The argument had started like all of them do.

Jayce wanting to carry the whole city on his back, you wanting him to remember he’s human. A mistake here, a raised voice there, and suddenly his pride snapped. He walked out. He never returned home.

You finally track him down. He’s on the balcony outside of the empty council atrium that’s cracked open, soft gold light spilling out. Jayce sits on the stone ledge slouched forward, elbows on his knees, a half empty bottle dangling from his fingers. His hair is a mess, his shirt rumpled, tie undone hours ago. The rain clings to him in cold pinpricks, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

His eyes are red from crying. He stares out over Piltover like he’s looking at the ruins of something he once loved.

“I wanted to change the world” He mutters, voice thick and slurred. He laughs once. “Gods… I really thought I could.”

He drags a hand through his wet hair, head tipping forward.

“Now I’m not sure… He whispers. “if it should’ve stayed the same. I don’t know who I am when I’m not saving something”

He says, staring at his own trembling hands. “And I don’t know how to stop disappointing everyone when I try.”