miserly. He started to hunt her and developed a sick interest about everything relatable to the scout. Her missions, her assaults, her days off even. 'Crap', being disturbed for the girl's change and then to end like this. Lovers. Really Talon? He did everything wrong.
But he didn't regret it. But a fateful day, they run to each other but not like the other innumerable times they did.
[A/N: In this part, [*yadayada] – Is past; Normal font between the [*] is the actual time.]
[* This time their meeting was fortuity. He was going back to Noxus from a mission from the southern lands when he found her. She didn't expect him at all, when the man appeared from the tall trees. He was running by the tree brunches when he found something... out of place, in the grounds. Curiosity got the best of him and he went to see what was lying on the floor.]
The man gave a glance to the place, she wouldn't be far. He climbed a tree and started to jump from branch to branch, looking for any hint.
He didn't know if it was intentional or not, but she didn't help him… He can recall a few times the scout did better jobs under stress… Think Talon, think. Where could she be? Maybe… the river. Tonight was new moon… so it was a perfect night for stars and the river sound… he scoffed softly, but a smile crossed his face. She was an artist after all, she found some pleasure in this kind of romantic things.
[* Then he found her. Lying in the floor with an arrow in her thorax. He kneel down and took her pulse. She was still alive but not for long.]
[* Her unsettling curiosity lead her to her death. She received, what he believed to be, a deathblow. Who dared to do his work? He looked around just to feel some chills in the back of his neck. The girl opened her eyes slowly but it took her a few seconds to realize who was standing at her side.]
After what it seemed half an hour, he found her at the river bank, lying down on the ground with her left hand inside the water… if he didn't knew better about dead bodies, he'd have tensed. She was humming a song, maybe a memory from her childhood, driving her away with its gentleness.
She barely seized her head to make eye contact with the man when he reached to her side. She moved her right hand under her chin as he lied down. The humming song never stopped.
[* "From all the people in this world" she scoffed "it has to be you the one who found me dying" her face twisted with pain to then breathe… or at least try.]
[* "I always suspected you'd fail and end like this…" he snarled "I'm disappointed of your miserable death" with that said he heard something moving in the woods, maybe it was her killer. She just laughed painfully. "Always so proud. You see…" she took a moment to regain her breath, "Death is inevitable… I fooled it once, but now…". She bent her head back painfully, inhaling as much air she could. Talon was able to see she wouldn't last long. "Hey, Talon…"]
[* The man looked at her when she pronounced his name. So foreign. In the years they have acquainted each other, she never called him by his name. He gave her a nod, to let her know he was listening, after all, he never allowed anyone to see him without his hood.]
"From all the possibilities you had" she started to talk "you choose to come and get me…"
He leaned to his right as he moved his left hand to her back, "Let me tell you something, woman. I highly suspect we aren't children anymore… wasn't this what we are supposed to do? Wouldn't you be disappointed if I didn't come?" and exasperated sigh left her mouth. "Now you talk like an expert…" what did she mean? Haven't they faced things and learnt from their mistakes?
The man looked up to the sky, since when she talked like this? So hostile? Maybe she learnt well from the master… but he did learn too. "Hey, Quinn…" The girl looked at him, watching how his lips turned into a smirk.
To be honest, in the years they have acquainted each other she developed a love/hate relationship with Talon's smirk. At the beginning she hated it for its burlesque meaning, when they were enemies its meaning was cruel. Later, she'd found it… rather amusing. He'd use that smirk even when he was in troubles, when he didn't have any alternative than fighting, he'd smirk… and he'd do the impossible. It was like a switch.
So? What was the meaning of this smirk? They'd fight again or he'd do the impossible?
[* "…Finish me…" she looked to the sky, somber eyes closing. He was a little lost, he just found her by mere casualty and now she was asking him for death… to him? To his eternal enemy? He'd not deny the pleasure of give her the final blow but… he wasn't happy because this wasn't his work. But he wouldn't let anyone to take his special treat, he would deal with whoever did it… but later. He raised her with his left arm by her clothes, then raised his right arm as he always did… this time, he'd deal the blow and he'd gave her a fast death as a final gift.]
He looked at her for 10 seconds and his expression went blank as he moved away a little, looking at the sky "A Demacian, a Noxian and a Freljordian walk into a tavern."
….. What?
The said man turned his body to hers and caressed her back again, his right arm supported his weight. "The barkeep asks, "What'll it be? The Demacian says, "Uh, I'll have a wine. No, wait, an ale…" The girl looked at him bewildered… this was, definitely, something she never dare to imagine. "Then the Noxian says, "I'll have a... a wine."
"Nooow, you can stop there!" he looked at her nonchalant, and the smirk came back to his lips.
