Another chapter is out, if you can't handle some emotions, better prepare some handkerchiefs.

Chapter III

"Breakfast is ready!", said Kha'Zix loud enough that Rengar could hear it from under the shower.

"Thank you!". As Kha'Zix promised he woke up early to help Rengar with morning preparations such as breakfast or finding his armor pieces. After a while he was ready to leave.

"I don't know how long it will take, but I doubt it will take longer than 40 minutes.", said Rengar.

"Sure, take your time.", Kha'Zix replied with a smile. "Show 'em.". Rengar chuckled and kissed him.

"I will. See you later.".

"Yeah see you.". Kha'Zix was very confident since he woke up this morning, it was the first time he was so sure about anything. He drank and ate himself and left his home. He went to Malzahar's room, he entered without hesitation. His room was dark as always, candles floating around. Kha'Zix made his way to the center of the room. Malzahar was studying as he came closer.

"Ahh, and who do I see.", he started, "What brings you here?".

"I was thinking Malzahar, I was confused and I was seeking answers.", said Kha'Zix.

"We all are seeking answers Kha'Zix. Tell me, did you find them?".

"Kinda, yeah, I did.", he replied with a smile.

"That's good. How are they connected with me? I assume you didn't come here just to tell me that.", said Malzahar in his mysterious voice.

"You're right, they actually are connected with you, or rather our plan. You see, I know exactly what to do now.". Malzahar's eyes widened in excitement.

"That's wonderful! What do you mean by that?".

"I mean that I'm out.", he answered without blinking. Malzahar looked at him weirdly.

"I...don't really understand, what do you mean by that?".

"That means exactly what I said. I, am, out. I no longer am a part of your plan.", Kha'Zix replied. He could swear Malzahar had his mouth wide opened, even though he had it covered. After a short silence Malzahar finally spoke.

"You can't just betray us and leave us behind! You're still a part of it!", he said it louder than he meant to.

"I can't? Watch me.", Kha'Zix said and started walking away. Malzahar shouted.

"Have you actually bonded with them? We do not belong to this world!".

"Well, how did you say it...you are too exceptional for it to understand.", he smirked.

"The Queen will not forgive your betrayal! Be sure of it!", Malzahar threatened him. Kha'Zix didn't seem to care.

"I doubt she would, but I don't really care.", he said just as he was leaving him.

"I guess I don't have a choice then.", said Malzahar through teeth. "It would be a shame if something unexpected happened to Rengar, righ-", Kha'Zix's claw on his throat successfully silenced him.

"DoN't. YoU. DaRe.", he spoke in most terrifying voice he has ever spoken. Malzahar didn't move.

"Oh, have I pushed too hard?", Malzahar replied. "Sadly, I am not the one threatening here. Those are the Queen's words.". Even his mask couldn't hide his smile when he saw Kha'Zix's face change in fear. He took quick step back.

"What...what do you mean?".

"Oh you silly little insect,", said Malzahar, "did you think you can hide anything from our mother? She suspected that something like that could happen, so she ordered me to send you a message in case this being true. And she said she will take care of it by herself.", he said that while getting closer to Kha'Zix. He was truly scared but tried not to show it. He remained silent.

"Oh, now you're speechless? How peculiar. Could it be, are you actually terrified?", he laughed.

"If something happens to him…", said Kha'Zix.

"Oh something will most certainly happen to him, unless you change your mind.", Malzahar folded his arms. "If you keep your part of a plan then nothing will happen to the lion, but...I think you know what happens if you refuse.". Kha'Zix wanted to kill him right there, but he resisted the urge. He looked down at the floor, clenched his teeth and said.

"Alright...I'll do what I'm told...but after that I will take my own path.".

"That's not for you to decide but I'll keep it in mind.", said Malzahar.

"I'm leaving then-".

"Not so fast,", he added, "on top of that you will limit your time spent with Rengar to minimum.".

"What?", Kha'Zix was surprised and pissed, "And why is that you fucker?".

"Why so harsh? But I'll tell you. If anyone unwanted knows about our plan, then we will assume that you had something to do with this and then we won't keep our promise. Yes, you know what it means.". Kha'Zix swallowed, he really had to minimize his contact with Rengar? His heart started aching.

