Arcane - one shots

After the great war of Piltover everything was happening as if all wars were scheduled. Now it was time to repair what has been broken and build up new things...New buildings, new groundbreaking inventions...new relationships. The world suddenly seemed like a much bigger place especially for people from the under-city, for people like Scar. They finally got to break off that invisible yet thick wall between the two cities, people were free to walk around the areas they would usually avoid. The council now had people from the under-city as well such as Sevika - to make sure both areas would benefit with all the potential decisions they would make, like one organism as it always should've been.

Scar always had one main goal in his mind that helped him push forward - build a better tomorrow for his little daughter. She was unfortunate to be born during such difficult time, on the worse, far more dangerous side. Her mother unfortunately passed away due to complications after childbirth. That's why the full responsibility for that tiny being rested on Scar's shoulders. He was supposed to keep her safe, try his best to protect her from this world poisoned by greed and hatred. He was doing anything in his power to ensure he was successful. That's how he ended up among a group known as 'firelights'. If there was any God up there, Scar felt as if he grabbed them by their ankles when Ekko took him to the hideout of the group which quickly appeared to be a growing community of people who were...just like him. They had the same goal. They wanted to cut themselves off from shimmer, brutality of the lanes. They also had friends and families to protect which grew into a shared need to protect this whole place and all the people that belonged here. They were like something Scar tried to convince himself he didn't need - a big family. After his great loss he thought that all he needed was his little daughter - Soraya. That all they needed was each other...He was wrong. Ekko and his people showed him that.

Scar's life was all about fighting for better tomorrow of his daughter and the firelights. Now it was all over. He began to feel this weird emptiness inside, the strange lack of purpose and that ufamiliar for him peace. He expected to feel a great wave of relief wash over him...It sure did...but now that he didn't need to fight anymore and all he needed to do was focusing on raising Soraya, he felt as if something was missing. He didn't exactly miss this part of his life, constantly risking his life and praying each time he left their safe heaven to return to his daughter in one piece, but this was a great part of his everyday's life. Who is he supposed to be now? What is he supposed to do?

This led to a quick decision of helping people touched directly by the war. Injured, mourning, anyone who needed a hand after what happened. That's how their paths crossed. Steb had the very same idea and was helping people devastated by the recent difficult time. Scar never expected one of the enforcers to try and come to the lanes to help people. He thought they would be left to lick their wounds on their own while the enforcers would mostly take care of the people from around the upper-city. He was wrong. Steb was one of the first enforcers stepping down the Lanes. They searched the alleys, breathing loudly through these masks and pouring the light from their flashlights into the darkest alleys while looking for people who needed medical attention.

They brushed shoulders a few times while serving the same cause. Scar couldn't help but observe the enforcer still with the familiar shade of suspicion towards anyone wearing that uniform, but Steb paid him no attention. He was fully focused on his task...and he was doing a great job. Once Scar noticed the other man help a vastaya at least three time his size by supporting him while the other barely limped, he thought there was something wrong with his eyes - it was as impressive.

Scar couldn't really put a finger on what exactly he wanted. At first he wanted to keep his distance, stay reserved, suspicious of each move of that enforcer that worked everyday starting at dawn and finishing late after dusk, constantly risking his safety in order to help others...He really wanted to believe there was a hidden motive behind it but eventually he just couldn't keep this narration up. They spoke to one another once...twice...then more, but at first these were just short information exchanged between the two.

In the end Scar couldn't help himself but invite the other vastaya into longer conversations. Steb, despite his ever lasting stoic expression, didn't appear as cold as it was expected. He willingly chatted with the firelight. Their conversations slowly grew less awkward and longer. Scar didn't expect that the enforcer will appear to be such an interesting person. He couldn't help but want to get to know more about him...reveal all the traits he was hiding underneath that mask of full composure.

