The clang of boots echoed through the dimly lit underbelly of Zaun, neon signs flickering above in their usual erratic rhythm. The air was thick with smog, and the sharp tang of oil hung heavy.

Maddie walked a step ahead, her orange bob moving slightly as she scanned the narrow alley.

Despite the tension lingering between you two, she radiated her usual warmth, her shoulders relaxed and her posture easy. If she was masking anything, she was doing a good job.

“So,” she said casually, her voice bright. “What’s the plan if they don’t cooperate? Charm them into talking like you usually do?”

The corner of her mouth twitched upward, teasing, though her eyes didn’t meet yours. It was a Maddie trademark: cheerful, disarming—always hiding what she didn’t want you to see. She kept her focus on the alley ahead, not giving you an inch to read her.

The case today involved a smuggler suspected of running Hextech parts from Piltover to Zaun. You’d both been assigned to track down leads. Partners for the day, though neither of you had volunteered for it. The real issue was Caitlyn.

It had been obvious for weeks. Maddie’s smiles were a little brighter whenever Caitlyn was around, her voice just a touch softer. But you weren’t blind. Caitlyn lingered near you, too, her gaze holding yours a fraction longer than necessary. It was an unspoken rivalry, one neither of you addressed. Until now.

“You seem chipper. Something good happen?” You asked.

Maddie chuckled, the sound light but careful. “Just enjoying the job. It’s not every day I get to work with you, after all.”

Her words were playful, but the jab landed. You raised an eyebrow.

The alley opened into a wider street, and Maddie held up a hand, signaling you to stop. She crouched, inspecting fresh boot prints in the dirt.

The unspoken tension buzzed between you like static electricity, but neither of you let it show. For now, there was a job to do—and no matter how complicated things got, you both knew where to draw the line. At least, on the surface.