Chapter 11
Leona smiled as she swept her hand through her daughter's soft red hair. Eos didn't stir as her mother bent down and kissed her forehead. Leona watched her little girl's gentle breathing for a moment, before standing. She took a deep stretch and took a whiff of the smells drifting from the kitchen. Diana was cooking an early supper and Selene was sitting on the counter talking about surfing. Eos was a solid sleeper and hadn't roused from her afternoon nap.
After a moment of hesitation Leona chose to crawl into the bed beside her daughter. The child of the sun instinctively curled against her mother, snuggling against her chest and smiling slightly.
There was a little part of Leona that never expected to find the sort of happiness that had suddenly entered her life. Her life as the avatar of the sun had become shrouded by a depressing blackness as the love of her life, who was also her best and only real friend, had suddenly betrayed and left her.
For almost a year it didn't feel like there was a reason for her to keep living. It was her duty to be a spiritual but powerless leader of a small religion, and without Diana there was nowhere she could be herself. Leona leaned into her responsibilities but found herself drifting through life until the little bundle of joy she was squeezing fell from the heavens.
"Good morning," Eos said as she blinked into awareness. She gave an angelic smile that made it seem like it couldn't be the same little girl who always ran from her and pulled pranks.
"It's the afternoon." Leona lifted her daughter up, holding her in the air. As she often did when Eos jumped on her in the morning, she lowered her daughter and nuzzled their noses together. "I love you, little sunbeam."
"I love you too, Mommy."
Leona put her daughter down onto her chest and squeezed until Eos started to squirm. "You're the best!"
"Cut it out!"
Her laugh boomed out over her daughter's muffled cries. Eventually she released her grip on the girl, who started to laugh a little as she flopped out over her mother.
"Where are Diana and Selene?"
"In the kitchen, so there is no one to save you," Leona said, pulling her lips into the little mischievous smirk as she went to tickle her daughter. If she didn't strike first, Eos would try something herself.
Eos couldn't manage to say anything until Leona stopped. When the little girl caught her breath, she just relaxed, sprawling out on her mothers chest and enjoying the soothing rise and fall of Leona's breathing. "Hey, do you think Miss Diana likes me?"
"She does."
"But she always calls me a troublemaker."
Leona took a deep breath. Her daughter sounded really worried, but she knew that Diana loved the girl. "I've never told you this, because I want you to behave, but you are a copy of myself at your age. I'd run off on my parents too, but it was more expected for kids in my village to be independent. I was a little mischievous just like you."
The girl leaned away and crossed her arms. "Then why do you make such a big deal about me doing things?"
"We don't live in a quiet village at the base of Mount Targon. I just want you to be safe."
"Fine." Eos pouted and crossed her arms, drawing a laugh from her mother.
"You're just like me," Leona said with a laugh. "I'm sure that Diana loves you."
"Just like she loves you?"
Leona's breath hitched and she could feel the blood flush to her cheeks; she had to remind herself quickly that the girls weren't suppose to know. With a fake laugh, she shook her head. "I don't know about me, but you're an adorable little girl and she loves children."
"But if she doesn't love you then why would she kiss you?"
"Wait– what?"
"They know." Leona glanced up and saw Diana leaning against the doorway. She was smiling and in the middle of untying her apron. "Turns out my daughter was the one who tripped me. Someone has been a bad influence."
Leona could feel Eos squeeze her a little tighter. "Yeah right, you're just trying to excuse your clumsiness. But I guess it's for the best. I don't think I would have kept it secret very long."
"Somehow I think you could have managed. Come, dinner is ready."
Leona crawled out of bed and carried her daughter into the next room. She sat her down at the table then let her eyes scan over the feast. The sights and scents took her back to a time she could barely recall; the smell of olives, tomatoes, and lamb shifted past her nose. It was a meal like her mother used to make, nothing like the utilitarian cafeteria food of the temple or the institute. She had afternoon tea and snacks with Diana a few times but never dinner.