"And why would I tell him?".

"Well, to protect him?".

"But what if I already told him?". Malzahar laughed.

"Oh but you didn't, don't try to deceive me, it's futile.". Then he added. "And you better be honest, we will observe you. I don't mean you should move out, it would be too suspicious, just stay away from him if possible. That's for his own good.", he smiled viciously. Kha'Zix was on the edge.

"Is it all?", he said frustrated.

"Yes, it is. Feel free to leave.". Immediately after hearing his words he left him, slamming the door behind him. Some champions looked at him, concerned about what happened, but Kha'Zix sent them terrifying look, scaring them away. He noticed that Kassadin was still looking at him, but eventually joined the others and went away. He didn't care, he wanted to be alone. Kha'Zix returned back to his home, threw himself on a bed and started screaming into a pillow so as he couldn't be heard. He was angry, furious even. How is he supposed to limit seeing with Rengar? It's impossible.

"How on earth am I supposed to do it?", Kha'Zix said out loud. "There is no place he wouldn't keep me a company.". Then he thought about something. "Or maybe there is?".

"I'm baaack!", said Rengar as he closed the door behind him. Silence answered him. "Are you here Kha?", he said. Still no answer. "I'll take that as a no.". He changed his clothes into something more comfortable and less battle ready. Then he decided not to just stay and went outside. It was still before noon, his match indeed wasn't longer than 40 minutes, roughly 30. He wandered around the halls for a couple of minutes but there was no trace of Kha'Zix. "Well, here we go again…", Rengar said silently to himself. He knew he wouldn't find him easily, so he decided to go for a walk. After a moment he saw a familiar canine reading a book. Rengar joined Nasus and sat beside him on a bench.

"How's the book?", he asked, trying to catch his attention.

"Oh, hello Rengar.", Nasus replied, he lowered his book, "Yeah it's interesting. I like studying history, even if half of it is a lie. Were you on a walk?".

"Well kind of, I was looking for Kha'Zix but I know that it is impossible unless he wants to be found, so here I am.".

"Hmm sorry, I didn't see him today.", Nasus tilted his head and asked, "It may not be my concern, but were you arguing?".

"Ahh...sort of, but we are good now. I don't think he disappeared because of it.".

"Oh ok. I'm almost done reading, I'll return it to Stella and we can hang out later. I have free day today, so has Renekton.".

"That's great. I'll definitely join you.", Rengar stood up, "Then finish it quickly, I'll wander around a little longer and if I find him we'll come together.".

"Sure. See you later.".

"Aaaand...done.", thought Nasus when he closed the book. He had mixed feelings about this book. It was considered good and reliable, but he was old enough to know that parts of it were lies and half truths, but overall it was decent. He stood up and went to the library. Nasus opened the door and stepped in. Familiar scent of old books entered his nostrils as he inhaled.

"Hello Stella. I finished it.", said Nasus as he came closer to her.

"Wow, how are you even doing this?", Stella asked confused, "I considered myself a bookworm, but you are on another level.".

"Hehe, well, I'll look for something to read as usual. Be right back.", he said and went to grab a book. He was searching for something worth to read. As he was pondering he noticed someone. He glanced over a bookshelf and saw Kha'Zix, he was reading. Nasus couldn't believe his eyes. He came closer.

"Kha'Zix? Is that you?". Purple figure turned to him.

"Oh, Nasus, hi.", said Kha'Zix.

"Sorry for interrupting, I just didn't expect to see you here.".

"Ahh you know, I wanted to give it a try. It turned out to be better than I thought.". At first Kha'Zix just wanted to pretend that he is reading, but Stella gave him very interesting book, he literally sinked in (no pun intended).

"Hey, Rengar was looking for you. Do you want me to tell him that you're here?".

"No!", Kha'Zix immediately yelled, but silent enough not to disrupt anyone. Nasus looked at him confused.

"I mean...I want to keep it secret. I know it's nothing to be embarrassed for, but I want to keep it for myself. Instead tell him you saw me leaving the Institute and I'm fine, I don't want him to worry.".

"Okay, I get it.", Nasus said. "I won't tell anyone.".