To be honest, she wanted to be a little angry with him. Normally, he was shady and rigorous but, a joke? That was so uncharacteristic of him. The shadow's blade trying to tell a joke. That was something she definitely have to write in her journal. A sigh escaped her lips as she felt a little lost.
[* But he froze, he froze at the very moment when the girl started to sob… Was she that scared? Was she happy of finally dying after the agony? Was she… liberating herself? Yes. He can see the liberation in her tears, years of holding them in her heart. Years of bearing everything she was asked, bearing Caleb's death, bearing the cruelty of the war and losing her teammates, superior or inferior.]
[* The sobs turned into cries, chocking with all the emotions she had keep to her. Slowly, he started to drop his right hand. ]
She froze when the thought came to her mind. Was she being unfair? Not give the man the credit for changing? They both have worked in this relationship but old habits die hard. And it was hard to change her accustomed behavior. At some point she thought he'd be one resisting the change… but as time goes by, it was natural for him to accept the major changes.
Maybe he was as happy as her and she was the only one dragging him down with her insecurities. Maybe she was the one sabotaging their hard work. They kept staring at each other, giving her the time to study his face. Has he changed? Yes. She can see the smile in his lips… someone could barely differentiate it from his usual smirk... but the corner of his lips. Yes, he has changed.
[* What will happen after he kills her? He felt he was being… insincere with himself. They never were friends neither real enemies. He saw her as a plaything, but he knew better he found her interesting, in her own way. ]
[* Every time they fought each other, she never waver her hand. She knew about not being a worthy opponent to him for the difference of skills. But in the end, she would dodge him with the damn bird of hers, she would kick him right in the chest and threw him off guard in a critic moment. But most important, she never backed or felt really intimidated by his words. She was always defying him and willing to show him… that she'd fight him no matter the situation. But today, she asked him for liberation.]
[* How could he provide her that liberation when he was just like her? A trapped bird in the middle of a misplaced war, in a family where he felt he didn't deserve anything… That maybe the one who deserved to live was Kavyn. He only understood the feel of the blades… he only knew of surviving… not… liberation. He didn't have anything to offer but death.]
What does she see in him? She was a little troubled with her inner feelings, but she knew she had to be sincere with herself and one day she will have to confront him and tell him about her insecurities. She started to remembrance their encounters.
[A/N: Now Quinn is remembrancing. It's her turn *winks*]
At the beginning she saw him the most dangerous and crazy man in Runaterra. He made his own fame after all, being the most covet and wanted man in Noxus. Nobody could deny his skills and he shouldn't be taken lightly.
She learnt it in the hard way the first time they meet. He really tried to kill her back then, but she was lucky enough to have the seneschal at her side. He protected her to all cost and she did what she was the best: she timed with Valor and fought with all her will, making him vulnerable and forcing him to run.
They keep the charade for a year and fraction. They'd chase each other and to be honest, she was always in disadvantage but she kept trying to defeat the man. But Prince Jarvan had other plans for her and she had to leave her own charade of "Demacia's hero" to do some real work. She had to learn from other people the real value of life and she found herself not wanting to be involved with the man anymore.
She matured rapidly in a short amount of time. You cannot survive in enemy lines if you think so highly of yourself. Your enemies will be pleased to show you how pathetic you are if you give them the opportunity. Thinking so highly of yourself will lead you to mistakes, those mistakes will makes you vulnerable against smarter or more experienced people.
The day when they found each other again, was in the wilds where she had more advantage than him. Recognizing him, she kept an eye in the man from the high branches. She could land a surprise attack without a problem, and even if he could dodge it, technically she'd be well prepared for any counterattack from the man. In the other hand, even if the war was a constant, she knew his death could force the Du Couteau's sisters to take revenge and lead to an unnecessary battle. Demacia was taking a considerable military discharge nowadays.
Instead of causing troubles to herself and her nation, she decided to keep going but the man became aware of her presence since Valor was flying low, keeping an eye on him. "So, the little bird is circling the hawk? Will she ever learn?" A sigh escaped her lips, she wasn't inclined to meet the man but she knew better he would climb up if she didn't answer. "Always thinking so high of yourself, Noxian. Yet, so far of the real reason". She started to climb down a few branches when the assassin show up by her side, whispering a curse under her breath. If there was something she hated, it was him in her personal space because that meant she was an easy prey, he could kill her with one swift movement.
"What about you? Are you ever disappointed of your poor stalking skills?" he countered with complete disdain, eager to diminish her profession. The old Quinn would have been affected by his words, but the actual Quinn didn't. She analyzed him with inquisitive eyes "If you don't have business with me, then you should go back to Noxus, Assassin. I may look inattentive, but I have better things to do… than keep this charade with you". She whistled to the sky, telling Valor they were leaving.
