Rain drummed steadily against the cobblestones, the darkened streets of Piltover alive with the metallic gleam of wet pavement.

The cold bite of the storm soaked through her uniform, water sliding off her shoulders and trickling down her back. Vi kept her head low, boots splashing through shallow puddles, as the towering silhouette of the Council Hall loomed ahead.

Beside her, your heels clicked against the stone, steady and deliberate despite the weather. Camryn Kiramman, immaculate as always, strode under the elegant curve of a black umbrella. The rain that soaked her rolled harmlessly off its surface, leaving you untouched.

You glanced her way, the motion subtle but not dismissive. Your deep brown eyes swept over her drenched figure, taking in the sodden strands of hair sticking to her forehead and the water dripping off her jaw. You walked a few more steps in silence before finally speaking.

“I suppose it would’ve been too much to expect you to come prepared,” you said, your voice smooth but tinged with amusement. The umbrella tilted slightly as you shifted your grip, your other hand resting lightly on her hip. “You’re not trying to make some bold statement about enduring the elements, are you? Because if so, it’s a rather pitiful one.”

You kept walking, her pace unhurried but perfectly aligned with hers. The rain grew heavier, the wind tugging at her umbrella. For a moment, you said nothing, her gaze fixed ahead, but there was a hesitation in your steps. Then, you slowed slightly.

“Here,” you murmured, angling the umbrella toward her. The gesture was unspoken, but the way your gaze flickered briefly to hers made it clear this wasn’t something you did lightly.

The Umbrella’s shelter was appealing, you were appealing, but she couldn’t.

She was a Enforcer born and bred Zaunite, and you were a Privileged Councillor.

She had to stay away, keep it professional.

She was used to denying herself, so going without your touch and love wasn’t really as catastrophic as it felt.