"Thanks, I owe you.".

"Nah it's alright, I myself keep a lot of things away from Renekton. If only he knew half of a stuff about me he would definitely stop calling me calm and boring.".

"Sounds interesting, any example?.".

"Maybe later, I'm going to- ahh right,", he facepalmed, "Rengar is coming over, are you coming with us? You can borrow the book if you want.".

"I'll...come later, maybe. For now just tell him him I left, ok?".

"Well, ok.", Nasus replied slightly surprised but ignored it. "Good luck with books then.".

"Yeah, have fun.".

It was almost 9 pm, Rengar was sitting in a couch, not knowing what to do. "Where is he…?", he thought about Kha'Zix. Nasus' information made him little upset, but at least knew where he went. Although he knew, it was already late, he was worried.

Then he heard the door opening. He almost jumped out to see who came in. It was Kha'Zix.

"Oh, hello.", Kha'Zix started.

"Hello.", Rengar replied, he was visibly annoyed.

"I uhh...I can explain.".

"Oh you better explain because I was worried like hell.".

"Didn't Nasus tell you I left?", he asked as he came closer to the table and sat down with Rengar.

"Oh he did, but it was 8 hours ago!".

"Well I...got drunk.". Rengar looked at him, both surprised and concerned.

"You...got drunk?".

"I...went to that bar, again.", Kha'Zix replied. "I wanted to try that drink you offered me yesterday but I refused. It turned out to be so good I ordered another one and another and...well, I lost count and probably fell asleep somewhere on my way back. I didn't want to tell any of you, because Renekton would get drunk again and I didn't want you to consider me an alcoholic or something.". Kha'Zix amused himself with his lie, it was pretty detailed.

"Ahh, that's why. Haha, you didn't have to worry.", said Rengar as he smiled.

"Yeah, sorry again. Next time I'll tell you.".

"Sure.". Then after a moment he lowered his brows and looked into Kha'Zix's eyes.

"What's the matter?".

"I'm thinking.".

"About?", Kha'Zix asked. Rengar leaned closer.

"Why you are lying.", he replied. Kha'Zix looked at him, forced dumb expression.

"W-What do you mean? I told yo-".

"You told me a bunch of lies!", he hit the table with a fist, Kha'Zix froze. "At least have some courage to admit it!". He just looked at the table.

"How...do you know?", he asked silently, ashamed of himself.

"Nasus is not a good liar, every time he tries to deceive somebody, his tail starts wiggling. He doesn't even notice it.", Rengar explained, still angry. "But right now I want to know why you lied to me. Maybe you are bored of me?".

"What? No!", Kha'Zix replied without hesitation.

"Then why?". He was slightly less angry, he was happy that Kha'Zix answered negatively so quickly.

"Because…", he didn't end.

"Kha'Zix, I didn't come to you earlier because I was hoping you would explain it yourself. But how could you lie to me?", Rengar asked him genuinely hurt. "You said you know what to do but then you're doing completely opposite thing! I'm sick of it, tell me everything, now.". Kha'Zix looked at him, he didn't know what to do.

"I...I can't tell y-".

"SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!", Rengar yelled at him and slammed both his hands on the table. Kha'Zix, scared, moved couple inches away. When Rengar realised what he just did, he opened his mouth a little and looked at him, upset. "I'm sorry, I…". Kha'Zix then told something he didn't know he would ever say.

"We need a break.". Rengar suddenly straighten up and asked in shock.

"Wha...what…?", he couldn't believe it. "You can't be serious…".

"I...WE have to take a break from each other. If it continues like that, then we will break up eventually, and I want to avoid that. See, I have a terrible time recently and you yelled at me uncontrollably. We just have to do it.". Kha'Zix had troubles saying that, he felt spikes around his heart when he was doing it. Rengar just looked at him, but he was right. He didn't control his anger. What if someday he will hit him? He wouldn't forgive himself.

"*long sigh*, you are right, I guess…", a tear formed at the corner of his eye.

"Rengar, don't cry. It's not like I'm going to move out. We'll just...limit our contact.". For Rengar it sounded like a torture. He couldn't hold it, tears started flowing down his cheek.