But as soon as Quinn got to the ground, Talon was by her side (again), pinning her down. She bent her head back, far from his blade. "Charade? I beg your pardon? I think you have misunderstood it completely. Don't think so high of yourself, you're a mere plaything… someone to distract me when I do have the time to spare." She wasn't unsettled by his words, she just moved away his arm from her neck, finding some resistance from the man. But she wasn't intimidated. Not at all. "Yes, charade, you are not deft"
He gazed her with distate "Your words mean nothing to me… Eventually, my blades will find their way into your heart".
"Yes, yes, live and die by the blade… Do you know how old this is?" she sighed by the umpteenth time of the day. She placed both her hands on his chest, to then distance him from her. She dusted off the dirty of her clothes to whistle again. Valor was ready to attack the man if he got closer again. By the time she looked to where he was, the man was gone.
Then she saw him as a sick bastard, when he found himself taking a "like of her", turning in his plaything.
After a couple of weeks, she found herself in a predicament.
The King had sent her to a few missions, and in both times she had found herself, face to face, with the assassin. To be honest, the first time she wasn't surprised, after all she was in the town on the edge of Demacia with Noxus.
She was collecting information about the last disturbances. He… well, he was in the tavern treating himself with a coup of wine. – Odd – she thought – If he is working in incognito, he would be in the dark… or in a room… - but he was in a table, the closer table to the wall in front of the door; like he was waiting for her to recognize him.
She walked directly to the bar, sitting there and when the bartender came closer to her, asking for what she wanted, she asked for an ale… giving him more money than the necessary. The man understood and whispered at her ear the information when he was pouring the glass. She nodded, drank the glass and bid her farewell.
She didn't turn to meet him, she just walked to the door and got out of the place. And this time, he didn't follow her as she went to her camp, near the river.
As time goes by, Talon keep that behavior. Sometimes he'd leave a dagger besides her pillow. Sometimes she'd find him in certain places. Even once, he was waiting for her in her hometown. Even if it was a little stressful, she didn't mind him at all… she just thought he was playing the cat and mouse, that he was trying to torment her always going ahead of her. She grow accustomed to his presence, to his antics, to his smell even.
[* Wolf was sniffing the surroundings as Lamb paced in the dark paths of the woods. They found their call several minutes ago, when a hurt Demacian gratefully took Lamb's arrow. She could describe this person as a courageous one, who would give her life for what she believed, she gladly took the arrow after hours of running with the open wounds that her enemies provided. Lamb walked patiently as Wolf started to feel something weird.]
[* It was not common to find someone taking Lamb's arrow so willing but now fighting for her life. "Something is odd, Lamb. I can't smell the fear anymore". "Impossible" Lamb's shoulder tensed as it felt the soul leaving her grasp… "She choose to embrace death… how it is possible?" Then they arrived to the deathbed, to only find a hooded man tending the hurt woman, the same one who accepted the Kindred, now with a new resolve, the one that makes you feel alive again.]
[* "She was our hunt" Lamb told the man as Wolf was readying itself to attack, but it stepped in. Talon's glance was dim, ready to throw a blow if it needed. "Was it her who didn't want to die? After all, she took willingly the arrow… or it was you, who couldn't let her die? As you know… nobody can run of us". The man just glared at them… they wanted an answer, but he didn't want to provide it… or maybe, he didn't know anymore. "Very well… until the next hunt".]
She saw him as a person, not just the Noxian assassin.
That happened a few days after Lamb and Wolf came for her. It took her a few days to recover, after all, the one who wounded her left her bleeding to death. Talon just stopped the hemorrhage and took care of her.
She barely remember what happened in the woods and she never asked him why he didn't kill her. She just let him be… they didn't talk, they just exchanged knowing glances. But something changed for her, she felt lighter, she didn't felt any burden anymore and she knew for sure that Talon had something to do with that.
The only thing she knew for sure: She wasn't used to this Talon.
Talon being by her side was something odd, but taking care of her? Doing something so compassionate? Was there any hidden motive for his actions?
He changed the bandages for 3 consecutive days, until she was able to send a letter to the King and ask for help to her companions in the scouting league and he never uttered any word. And she could say, she was more scared of this man than the noxian assassin she knew.
The fourth day came and she knew her companions would be near. "Uhmm…" she mumbled, not knowing how to speak normally with the man. He glared her with his impassive eyes and nodded. But the words in her head didn't come out. The man sighed and stood up from his seat in the window's frame. "They will arrive at noon… Is that what you wanted to tell me?" she nodded, he sighed "Did the cat get your tongue?"
She heard him said that, but she didn't find any malice in his words… just a harsh man trying to... make a conversation, maybe? Then his grin, that mocking grin appeared in his face as he moved to her side "Still not willing to talk? Maybe I should try to get it?" The girl glared him with alarmed eyes. Who is this man and where is the Talon she knew?
