Arcane X Reader (Open)

The morning light barely filtered through the thick curtains of your shared apartment, casting a soft golden glow across the room. Steb was already awake, but he remained in bed, one arm tucked behind his head, the other lazily draped across your waist. His normally sharp features were softened in the quiet moment, a rare sight given the weight of his job as an Enforcer.

You stirred slightly, nuzzling into his side, and he let out a rare chuckle "You awake, love?" he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep. His deep, even voice always held a firm, almost authoritative tone, but here, in the warmth of your shared space, it was quieter, gentler.

You nodded against him, sighing contentedly "Mhm. Do you have to go already?"

Steb shifted slightly, his grip on you tightening. "Not yet" He pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to the top of your head, lingering as if savoring the moment "Wish I didn't have to at all"

You tilted your head up to meet his gaze, your fingers trailing across the small scars that lined his jaw "You could always stay home, just this once" you teased, though you both knew it wasn't an option. Duty called, and Steb wasn't one to shirk his responsibilities.

He smirked, shaking his head "You're trouble, you know that?"

"And yet, you love me anyway"

"That I do" he admitted, voice softer now. He pressed his forehead against yours, his fingers tracing soothing circles on your back "I don't say it enough, but you make all this worth it."

Your heart clenched at his words, and you leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He returned it without hesitation, his grip on you tightening as if he could somehow hold onto this moment forever.

The sound of the city outside reminded you both that time was slipping away, and eventually, Steb sighed, shifting to sit up "I should get ready"

You watched as he ran a hand through his hair before reaching for his uniform, the golden accents catching the morning light. Standing, he turned back to you, eyes scanning over your still drowsy form with something unreadable in his expression.

"Be careful out there, Steb" you whispered, pulling the blanket tighter around yourself.

He nodded, stepping back over to press a final lingering kiss against your forehead. "Always" And with that, he left, the warmth of his presence lingering even as the door clicked shut behind him.

Alone in the quiet space, you stretched, the sheets still warm from where he had been. It was always like this, Steb leaving before you were ready, the fear of what could happen lurking at the back of your mind. You'd seen the dangers of being an Enforcer, and you knew he wasn't immune to them. But Steb was careful, calculating, and strong. That was what drew you to him in the first place.

You rolled onto your side, staring at the ceiling, letting your mind wander to the early days of your relationship. He had always been serious, even a little distant at times. But with you, he softened. His guard dropped in these quiet moments. And that was what made them so special.

Deciding not to dwell too long in worry, you pushed yourself up from the bed, padding over to the window. The streets below were already bustling, the early morning haze lifting as Zaun and Piltover alike came alive. Somewhere out there, Steb was already stepping into his role, an unwavering figure among the Enforcers.

A knock at the door startled you, and you quickly wrapped yourself in a robe before answering it. A young courier stood there, holding a small note "For you" they said before scurrying off.

Furrowing your brows, you unfolded the paper. It was Steb's handwriting, hastily scribbled but unmistakable.

"Didn't want to wake you properly. Stay safe for me too. See you tonight. - S"

You exhaled a laugh, shaking your head at his small but thoughtful gesture. Despite the hardened persona he wore at work, you knew the truth, Steb was a man who cared deeply, even if he didn't always know how to say it.

Folding the note carefully, you set it aside, already counting down the hours until he'd return.