Work Text:
The band began to play a soft warm-up piece as Jhin passed them by. The venue was in the town that the Noxians conquered, using the grand library as their home base. This party was probably the fanciest thing for the barbarians to experience, and even then, it was so hideous. The structure was Ionian, with its natural flourishes obscured by gaudy Noxus' flags. Then there was the rest of the decor–God, did he wish he could shoot the man again for such atrocity.
Jhin forced himself to exhale and listened to the soft melody.
His nerves–it had to be his nerves–left him quite critical.
It will all be corrected.
He glanced up toward the windows to see the darkening skies.
Time to finish up. He walked away from the band, his cane clicking against the floor as he leaned against it–but not like a cripple that needed his cane but like a noble who rather not bear their weight and prefers someone else do it for him. He made his way to the servant quarters and leaned dramatically forward. "What are you all milling around for?" He harped, "Have you not noticed the time? The show is about to begin. Places, people, places! And don't forget your masks!"
"Yes, sir!" they replied with a jerky nod before exiting for the main room. As they left, they snatched a white mask of assorted faces from the box. These were reserved for staff, while the esteemed guests and people of importance got the colored ones. Before the last one could leave, Jhin caught their arm in a vice, causing them to jerk from the force. "Have you finished setting up the tables?"
She winced and lowered her head submissively. "Yes, sir."
"In the specific pattern?" Jhin inquired.
"Of course, sir. Everything is as it should be," she said, pulling back her arm when he let go. Absently, she rubbed the area.
"Good," He pleasantly said, "Now run along."
She didn't need to be told twice. She hurried off to help the others, leaving Jhin alone in the quarters. He peered into the main area as they worked on the last-minute touches for the night's event. The band swapped from their warm-up piece to the song he wrote for tonight.
He could hear the large doors opening and their guests arriving. Despite the classy affair, they were loud and boisterous. It made him think of a time in Bilgewater, and he grimaced at the memory.
"Have you finished your task, my dear?" Jhin suddenly turned in time to see his Stagehand entering the servant's quarter. His eye narrowed slightly behind his mask as he approached the young monk.
"I have. Everything is ready for tonight's performance." The Stagehand said, sounding almost distracted.
"Then tell me, my dear," He reached and grabbed her jaw, forcing her to look at him. He could see the fear swell in her eyes and the pain. "Why does it seem like you are having second thoughts?"
"No, it's not second thoughts," She stammered as the fear subsided and the pain reflected in her eyes. The guilt still bled from her like an open wound. "I am frightened, but I am ready."
"Embrace it," Jhin commented. "Keep an eye out for our guest of honor. You should be able to recognize his face. He did destroy your little town. I will watch from my post and know if you stray from our goal."
The Stagehand nodded. Her eyes looked determined and resigned. "I will not fail."
Jhin let go of her jaw. "Get to your place, and don't forget your mask. It is a masquerade, after all."
His Stagehand nodded and collected the nearest mask, a rabbit, before scurrying off to her position.
Idly, he hummed again and walked toward the hidden exit that leads into the servant passages. His steps slowed to a stop, and he gazed at his reflection. His wooden mask was an old classic–or archaic, if you asked him–of a wolf with wide, gaping eye sockets. The wood was black with a tinge of purple, saved for the broad, white, sickle-shaped marking at the center of the wolf's head. Though, that didn't mean he settled for the typical.
He cocked his head a little, letting the light gleam off the lens he installed, making them shimmer like a sharpened blade.
He smirked beneath the mask and carried on. He weaved through servant paths unnoticed, adding the last flourishes at the doors and main support beams before exiting the building. He continued away from the building until the song was barely a whisper.
He turned away from the woods and looked across to see the building. It was unfortunate that it wasn't an outdoor venue. Jhin would just have to imagine how it was inside. He doesn't necessarily have confidence in his Stagehand's capabilities, but she made it this far. That would have to count for something–
A twig snapped, and his fingers twitched around his so-called cane.
"I know you're there. You best step into the light where I can end this quickly unless you are that confident that you will not miss your target. Should you miss, though, mercy is no longer on the table." He half turned to peer into the darkened woods.
There was a rustling in the brush before a slender figure stepped into view. This intruder would've been indistinguishable from the shadows and shrubs were it not for his mask. It was another classical design, just as archaic as his, except it was no wolf. Instead, the half mask was almost bone-white and resembled a lamb. Peeking from underneath the dark green tress was a broad, black, hook-shaped marking on the center of its forehead.
The corners of Jhin's lips curved upwards. "Good evening, Hwei."
"Good evening." Hwei looked different than he did that one summer. He was thinner than he recalled, and his clothes seemed larger on him, yet he walked and stood more confidently than ever.
"I see you took creative liberties with the mask." He had seen every one of those cheap masks, and he did not recall the lamb having such marking or the gray shading that followed the curve of the mask and framed eye sockets.
"It would seem too plain otherwise," Hwei replied, looking up at him. "I thought about adding musical notes around the horns, but that may garner too much attention. I didn't want to stand out."
"You don't want the Noxians to notice you?" Jhin asked.
"I didn't want to detract from your masterpiece," Hwei replied. His eyes darted away from his to look at his face in its entirety. "I'm surprised you picked something traditional."
"Some sacrifices are unavoidable," Jhin drawled. His hand stayed around Whisper. "I am surprised that you're here."
"Are you?" Hwei closed the distance between them. Jhin's eyes darted to the man's hands, and he saw that the left hand was toying with the edge of his worn green sleeve. "I would have thought that would've been your first guess."