"When did you learn to do this?" Leona asked with a smile, "it looks fantastic."
"I started practicing right when I got back to the institute with Selene. Syndra and Morgana can tell you that it took some time to work out all the kinks."
"You're amazing."
Selene interrupted with a hum. "That's right, she's the best mother."
Leona laughed. "I agree. But, while we're on the subject, since we're all going to be a family, would you like to call me mommy?"
Selene smiled and nodded. "Okay."
"Isn't that a little presumptuous?" Diana said quietly, leaning forward.
"Why? I'm not going anywhere. You aren't planning on leaving me are you?" With a smirk, Leona batted her eyelashes. She expected Diana to laugh, because it was a joke.
The silver-haired woman just looked away with a guilty shrug. "Never again."
"Then we are going to be a family."
"But, would that not be more appropriate after, say, a marriage–,"
"How would that even happen? I think we're beyond that anyway."
"Fine, fine. Call her what you prefer, Selene."
Leona smiled as Selene gave her a little nod, but didn't talk again as Diana set out fully prepared plates in front of everyone. The children were truly hungry and dove right in. Leona hesitated a moment, then tapped her daughter under the table. Eos didn't stop eating but glanced up at her mother.
"Ask her," Leona whispered.
The little girl just tilted her head at her.
Leona nodded her head towards Diana and mouthed "mother."
Eos finally got the drift and nodded. "Umm, Miss Diana," the girl said in a voice more meek than Leona had ever heard from her. "Would it be okay if I called you mom?"
Diana seemed to achieve perfect stillness for a brief moment. In silence, she pushed her chair away from the table, circled around, and plucked Eos right from her seat. "I would love that," she said after a few moments of squeezing her.
"If we keep this up, she isn't going to grow properly," Leona said, drawing a chuckle from Diana.
"She'll be fine," Diana said, sitting in the girl's seat with Eos still tucked into her lap. "You must still be hungry, here." Diana pulled a plate closer and began to feed Eos.
The red-haired girl didn't hesitate to grab the fork from Diana's hand and began to eat by herself, but still sat contentedly in her new mother's lap. With a smile, Leona moved Diana's food closer so the woman could eat too. Selene smiled at her sister and the rest of the meal passed in silence.
When it was finished, Leona sent the girls to play in the other room. When she turned to look, Diana was already gathering up the plates, whistling happily to herself. She walked over and wrapped her arms around Diana while the woman started to wash the dishes.
"What a wonderful evening. Thanks for saying yes to Eos. She was worried you didn't like her."
Diana put down the dish she was cleaning and let out a sigh. "I was always hesitant around her because she was not my child. I have always cared about her though."
"I know, it's alright. How about you spend more time with her? If you aren't busy, I think she wanted to play by the pool and watch the diving competition tomorrow."
"I did not have plans with my friends, so that sounds excellent." Diana continued to wash the dishes. "Oh, that reminds me, there was a message under the door from Janna. She wanted you to meet her and some friends tonight."
"You read it?"
"A few key words caught my eyes. It isn't everyday that you get messages from women."
"Oh, I think somebody's jealous," Leona planted a trail of kisses along silver-haired woman's neck. "The Storm's Fury has nothing on you."
Diana nodded. "I know, that is why I am allowing you to go."
"I need your permission?"
"Yes, you do. Now go get ready. Swimwear, but nothing too revealing."
Leona just laughed at how direct Diana was. "Okay, okay. Don't worry, the bikini is for your eyes only."
As she left she heard the woman grumble "it's those abs that better be for my eyes only."
Leona went into the next room, and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at what she saw. Eos was her usual cheerful self, leaping and bounding and trying to grab at the flock of glowing silver butterflies that were swirling around the room. Selene was on the bed, her arms raised and her hands wreathed in pale energy. Leona could tell from experience with magic that Diana's daughter was controlling the motion of the little conjurations.