"Ok, fine.", his voice was cracking. "If you excuse me, I'm going to my room, don't interrupt me.", then he passed him and opened the door, but before he closed them behind him, he added, "And you are sleeping on a couch.", door closed. Kha'Zix felt like a total asshole. He felt sad and angry at the same time. Sad because he made Rengar cry, again. Angry, because of this whole bullshit he was going through and at himself. But he knew it was for the best, at least for now.

A week has passed like that. Rengar and Kha'Zix were rarely seeing each other, only in mornings and evenings. They were talking but not much, mostly about how the day passed or something like that.

"Man, you look like shit.", said Renekton to Rengar. Last night he asked if he could come over. Previously that night he was thinking about Kha'Zix and was afraid that if he came back he would have bursted in tears.

"Jeez, thanks. I feel even worse, good thing I look decent at least.", Rengar forced chuckle.

"Dude, you seriously need to talk with him. And I have a plan.", he grinned.

"Hmm, what exactly do you mean?", he sat up on edge of the couch.

"Well, Nasus has a spare ticket for a Pentakill concert today, he's not into that kind of music, so what about you give it to him? I know he loves their music, especially the Lightbringer.", he said. Renekton was worried about his best friend. Rengar was one of the people who helped him escape his madness and get along with Nasus, he can't just ignored it.

"Thank you, but I can't accept it. I know they were expensive and-".

"Shh, take it. It was a gift anyway, so it doesn't matter. If there is a chance of you getting along once again, then it's worth it.", Renekton said, he smiled to cheer Rengar up. He smiled in response.

"Thanks bro, you're the best.", he said quietly.

"Oh stop it, you don't want me to start blushing, now do you?", he laughed. This made Rengar snicker, he was grateful that Renekton was taking care of him, he needed it.

"Ok, I humbly accept.".

"That's the spirit. Now get your ass up, under shower and come for breakfast.".

After couple of hours Rengar decided to come back. He wanted to get dressed properly for a concert. When he entered he saw Kha'Zix, he was sitting at a table.

"Hi…", said Kha'Zix quietly.

"Hi, Kha.", he replied. Then he entered his room and wore his denim jacket and loose trousers. He left and went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

"Are you going somewhere?", Kha'Zix asked.

"Well, yeah. Pentakill has a concert in one hour.", Rengar said, drinking water. He tilted his head slightly so as to see Kha'Zix's reaction.

"Oh, have fun then.". Rengar could swear he heard slight jealousy in his voice.

"Thanks.", he turned around and started walking away when suddenly he stopped. "I almost forgot. Do you know by any chance anyone that would like to come with us? We have one spare ticket…", he teased him. Kha'Zix looked as if he wanted to say something, but remained silent. He knew he wanted to come. "No, that's a shame.", Rengar added. "Guess it'll go to waste then.".

"Rengar I know what you are trying to achieve, please cut it off.", Kha'Zix said. Rengar looked at him, it didn't work in the end.

"Why? I know how much you like their music, come with us.".

"Even if I wanted, I can't.".

"And why!?", he insisted.

"B...because.", Kha'Zix couldn't think of any excuse, he really wanted to go, but Rengar's safety was his priority.

"Yeah, right, valid answer. You know what? Fine! I'm going and I plan on having a great time with friends, I don't need you for that!", Rengar tried to persuade him one last time.

"Have fun then.". Then he stood up and sat down on a couch, he turned on the TV.

"Fine then!". And he left. Rengar was frustrated. But then he decided to stop caring for a moment and let himself for a moment of fun. With a smile on his face he joined Renekton, Nidalee and the rest of the crew.

For an autumn it was rather warm night, everyone wore their casual clothes, appropriate for this kind of an event. Nasus came with them only because Kha'Zix didn't join them and Sona was supposed to play one calm song as a starting song.

"It's a shame he didn't come.", said Shyvana.

"Forget it, I won't beg him to come. His choice.", Rengar replied.

"You are right, for now have some fun, you deserve it.", Renekton changed the topic.

"Thanks, I will.".

"Sorry for being late!", Nidalee shouted as she left the Institute, "I forgot where my shoes were.".

"It's ok, we still have plenty of time.", said Rengar.