"The idea has crossed my mind. You are not the first to chase after me," Jhin said, not missing how those lovely lips had tugged to a frown.
Always so easy to read–
"...Is your work in Koyehn completed then?" Hwei inquired.
Jhin's mood grew sour, but his tone remained light. "Do you not think so?"
"I think I hit a nerve," Hwei said, stopping a few steps short of him. His gaze lowered to the ground. "For that, I would like to apologize. That was not my intention in seeking you out."
"What is your intention then, little blossom?" Jhin inquired, keeping a watchful eye on Hwei. The mask rested just short above his nose, and the one visible eye was almost a pale blue. "Are you here to seek revenge?" He didn't bother concealing amusement or the edge in his voice.
Hwei shook his head. "No, I'm not interested in such things." He said this clearly and meant it.
Curious.
"Then what are you interested in?" Jhin pressed.
Hwei's gaze flickered to him and then to the large structure that Jhin was to keep an eye on. Jhin could feel his amusement wane as the silent progress and suspicion coiled inside him like snakes until he noticed Hwei was still toying with his sleeve like a nervous boy.
The artist then turned back to him and took a bow. "May I have this dance?"
Jhin canted his head and looked at his little painter. After a long moment, he holstered his weapon and offered a hand. "Only if I lead."
"Of course," Hwei assured, placing his hand in Jhin's.
Jhin drew him close and rested a hand on the curve of his waist. "Ready?"
Hwei nodded.
"Let's begin. One–"
"Two," Hwei interjected as he followed his lead. "Three, four…"
Jhin felt his intrigue grow and let Hwei continue to count the steps. He pulled Hwei closer and leaned so close to his ear that the mask must've brushed against it. "You have improved," he said.
He could feel the muscles tense against him before becoming lax again.
"Only a little bit," Hwei replied, "I only managed to get a handful of practice in."
"Your partner wasn't adequate?" Jhin inquired, his tone flat.
Hwei's lips curved up in a sardonic smile. "No partners. Just me following the steps as I remember them…"
"You must have had a capable teacher then," Jhin replied.
"A very patient one," Hwei replied and lowered his eyes. "And knowledgeable, too."
"Is that why you sought me out?" Jhin guided Hwei across the grass as their private dance continued to their melody. "You want to learn from me?"
"I do," Hwei stated as he matched his step for step. He became more fluid and almost seemed as trusting as Jhin remembered. Had he not changed at all over the years? No. Of course, he had. Jhin could see that yet still see the curious host he met in Koyehn.
Hwei turned his head to Jhin. "I also want answers." His eye peered at him, and Jhin could see the purple hues forming around the edges of his iris.
"My work asks questions," Jhin replied, holding his gaze as he watched the colors bloom and blend. "It never has answers."
"It's a good thing that it's my job to find answers to those burning questions," Hwei replied, shaking his head. "All I wish is to join you to observe your work and you."
"And why would I humor you?" Jhin asked.
"Curiosity?" Hwei said, swallowing hard enough that his Adam's apple bobbed underneath the choker. "For you to see the end product of your Koyehn project."
"What makes you think I care enough about it?" Jhin said.
The artist flinched, but his eyes narrowed, looking more determined and stubborn. "Because a passionate artist cares about their work," he stated, and his eyes softened around the edges. And from all the tales I've heard about you and what I remembered, you may be the most critical and passionate artist I know of."
"Yet you think I left my work unfinished," His steps slowed to a stop as his hand left Hwei's to touch the choker around that slender neck. "I can finish it now if that's what you're suggesting," His voice turned cold.
It's not like he hadn't planned for this final piece. He felt that itch when he arrived in Koyehn. He felt it as he took in the small details of his surroundings and his little blossom. It left his fingers twitching with anticipation and excitement as the day was closing in for the final act. He even took the time to leave his mark.
His thumb slid over the choker, tracing over the intricate patterns.
"...But would that ending be enough for you?"
His thumb stopped, and his eye turned to Hwei. His lips pressed into a tight line when a light in Hwei's eyes caught his attention. It wasn't a mixture of colors, just a white light that looked so wrong on Hwei. Jhin's hand lingered on Hwei's neck as he stepped aside and turned toward the building. All the windows lit up as the first of four explosions ignited.
Hwei jerked in his hand, and Jhin gripped the back of his neck to keep him in place. He watched as the bombs tore the building apart and painted the skies with brilliant hues as the petals unfurled.
Sublime.
"Jhin…"
Jhin tore his eyes from the show to look down at his little blossom. Slowly, his hand drifted from Hwei's neck to brush the long bangs from his face. Both eyes were locked onto the scene before them as if they could not look away from the masterpiece unfolding. Jhin could see the purple and pink hues swirling in those wide eyes, pushing the bright blue toward the center until it was just a thin ring around his pupils.
The last explosion ignited and sent a shockwave through them, causing an involuntary jerk. Everything lit up in its brilliant show for a moment before the light began to recede until all that was left was a burning pile of tinder.
"That was…" Hwei let out a soft, rasping breath and peered up at him. "Beautiful."
Jhin didn't reply. He simply looked at him, mesmerized by his eyes' endless shifting colors. He didn't even resist when he felt the artist's hands cradle his face and draw him down. He felt the pressure against the mask against his lips.
It was enough to snap him out of it.
He pulled from the kiss. Instead, he leaned close to his ear. "Let's us go."