Little by little Scar got to learn more about the topsider, but he couldn't predict that this innocent relationship would bloom into something deeper...something far more meaningful. It seemed to happen on it's own, but the truth was they both worked for it showing each other patience and understanding, learning to overcome the difficulties that were thrown under their feet like obstacles. They always managed to come out of it successful with their bond strengthened.
Scar really couldn't predict that he will ever find a person that he would let so close, that he would trust enough to let close to Soraya. Steb didn't expect it himself, but he embraced each sign of trust Scar gifted him with. He never really had a chance to deal with a child, let alone such tiny one, but with Scar's help he's learnt how to hold the little girl, how to entertain her and soothe her. She seemed to find peace in Steb's arms whenever she felt fussy even though he was mostly silent, rubbing her back gently and monotonously until her sobs were subdued to soft whimpers...and then gone.
Scar had no idea how the other was capable of doing that. 'His silence' didn't work so well on the feisty girl. Even if he had far more experience he was quick to change tactics, if silence didn't work then he would try a lullaby, if not rubbing her back then rocking and like this on and on until Steb would step in and calm both of them down with his peaceful aura.

Scar was sure that the relationship they've built was sincere and strong. Both of them treated it very seriously. The bat hybrid realized that there is nothing to doubt, nothing to wait for or overthink. He wanted to propose to the other man. He wanted them to be officially sealed together. He thought it didn't matter to him if someone had a ring on their finger or not, but now he understood the idea of proposals. Maybe he didn't exactly care for the ring itself or any other jewelry that would mark Steb as his, but he sure cared for it's symbolism. He wanted everyone to know that they were happy together, that their future was intertwined.

Maybe Scar wasn't into all these traditions, but he knew that something as important as proposal couldn't be done in some random shady alley. Besides he had to think more like Steb to find out what would the other want it to look like. He was raised in the upper-city...Most things look much different from the Lanes. How do 'they' do it? Some of his friends happened to know a few things. Apparently the rich people allowed themselves to throw big parties with massive bouquets of flowers, tons of top quality food and other things to spoil themselves and their loved ones before getting on their knee...This was something unreachable for Scar, but it got him thinking...If the richest members of society of Piltover celebrated that way...How did others do it? Certainly it was far more subdued...less garish. Then he found out that there was one important tradition that connected the ways of the rich and middle class or even poor people. Meeting with the family and officially asking for the hand of your beloved one. Steb mentioned a few times he lived in the suburbs, his family hardly made it into the middle class mostly because of their bad reputation after his mother who was a pure-blood human got together with a poor-blood vastaya which resulted with Steb being a half-blood. Not fully belonging to either kind.

His family. Except for scrapped information Steb shared with Scar...there was nothing he knew about them, but he was sure if he was supposed to prove his devotion he had to take the step into the unknown.

"...You want to meet my parents?" Steb asked carefully as if he wasn't sure if he heard that right. He again visited the Lanes to stay with Scar for a few days. It was their routine. Steb was coming over and staying for a few days and then returning to his duties just to do the same after another couple of days.

"Yes, I think it's important...You know, our relationship is getting more serious...I'd like to meet the people who raised you" Scar said, trying not to seem suspicious with the sudden request. He tried not to make it too obvious that he was avoiding Steb's piercing blue eyes so he locked his eyes with Soraya who rested comfortably against Steb's chest.

"I thought you don't feel too comfortable in the upper city yet...I was thinking of inviting you over just...I didn't want to make you feel awkward if you were to refuse, but if this is what you want then I'm really happy. I will take you there" Steb offered with a soft smile. Now that they were so close together Steb's stoic expression sometimes faltered to give some room for a gentle smile, small raise of the bottom eyelid, gentle smile-wrinkles...Scar loved seeing these small details, capturing them with his eyes and cherishing in his memory when the other was away - now he again caused that smile to appear. He knew he couldn't fail this. Besides...it was too late to back down now.

Soraya was taken care of by one of Scar's close friends who was told all about the events that were awaiting the second in command of the firelights. He indeed felt more tense than before any of the battles he took a part in. His friends managed to gather some less 'rag-like' clothes as one of them was kind to name it. It wasn't anything too fancy but definitely better than Scar's everyday clothes. A plain, button up white shirt and some long, dark trousers. The shirt had multiple wrinkles and was stretched out in a few places but...Did it make any difference? It covered his upper body and was white so it was fine, right?

After Scar decided he was ready he went to the bridge which he was supposed to cross, Steb would be waiting on the other side to lead him to his home. When they've met Steb looked quite surprised with this unusual outfit his boyfriend chose for tonight but soon the surprise melted away into an affectionate smile. It was clear that Scar treated this meeting seriously and wanted to show himself from his best angle...even though Steb never expected to see him looking so...formal. Well certainly people from the upper-city wouldn't call this outfit actually formal but for Steb it was a big change which he appreciated. Just knowing that making a good first impression was so important to Scar made his heart warm up.