Selene smiled at Leona. With a sweep of her hands, the wispy insects piled together and dropped to the ground. When the resplendent glow faded, there was a pack of translucent bunnies. The little animals darted forward and began to nuzzle and tickle Eos with their little rabbit noses.
The Radiant Dawn just took a seat beside her, watching as her daughter played and laughing as she picked up a bunny and began to pet it. Despite the magical, otherworldly appearance she could feel the fur beneath her fingers and the soft warmth of its body. When she heard Diana's little chuckle as she walked in and grabbed one of them too, Leona decided she wasn't going to leave right away. She could be a little late, this was a moment she didn't want to miss.
Leona smiled a little at the calm scene. She had spent the last night alone with Diana so she wasn't sure what to expect from the nightlife on the island. In fact, since her circle of friends in the League and in the temple were so stuffy she didn't really know what to expect from nightlife in general.
She was hoping it wouldn't be too rowdy and was pleasantly surprised. The only light in the seating area was from the blue lights at the bottom of the pool in the center of the fenced area and the little pink lamps on the tables. Seats and stools surrounded them, and in the darkness she could see that champions and summoners alike were drinking and chatting.
Her eyes scanned looking for a familiar, billowing puff of blonde hair. A little straw shack doubled as the bar and she spotted Syndra and Irelia pulled up against it. She noticed Katarina in an especially dark corner talking to what would appear to be a blonde summoner in a bikini with tattoos running the length of her body, something common in Zaun. But Leona could perceive past what she saw with her eyes. She could feel the disruption in the light. An illusion that realistic and detailed meant that it could only be Lux.
There was something odd that she noticed. Try as she might she couldn't spot a man in the bar, which was especially weird since there were so many beautiful women. Nor could she find the woman who called her out. Eventually, she noticed someone was attempting to wave her over. She could feel her jaw and her body clench as she glanced around, wondering if there was someone else beside her. There wasn't.
After a moment of apprehension, she walked over and gave a polite nod. "Hello. Is there something that you wanted?"
Zyra gave her a smile, which Leona had only ever seen right before the Rise of the Thorns killed her on the battlefield. They had never fought on the same side and she had rarely ever exchanged words with her. "You're looking for Janna, correct?"
"Yes. She called me out here."
"She is, as always, late. As is Ahri. It is frustrating to always arrive first."
Leona nodded and took a seat beside Zyra. She wasn't really sure what to do with this situation; clearly the woman was part of the 'group of friends' with Janna, but she hadn't really expected to ever be alone with Zyra. There was something dark and frightening about her. Leona thought it was probably the tone of her voice or the slight scowl she wore when she wasn't doing anything in particular. Unsure of what to do, Leona began to twiddle her thumbs.
"I heard that you like to garden."
Leona couldn't hide the slight jump. "Uh, yes, I do. I used to maintain the gardens at the temple. Diana told me your gardens are amazing."
"They are, you should come visit some time."
"I may take you up on that offer."
Leona didn't like the awkward silence that came up. She didn't really know what to talk about with Zyra. Most of her life was devoted to learning to use weapons and the teachings of the Solari. Preaching to a plant about the sun was either stupid or a great idea, but Leona wasn't in the mood for a sermon. A little part of her held some resentment for keeping her away from Diana.
"I've wanted to speak to you forever," Zyra finally said, breaking the silence.
It caused Leona to jump a little, then furrow a brow. "Really?"
"Yes, the sun shines brighter when you're around."
Her defenses lowering, Leona rolled her eyes. "What a line, like I haven't heard that before."
"No, it wasn't a line, it's a fact. It really does. I'm part plant– I notice those things. It might be good for some of my green friends. But it's not that I wouldn't hit on you; if Diana hadn't talked so bad about you I may have."
"Have you talked with her a lot?" Leona glanced over at Zyra out of the corner of her eyes. There was a tightening in her stomach as she found another woman that Diana had gotten close to while they were apart. "About me?"