She saw him as a man, a man who knows what he wants. A man who is willing to fight for what he wants.
Which anniversary was this one? How many years has passed since his death? She was sitting cross legged by Caleb's grave, with a flower crown in her hands. It's been years since she made one for her mother… when she was still a maid.
She was humming a song, maybe a memory from her childhood, she wasn't sure.
She looked at the sky, Valor was flying high. Making circles, maybe… giving his respect to the fallen man? Even Valor knew the meaning of this day.
She let her mind wander in the memories… maybe a little masochist, remembering how the boy gave his life for hers, how he stepped in front of a Red Brambleback and gave her time to run? She still can remember his agonic shriek. The memories still haunts her.
How many years has passed? She doesn't know anymore. There are lot of things she doesn't know, like… when did Talon arrive at her side? She glanced for Valor just to find him next to the man, curled up at his side. She noticed how relaxed was the bird and she found herself in the same state.
Her sworn enemy, sitting at her side, humming the same song… what he was doing? "Dagger is my tool as the pen is yours" he mumbled. She saw him carving something but she didn't prey.
Instead she turned her attention to the horizon, watching the sunset and how beautiful it was. How many years has passed since the last time she was here, with someone at her side? Since Caleb's death she had learnt a lot of things but she never stopped to really watch, to internalize what she did learn. She had been reckless, she never stopped… thinking it'd help to get over the pain of the loss. She will forge ahead, but there was this pain in her chest… the kind of pain that never left.
The night was near when the man took the flower crown and hung it with his hand carved bird. She lift up her eyes, she didn't comprehend why he was here. "So, lemme guess…" she said when the man turned around his body and crossed his arms. "Stalking your favorite rival? Or you were in your way to Noxus when you found me here" she said sarcastically, hugging her legs. "My, my, you're a weird assassin"
Several minutes passed until he decided to speak "Weird? Says the one who talk with his eagle and actually understand what it says?" the scout chuckled softly "One of my many talents, don't underestimate me"
The infamous smirk crossed his lips "Then, What should I expect from you?" the girl looked at the sky by umpteenth time then she glared him amazed "Are you expecting something from me? That's unusual!" she laughed.
But her laugh died when he approached her – Odd – she thought – He's in my personal space… but this time I don't mind him – and when he kneeled down in front of her, she was able to see his face for first time. "Answer me, what should I expect from you?" he insisted.
She shrugged her shoulders "I don't know… a good challenge, maybe?" Talon nodded. "Challenge? Yes, indeed. With that dense head of yours… you ARE a challenge". "HEY!" she was about to protest, but the men hushed her "Do you…." he mumbled, trying to get the right words "Have you ever desired something for yourself?"
The girl was a little confused with the question "Of course… Everyone does…" and he answered with a shake of his head "But for you? Not for your nation, not for your king… have you ever desired something selfish for yourself?"
She was a little lost with the question, what did he mean with that? Something for herself? Selfish? What was he talking… about? Then realization struck her hard… about the real meaning of his question. Slowly, she raised her eyes, watching how he took off his hood. She stopped to breathe as she observed him, how many years has passed since they first meet? She always supposed he had short hair, maybe black as his heart and his eyes… and now, she just discovered he was a brunette, with long hair and a peculiar sienna eyes. She was, indeed, mesmerized by this discovery.
He gave her time to think, he can understand the shock: He never allowed people to come close to him– not that anyone tried. But she did it, in an unnoticed way, neither had she known about it. Both of them started to change at the same time… he did when she did. That had to mean something! And when he couldn't kill her… And when he took care of her. Something clicked in his head, and he accepted it; it was the first time he really wanted something for him.
"Can I?" she said, lowering her eyes with embarrassment. He just chuckled, taking of her helmet and pulling a lock of her hair away of her eyes. He didn't say anything. It was completely unnecessary, after all, they shared this kind of connection since… who knows.
He leaned forward but paused just millimeters from her lips, he would remain like this until the girl looked up, and when she did, he said "Of course we can" before meeting his lips with hers.
Back to the present, she was just glaring him and one thing crossed her mind - He is worth the trouble -.
A/N: Sooo here is my baby *cradles the fanfic* I'm sorry if you got troubles reading it. This chapter was supposed to explain how they got together and present the problem.
In a second thought, it was supposed to be an oneshoot... but at some point it started to slip. I wanted to explain a lot of things, I felt it was necessary to split it in chapters. Max of 3 chap in total
So, how was it? Please I really would like feedback, know if I got them in a wrong way… if something was a little OOC (spare me the Poppy joke, I needed a comic relief and nothing came… and it was a little natural… actually, I almost used the KNOCK KNOCK jokes… but without Valor in the scene… it wasn't the same). SO PLEASE! Tell me whatever you want to tell me.