As they walked Steb remained calm and collected as always, but Scar knew his beloved well enough to tell that deep inside he was quite excited. Weirdly enough it soothed Scar's nervousness at least a little bit. Steb was happy to introduce him to his parents...He wasn't embarrassed, didn't want to avoid it anyhow...It was another clear sign of that Steb treated him seriously...and a possible sign that his parents weren't as stiff and scary as Scar's overstimulated mind had him believe.

Scar didn't like being in the upper city, not even during the raids he attended with other firelights. Being around here always meant risk and trouble. His mind couldn't get used to the fact that the times were slowly changing. People still eyed him from time to time, whispered something to one another, but nobody was openly negative about his presence here...Maybe because of Steb's company. The other hybrid held his hand as they walked, ignoring all the curious or judgemental gazes sent their way.

Eventually they arrived in front of an apartment door. The whole building didn't look as majestic compared to the incredible architectonic designs you could see in the center of Piltover. Here, in suburbs, everything was more subdued, but still most of people from the under-city would take it as luxurious.

"Scar" Steb spoke up with a lightly amused smile "You're squeezing my hand a little too tight" he pointed out. Just then Scar noticed that in fact he was gripping his boyfriend's hand rather tightly. His grasp loosened a little but even then Steb didn't raise his hand to knock on the door. Instead he eyed Scar with mild worry in his blue eyes. "...We don't have to do that if you're not ready" Steb said carefully, now squeezing Scar's hand in return as if to assure him that whatever his choice will be it will be fine.

"I am ready" Scar answered in a gruff voice, looking away slightly. Steb knew this expression way too well. He often made fun of the other by pointing out he looks like his daughter when she's all fussy. Scar usually acted that way when he was trying to prove something...or when he failed to do so.

Steb only smiled at this and tilted his head slightly to the side.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm completely sure" Scar answered decidedly, hoping that Steb would actually knock on the door already before the rest of his bravery will fade away and he will in fact change his mind. No. He couldn't do that. Not when he was already standing in front of the door of Steb's family house. He was a warrior, damn it! Get a grip!

In the end Steb knocked on the door and waited, not letting go of his boyfriend's hand even for a second. The person who opened the door was a short woman. She had long, blonde hair, cascading down her shoulders and she looked quite petite.

"Steb! Oh dear! I'm so glad to see you. You've been working so much recently. I was hoping you'd find a moment to stop by! Oh and who is this?" She asked after standing on her toes to pamper his son with kisses all over his face.

Steb looked a little sheepish because of his mother's display of love but as soon as her attention switched to Scar, the other collected himself and nodded.

"Mom...This is my boyfriend, Scar. He's from Zaun" Steb said to which his mother's smile faltered a little. People from Zaun still had a bad reputation. It would take much more time to fix it and get rid of stereotypes on both sides. Steb seemed to notice this because he shook his head slightly "He is a good man. We've met while helping injured people that were overlooked by the others." he explained.

The woman nodded slightly "It's lovely to meet you, dear but let's come inside now, shall we? We will sit down and talk some more with a cup of tea and something good to eat. You're lucky. I was just finishing making the dinner. Come, come" She encouraged the two inside the small apartment. "Orlan!" She called ou, calling for her husband.

Scar stepped inside, following his boyfriend. He couldn't help but take a look around as they walked. The apartment was small but looked very neat. There were a lot of pot plants all around either placed on the shelves or bigger ones in the corners, one plant was even climbing with it's stems over the entrance of the kitchen, adoring the door frame beautifully with it's orange leaves.

They were showed to the small table just for four people on the other end of the kitchen, but just when they sat down Scar noticed another person entering the scene - Orlan. He was a pure-blood vastaya. His skin was blue-ish, covered with scales here and there, his ears resembled the ones his son had but except for the silky hair like Steb's, Orlan's head was adored with a big fin that laid on the side. Another thing that told him apart from his son was that his mouth was filled with sharp fangs while Steb had teeth typical for human race. Scar got to notice it when the portly man opened his mouth.

"Well that's unexpected. Our son finally graced us with his presence" He said but there was no actual disappointment or anger in his voice, it was rather teasing...affectionate even.

