Arcane X Reader (Open)

The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the towering spires of Piltover in warm hues, casting long shadows across the opulent terrace of the Grand Solarium. The soft murmur of a live string quartet played in the background, their melodies intertwining with the faint clink of crystal glasses and hushed conversation from the city's elite. Tonight, you were one of them.

Seated across from you, Mel Medarda exuded an effortless grace, her golden adornments catching the light with each subtle movement. Her rich, warm gaze never wavered from you, the barest hint of a smile playing on her lips as she swirled the deep red wine in her glass.

"You still look surprised" she noted, voice a soothing melody in itself "Did you truly think I would let our first official date be anything less than extraordinary?"

You exhaled a quiet chuckle, shaking your head "I knew you had something planned, but this? This is beyond anything I imagined"

Mel leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on the pristine white tablecloth "I meant what I said- I want to spoil you"

You weren't used to this kind of extravagance. The tailored suit she had chosen for you fit perfectly, a testament to her meticulous nature. The setting, the cuisine, the way the servers treated you like royalty it was overwhelming. Yet, as much as the grandeur was unfamiliar, the warmth in Mel's gaze kept you grounded.

A waiter approached with your meals, setting down an exquisitely plated dish that looked almost too perfect to eat. You caught the faintest smirk on Mel's lips as she watched your reaction.

"Go on" she encouraged "I promise it tastes even better than it looks"

You took a bite, the flavors melting seamlessly together, richer than anything you had ever tasted. Mel watched with satisfaction, sipping her wine as she took in your expression "Good?"

You let out a breathy laugh "Incredible. And I have a feeling you knew that before we even sat down"

She lifted one shoulder in a graceful shrug "I have impeccable taste"

The conversation flowed effortlessly, just as it always did with her. Whether discussing the intricacies of Piltover's politics or sharing quiet, teasing remarks, Mel had a way of making every moment feel purposeful. The city beyond the terrace glittered like a sea of stars, but none of it compared to the way she looked at you.

As the evening deepened, Mel stood, offering her hand "Dance with me"

You hesitated, glancing at the few other couples already moving in sync with the quartet's gentle waltz "I- Mel, I don't really dance"

Her fingers curled around yours, a knowing glint in her eyes "Then let me lead"

She guided you onto the marble floor, her hand resting lightly against your chest, the other still clasping yours. With a natural elegance, she moved, and you followed, letting her control the pace. It was easy to lose yourself in the moment, in the warmth of her touch and the way her laughter hummed softly between you whenever you faltered.

"I think you lied" she murmured, eyes gleaming "You're quite good at this"

You huffed a quiet laugh "That's all you. I'm just trying not to step on your toes"

She smiled, slow and indulgent, as if savoring the moment "Then I suppose I'll just have to keep dancing with you until you're confident"

The song came to an end, but neither of you moved away. The city stretched endlessly beyond you, yet all that mattered was the golden warmth in Mel's gaze as she lifted a hand to trace her fingers along your jawline.

"Did you enjoy tonight?" she asked, voice softer now, intimate.

You nodded "More than I can put into words"

Her expression turned pleased as she leaned in, her lips brushing just against yours before whispering, "Then let me make it a habit."

And in that moment, wrapped in the golden luxury of her presence, you knew you wouldn't protest.

The night did not end there. Mel was not one to let a moment pass unfulfilled. After the dance, she led you down a private hallway adorned with paintings of shimmering gold and deep cerulean. The walls themselves whispered of old money and impeccable taste, much like the woman beside you.

"I have a surprise for you" she said as she guided you toward a private balcony overlooking the vast expanse of Piltover. A small, lavish sitting area was set with an array of desserts and another bottle of wine. The night air was crisp but comfortable, the sky above twinkling with scattered stars.

Mel poured you both a glass, and you took a seat, the plush cushions beneath you sinking just enough to add to the overall luxury of the evening. You took a sip, letting the taste linger before setting the glass down.

"You didn't have to do all this" you said softly, watching as Mel sat beside you, her hand resting against your knee.

"I wanted to" she replied simply, her voice smooth as silk "You are worth it"

A warmth unlike any other settled in your chest at her words. The woman before you, who carried herself with such poise and control, was offering you something real, something precious. You reached out, tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear before resting your forehead against hers.

"Thank you" you murmured.

Mel's lips curled into a small smile before she pressed a kiss to your jaw "Let me continue to show you just how much I appreciate you"

The rest of the night was spent in soft whispers and quiet laughter, wrapped in an indulgence that went beyond wealth it was the indulgence of presence, of care, of something deeper than either of you could quite name.

By the time dawn began to break, painting the sky in hues of pink and lavender, you realized that luxury wasn't just the gold or the fine wine, it was the way Mel looked at you, as if you were the most valuable thing in the world.