Arcane: World Two - AU (Non-binary reader)

V - Going Somewhere

He nods and steps back, ready to pounce at you: "You're sure about this?" You nod back, preparing for his attack. He leaps forward and tries to topple you by pulling down your shoulders.

You push him back: "Any enforcer with half a brain would throw you off and beat you to death. Be subtle" He catches his breath and walks behind you, he tries again and causes you to lose balance but you're still able to throw him off. "Stop aiming for my shoulders, you put your arms where I can see them and I'll take that opportunity"

He nods and tries again, and again, and again until eventually you hit the cushions on the ground. Mostly because of how tired you'd become but you see his pride. You get up and dust yourself off: "Nice one there, Little Man"

He looks at you with a large goofy smile. Powder clapping behind you, you see a slight blush on his face. You speak in a quiet tone as you pat him on the back: "Alright loverboy, go work on the shooting range." He ignores what you called him and goes to use the shooting galley but you catch him before he does: "But first, go take a break, talk to someone" You say that last part while tilting your head, moving his gaze to Powder. His face goes red for a moment before he shakes it off and goes to talk to Powder. The sense of pride returns but you don't understand it.

***

Mylo and Claggor are running errands at the bar: Claggor is cleaning glasses, Mylo is wiping down tables and Vander is pouring drinks. It's midday so there are not many people in at this point in the day.

Mylo finishes wiping down the tables and turns to Vander, who has a somber expression: "Where's y/n, Vi and Powder? y/n runs off and he gets the day to themself?"

Vander sighs: "They're helping Benzo with something"

Mylo's annoying act doesn't end: "Why can't I?"

Claggor buts in: "Don't you mean we?"

Mylo brushes him off: "Yeah yeah, whatever"

Vander just sighs as he shakes his head: "Enough both of you. They're teaching Powder and Little Man to fight" 

Mylo's ears perk up: "Why?"

Vander's voice becomes stern: "Doesn't matter, what does matter is that people are gonna start coming in soon and that light is still flickering"

Mylo scoffs as he leaves to grab a ladder.

***

Returning to you, Ekko and Powder are talking side by side while you rest up against the wall with Vi.

"She can't fight..." you hear Vi say lightly.

Your concern returns: "What do you mean?"

Vi is staring off into space as she speaks: "She's not a fighter, war will eat her alive"

You see her fear, she's barely holding it together. You try to find some positive light: "She doesn't need to be, once her gadgets begin working-"

Vi cuts in: "They won't... they never do...

You never thought you'd have more hope for Powder than Vi but here you are, watching her wipe her tears before they get too noticeable. You hesitate before putting an arm on her shoulder: "We won't let her get hurt"

She looks at you: "...I know" Her tone is ominous like she has a plan she doesn't want to say. You see her vulnerability and decide not to pry.

***