Scar didn't even know when he got up from his seat. He acted on an impulse, trying to show respect...or so he guessed because this action was not planned. Steb seemed surprised as well but soon smiled at his father.

"Father, this is Scar. He-.."

"He is from the under-city" Steb's mother finished

"Now it's called Zaun, mom, but yes. That's where he comes from"

"Zaun, eh? What is it like there now, boy? Before the first great battle I used to live there myself. Even had a small business going on. This ain't a place for just anyone. Eat or get eaten, am I right?"

"Father!"

"What? He knows what it is like there. Let's not be so sensitive. Scar, is it? Well tell me, what do things look like down there now? It's all left to our speculations as of now." Orlan said and walked closer, squeezing Scar's hand "Phew! What a grip you have! Come on, let's sit down"

Soon everyone was sitting by the table with a bowl of warm meal in front of them. Scar explained briefly what life looks like down in the Lanes right now, not really getting into detail because with each next word Steb's mother looked even more worried.

"Dear lord...Steb, dear, you were going there risking your health and maybe even life-"

"Mom...Those people needed our help besides I wasn't the only one going there. We had all the needed equipment too" Steb said patiently to calm his mother down a little bit.

"Don't make scenes, Amelie. Our son is an adult man, an enforcer at that! He knows what he's doing" Orlan said decidedly. "Speaking of which...What do you do for living, Scar?"

"I...I don't have any job as of now..." Scar said, feeling like he was stepping onto thin ice. Unemployed means with no perspectives, lazy or unable to work. What if they will think Scar is looking for someone to afford a better life for him out of the Lanes? Steb's parents looked at each other, but surprisingly enough Steb cut in.

"He was working with us on saving those people from the alleys...besides he has a daughter. He is a very caring father too"

"A child? At such young age? You look like you're in your twenties, boy" Orlan said in surprise but soon was nudged by Amelie as the woman noticed Scar's eyes jumping helplessly around as if trying to think of what to say to this.

"I think it's beautiful. We weren't much older when Steb was born" The woman said, her voice slightly dreamy as she went back with her memory to those days.

"Mooom..." Steb whined under his breath.

Soon the conversation moved on to lighter topics, Steb held his boyfriend's hand under the table all this time to show his silent support that way. Meanwhile Scar was slowly preparing for what was going to come. After all...Steb's parents had no idea about the reason why Scar visited them. Nobody did. He wanted to stick to the tradition. Surprise his beloved and moreover...receive his parents' blessing.
For whole evening Scar was trying to sit straight in his chair, eat slowly instead of digging in even though it was the best meal he's ever had. He was watching his tongue, making sure he wouldn't feel too relaxed to accidentally let a curse slip in, that he wouldn't seem like some whipper-snapper from the under-city where everyone was shady and two faced due to the stereotypes that topsiders liked to believe.

It was time. No more waiting around. He had to speak up. Should he get up? Or should he immediately get down on his knee and hope for the best? Np. Definitely not. He must give them a chance to reject his attempt. Scar set his fork down and straightened his posture even more in his seat, pushing his chest forward and raising his chin a little. He wasn't sure if this pose was supposed to show everyone how serious and confident he was...or was it supposed to convince him about it.

"I wanted to say something" He choked out. Now there was no going back. "I've asked Steb for this meeting...I've wanted to meet you...and officially ask you for your son's hand in marriage." He said, keeping his voice firm even though he was absolutely sure that if he got up his legs would be shaking like a jelly. "Steb showed me nothing but kindness from the moment we've met and I hoped to give him the same in return. He cared for me and my daughter...relieving me from the burden of being a single father. Meeting him made me feel like I have even more to fight and live for than my daughter...He made me happy in a way I thought I could never feel again. I love him. I love him dearly. That's why before I will ask him for his hand, I wished to ask you for your blessing" He spoke, unable to stop the words coming from his mouth, at this point he stopped obsessively controlling what he was saying or doing. During his speech he let himself gesture like he always does when speaking of something important.

He let his heart take over.

Silence fell over the table after this speech. Steb wasn't looking at his parents, seemingly not caring for their reaction...He was staring right at his boyfriend in pure shock, yet still squeezing his hand under the table.

Orlan was the first to speak. At first, he looked at Steb, as if to make sure his son wasn’t being forced into anything, then his gaze shifted to Scar. He remained silent for a moment, as if carefully weighing his words, but finally, he smiled slightly, resting his hands on the table.