"Thank you. Wow, you look better. Are you ok with Kha'Zix?".

"No, I'm not, but I won't let it screw this evening.".

"Ok let's not linger, come on!". Then they headed out. Music was indeed wonderful, Nasus even found some of them worth listening to. After 3 hours it was over and they started going back. Renekton, as usual, got drunk, and Nasus with Shyvana's help escorted him, so Rengar was walking alone with Nidalee. After a moment she broke a silence.

"Are you ok?".

"Hmm? Yeah, I'm fine, why are you asking?".

"Well, because you don't seem to be ok.", she explained.

"What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine.", Rengar told her, slightly confused.

"I know what you are going through now and I know it's not easy, but do not lie to yourself that everything is alright. I'm worried, we all are.". Rengar stopped and looked at her, then on the ground.

"God, why are you always correct?", he asked.

"Tee hee, I'm a woman, I have good intuition. So, you wanna talk?". Rengar looked at her and sighed. He pointed at te nearest bench with a hand.

"Yeah, sure.".

Kha'Zix was lying on a couch, he couldn't fall asleep. He was disgusted by himself for what he did so far. He was hoping Rengar would forgive him later on. His heart couldn't stop aching, though.

"I'm the worst…", Kha'Zix said to himself. He was on verge of going insane soon, he closed his eyes and started pondering. Rengar's words appeared in his head, he remembered when he told him that he can always count on him and the rest. Rengar never disappointed him, never, but Kha'Zix did it several times. He opened his eyes, two single tears escaped as he did it, leaving long wet traces on sides of his head. Then he heard people outside. He stood up and came closer to the window. Several champions were coming back from the concert, he even noticed Nasus and Shyvana carrying Renekton. Then he also noticed Rengar and Nidalee somewhere behind this crowd. They were sitting on a bench, probably talking. Kha'Zix just kept looking, he rarely had any occasion to see him. As he was looking, more and more memories started to appear in his head. He wanted to look away, when suddenly Rengar leaned down and buried his face in hands. Nidalee placed her hand on his back, it could be seen that she was sad, sad for Rengar. Kha'Zix grabbed his heart, it was painful to watch. He didn't know how much grief he was making Rengar go through.

"Fuck this!", he shouted, "I won't let you suffer!". Then he left, he ran down the stairs to Rengar, he decided to tell him, to save him in other way.

"Shh...it's ok…", said Nidalee as she was patting him gently. Rengar raised his head slightly.

"What am I doing wrong…?", he said through tears.

"You, nothing, it's Kha'Zix who is being unreasonable here.", she tried to comfort him.

"Why is he like that? I was nothing but the best boyfriend I could manage to be. We even weren't arguing for a long time, just...why?", Rengar spoke again, he looked into Nidalee green eyes.

"Hell if I know, but don't think about him right now, I want you to stop crying for starters.", she told him. Nidalee knew how much he cared for Kha'Zix, it was a pain for her too to watch Rengar suffer like that. "Now, inhale and exhale three times, ok?". As she asked, he did. "Better?".

"Yeah, sort of. Thank you, Nidalee.", he smiled, he was happy there was always someone for him.

"Sure, I will be always there for you.", she replied. They both chuckled nervously and looked into each other's eyes.

"Wait a little longer, I'm coming", Kha'Zix thought. He rushed down as fast as he could left the building. Then he ran down the path to the bench they were sitting on. He had troubles catching breath, but he didn't care. After a moment he saw them. Kha'Zix stopped and smiled. "There you are…", he said quietly to himself. But just as he wanted to catch their attention, his eyes suddenly widened. He grabbed his heart that started hurting so much he almost fainted, tears started flowing down his cheeks, lips trembled. Rengar just kissed Nidalee.

The next chapter may be published later, because I will have a ball on Friday to 4 am, so I will not have a lot of time for school and writing. I have a clear plan for the continuation, though, so I doubt there will be any delays. And yeah, the next episode will be depressing, so be careful. I don't want to be responsible for any of you, I don't know what impact it can have on individuals, so if you're feeling down, I'd recommend you reading it after getting a hold of yourself. In any case, await next episode :) Goodnight!