"Yes she had so many nice things to say," Zyra said rolling her eyes. "Girl, some of the things I heard from her mouth." She shook her head and released a sinister chortle.
"Wait– what? What did she say?" Leona didn't like the sound of Zyra's sinister laugh or the sideways smirk. She knew smirks like that– something bad was coming.
"Nothing terrible per se, just– terribly embarrassing."
"What!? Well now you have to tell me. She does know a lot about me."
"I'll say. I remember the first time I met her. She was drunk out of her mind at a bar like this."
Leona felt her knuckles begin to ache as her fingers gripped the chair she was sitting at.
"I was sitting beside her and she pounded her glass against the table so hard. Then she said, 'she isn't the good girl she always pretends to be.' I didn't really know who she was talking about, but we've figured it out."
"Oh no."
"She told me about the pranks you pulled up there, and the way you used to pout to get your way when you were younger." Zyra paused long enough to take a sip from the drink sitting on the table. "And the way you used your tongue on her."
Leona nearly fell out of her seat. "What!?"
The laughter of the other redheaded woman boomed through the air. "That was a lie, but the look on your face!"
"I can't believe you said that though," Leona answered. As she rubbed her cheeks she could feel the heat in them. She laughed a little though afterwards. "I guess I'd be flattered if she really did say something about it."
"Oh my," Zyra drew out with a smirk. "But if she really did, wouldn't I have hit on you?"
Leona shook her head. Then she jolted and realized she was talking about her and Diana without a second thought. "Wait, wait, wait, why do you know I dated Diana?"
Zyra eyes darted side to side as she pantomimed confusion. "Well, that's why were here. Caitlyn told Janna, and she figured you might want someone to talk to about it."
Leona eyed her with caution. She loved Diana and never had second thoughts about that. But talking about it was something else entirely. So much of her life was spent alone and scared about anyone ever knowing anything. "I guess I could. It just seems odd– I've spent twelve years pretending that I'm not in love with a woman, and it seems like I'm suddenly finding out that everyone knows."
A different voice responded to her. "But of course we know, I can smell it."
Leona didn't nearly jump out of her chair– she actually did. She fell to the cold concrete and rolled from the sudden shock and sensation as warm fur slid across her skin. Ahri crawled over her, following her easily. Leona blinked a few times and stared into amber eyes with a strikingly narrow pupil. "S–Smell it?"
"Yes, Nidalee and I can smell pheromones. So we know you get turned on when you look at Diana." Ahri leaned back and released a deep moan. "I totally get it. That woman– so dark and sexy."
Leona released a feral growl from beneath her, causing Ahri's ears to prick up defensively. Leona brushed away the tails running over her skin.
The nine-tailed fox laughed as Leona continued the angry noise beneath her. "Relax, we never did anything. She is one of the only people to ever reject me. Even though she likes it when I smile at her." Ahri's eyes narrowed as Leona continued the guttural noise below her. "Take the stick out, it's not like she isn't allowed to be turned on by other people. Just like how you like Syndra's breasts."
Leona finally stopped growling and jolted with wide eyes. "What? I– I do not! And be quiet, she might hear you," she hissed.
"Please, it's no big deal. She's just a younger version of your wife. Diana would probably be flattered that you only like women that look like her– and you like hers more anyway."
"By the sun just shut it, Syndra's going to hear you."
'I hear everything,' echoed in both of their heads, causing them to jolt. Leona didn't know exactly how she knew, but it was definitely seethed.
Ahri held a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that."
Leona brushed herself off as she got off the ground and sat back down in her chair. "I'm in so much trouble."
"Then drown your worries," Janna called out, holding a drink out for her.
Leona watched wearily as Janna slipped up beside her, holding a lovely bunch of coconuts with straws and little umbrellas. She took one with a smile.
"So what's Diana like in bed?" Ahri asked, draping herself over Leona again and resting her chin on the woman's shoulder.
Leona blinked a few times, pulled the decorations out of her drink, and threw it back. It was going to be a long night.