"That was… unexpected," he admitted, and there was a hint of admiration in his voice. "But not in a bad way. Quite the opposite. Steb isn’t someone who easily lets people into his life, and if he let you in… that means he truly cares about you. And that’s enough for me to give you my blessing, boy"

He reached for his cup, as if trying to hide a smile, and added playfully "Besides, if you can put up with his constant silence and even raise a child with him, then you must really be a good match."

Scar hadn’t even had the chance to respond when Amelie finally found her voice. Until now, she had been sitting in silence, surprised, maybe even slightly moved. She looked at her son for a moment, then at Scar, and her eyes softened.

"Steb has always been reserved, but if he opened up to you… that means something" she said quietly, thoughtfully. "I haven’t had the chance to get to know you well yet, but what you just said showed me that you truly love him. And that you don’t take this lightly...You have my blessing as well. Take good care of each other."

Steb finally lifted his gaze to his parents, and though his face remained calm, Scar felt his fingers squeeze his own even tighter. He didn’t need to say anything. That one silent but full of emotion squeeze said everything.

Scar felt the weight in his pocket more than ever. The small, handmade ring, simple yet crafted with the deepest care, seemed to burn against the fabric, reminding him of the moment he had been preparing for. Now that he had their blessing, now that he saw the warmth in Amelie's and Orlan's eyes, he knew there was no better time.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself, then slowly pushed back his chair and stood. His legs did feel like jelly, just as he had expected, but he didn’t let it stop him. He turned to Steb, his heart hammering against his ribs.

"I…" He hesitated, exhaling sharply. Then he let out a small, nervous laugh and shook his head. “I had this whole speech planned, but...honestly, screw it." He reached into his pocket, fingers brushing against the delicate, copper wire. "Steb, I love you more than words can ever describe. You changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You gave me a home, a reason to keep moving forward. You became my family. And I want to make it official."

He finally pulled the ring out and knelt down on one knee, his hand trembling only slightly as he held it up to Steb. The ring, though far from luxurious, shimmered softly in the light—a delicate band of twisted copper wire, tiny gleaming stones carefully threaded through. Each detail had been shaped by Scar’s own hands, each imperfection carrying a piece of his heart.

"I know it’s not gold or silver. I know it’s not a diamond ring fit for a noble" he said, voice quieter now, raw with emotion. "But it’s the best I could make with my own hands. Because I didn’t want to steal something for you - I wanted to create something. Something that’s ours"

His gaze locked onto Steb’s, unwavering.

"So… will you marry me?"

Steb stayed silent, just staring at him with those big, beautiful eyes...but right now Scar couldn't find their beauty soothing. He needed to hear his partner's voice.

"Steb...I'm begging you, this is the worst moment for you to keep quiet" Scar laughed nervously, waiting for the answer, feeling like a man sentenced to death, waiting for the axe to finally fall over his neck.

For a few agonizing seconds, Steb remained silent. Scar could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, feel his palms growing damp as he clutched the ring. The longer Steb said nothing, the more Scar felt like the ground beneath him might just give way.

Then, just as he was about to blurt out something - anything to fill the silence - Steb suddenly moved.

With a sharp inhale, he surged forward, grabbing Scar’s face between his hands and pressing their foreheads together. His breath was shaky, and when he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"You idiot" Steb muttered, his thumbs tracing gentle circles over Scar’s cheekbones. "Of course, I’ll marry you."

Scar barely had time to process the words before Steb kissed him, quick and desperate, as if making up for the torturous pause.

Laughter bubbled out of Scar, part relief, part overwhelming joy. His hands trembled as he slipped the delicate ring onto Steb’s finger, the copper wire glinting as if it had caught the warmth of the moment itself. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t expensive. But it fit. It was theirs.

When Scar looked up again, Steb was staring at the ring, his lips pressed together in a wobbly smile. His fingers curled around Scar’s hand, squeezing tight.

"I love you" Steb murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "And you could’ve given me a damn piece of string, and I still would’ve said yes."

Scar let out another breathless laugh, pressing their joined hands against his chest. "Good, because that was my backup plan."

Steb rolled his eyes but tugged him into another kiss anyway, and at the table behind them, Amelie was already wiping away tears, watching their son start a new chapter of his life while her husband rubbed her back soothingly.