Sapphire headed back out of The Last Drop, noting that it was only sprinkling now. "Jinx, I have something for you." She smiled softly when Jinx rushed over to her, eyes bright and excited.
"What is it? Is it candy?" Jinx asked, beginning to hop up and down in excitement. Sapphire laughed and shook her head.
"No, it's not candy. But I suppose the next time I see you, I should bring some candy?" Sapphire suggested and Jinx nodded eagerly. Sapphire noticed Sevika roll her eyes in annoyance, but she turned her attention back to the little girl. "Here, go ahead and open it." Sapphire pulled the small box out of the bag and held it out for Jinx.
"Holy shit!" Jinx gasped when she opened the box, causing Sapphire to raise her eyebrows at the sudden outburst. "I can't believe you made a matching pin. I'm gonna put it on my shirt!" She exclaimed, already unzipping her jacket, pausing when Sapphire ruffled her hair.
"Hold on, kiddo. People can already see your necklace, you wear it over your shirt. But when you have to put on a jacket like today, then no one can see your necklace. So, you can put this pin on your jacket." Sapphire explained, holding the pin for her to take. Jinx nodded, accepting that idea as she attached the pin to her rain jacket.
"Hey, you're wearing a pin too." Jinx noticed, before hesitating, "That's dad's symbol." She seemed unsure whether she should comment on it. Sevika started paying more attention to their conversation now.
"Well, your father gave it to me. He said since I've made some jewelry for you and for him that some people may try to hurt me." Sapphire answered, beginning to wonder if marking herself as one of Silco's people was safer or more dangerous for her.
"My dad will protect you the same way he protects me!" Jinx declared, standing up proudly. "Are you gonna make more pieces for dad and I?" She asked, wondering what kind of things Sapphire would create next.
"Well, I don't have any orders for jewelry right now. So I'll be running my stall until I get a commission or something." Sapphire smiled softly, "Now I thought we were going to play?" She teased.
"I didn't forget!" Jinx yelled proudly, pointing at Sapphire. "I'm going to show dad my new pin first then we can play!" She ran inside the club and the door slammed shut behind her.
"Great, now I have to keep an eye on two little girls." Sevika's voice surprised Sapphire.
"Excuse me?" She couldn't help but feel annoyed. "For your information, I didn't want to wear this pin in the first place. Also, I've been taking care of myself just fine on my own. I don't need someone watching my every move like a creepy stalker." Sapphire retorted, trying to control her temper.
"Do you want to try that again?" Sevika asked, standing up and walking until she towered over Sapphire's 5'3'' form. Sapphire didn't even flinch, returning the glare she was receiving.
"I won't be threatened by you." Sapphire replied, knowing she'd probably lose in a fight with Sevika, but she also had her own pride.
"Sevika. Inside." Silco's voice cutting in between the two of them caused them to step back. Sapphire hadn't even noticed the door open and close as Jinx had returned with her father in tow. Sevika glared at Sapphire as she stepped into the club, Sapphire sighing once she heard the door close.
"She's a mean ogre." Jinx pulled at Sapphire's left hand. "We can play now if you want." Jinx was at least courteous to how people were feeling. Sapphire smiled at her softly, giving a nod to Silco in gratitude. She couldn't even tell if he noticed, he was looking away and smoking a cigar.
"Of course we can play." Sapphire replied, tightening her hold on Jinx's hand as they began to hop into all the different puddles. Jinx squealed when the cold water splashed inside her boots. Sapphire's clothes and shoes were mostly soaked anyway, so she didn't even care as they played in the water.
When Sapphire finally pushed open her door, her feet were aching and she just felt so tired. She took off the soaked jacket and hung it up to dry before changing out of the rest of her wet clothes for some dry ones. She less than gracefully fell onto her bed, feeling a sigh leave her body. It didn't take long until she was asleep, the day's events having taken a toll on her.
Outside her apartment was Ran. She was one of Silco's people, sent to keep an eye on Sapphire. Silco still didn't trust Sapphire, but he could see the usefulness of her talents, for now at least. Ran could stay hidden in the shadows and watch Sapphire, but she knew that if Sapphire went into Piltover, she wouldn't be able to follow her there.
Sapphire woke up in a cold sweat. Her heart was pounding in her chest as the visions of her nightmare flashed through her mind. A hand covering her mouth while another hand held her against a fence. She clenched her eyes shut, breathing slowly through her nose as she shook off the visions. She didn't want to remember that day ever again. It took a few minutes for her heart to stop racing, she slowly got up and moved to take a cold shower. It was still dark outside, but she hoped the cold water would help her wake up.
Working the stall today at least gave Sapphire something to focus on. The nightmare still fresh in her mind. Frank was absent from his stall today, it wasn't uncommon. She knew that everybody needed a day off and what not. The gray clouds from yesterday were still hanging overhead, but at least it wasn't raining. She sold a few pieces that day and decided to close up about an hour early. She packed up her arrangement of jewelry and dropped them off at her apartment.
She needed something to take her mind off of this nightmare. She could go drinking, but that just looks sad when you drink alone. Plus, she doubted that nothing would taste as good as that watermelon apple ale from The Last Drop. She didn't really like the club music going through that place, but she noted that people would play cards too. Damn, she really needed some friends. She sat down on the edge of her bed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
A knock at her door startled her and she looked up slowly. She hesitated, noting how it was almost dark now and no one would have come to see her at this time. "Who is it?" She asked, trying to keep the apprehension out of her voice.
"It's me!" Jinx's voice came from the other side of the door. "I wanted to see you today!" Sapphire got up quickly and opened the door to reveal Jinx and a tall dark haired woman behind her. "Oh, this is Ran. She's nicer than the ogre." Jinx whispered, leaning toward Sapphire and gesturing towards Ran. Sapphire couldn't help but laugh softly, already feeling better than she had all day.
"I'm not even gonna ask how you found out where I live, but what did you want to do? It is getting late." Sapphire replied, figuring Silco probably had her followed home by one of his people at some point.
"Dad said I could have a friend over for a sleepover. I know he meant you though. I keep having nightmares and I thought you could help. We can play in my room until we fall asleep." Jinx suggested, pushing her way into the apartment. "So let's get you packed. I won't take no for an answer!"
Sapphire blinked in surprise. Oh yeah, this kid was definitely Silco's, no doubt about it. She shook her head in amusement as she grabbed some pajamas, clothes for tomorrow and her toothbrush, toothpaste, and her hair brush, packing them into a small bag. "Alright, lead the way, shortie." She smirked when Jinx pouted.
"I'm not short! Dad says I'm tall for my age!" She protested, puffing out her chest proudly. Sapphire smiled and leaned in.
"Yes, but I'm still taller than you." She smirked and stuck out her tongue, causing Jinx to realize she was teasing. Jinx stuck her out her tongue back at Sapphire.
"I'll outgrow you one day, then we'll see who's taller!" Jinx declared, grabbing Sapphire's hand and pulling her out of the apartment.
