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Boring-ass lecture Jinx thought, sitting in the room surrounded by her peers. She was supposed to fit in with them, but the truth was, she wasn’t like them at all - at least not before a few months ago. Even before that, she’d been an outcast. Nothing new there - comes with the tendency to cause trouble and being a freak, or whatever they called her. But it wasn’t as bad as high school. Now, people didn’t really glance at her anymore. They had bigger problems than bullying some class outcast.
It all started shortly after she’d gotten into college on an engineering scholarship. The professor took them on a field trip to one of the largest science facilities in Piltover. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until she felt a sharp pain in her hand, and a stupid spider bit her. She slapped it off and stomped on it, thinking that was the end of it. Turns out, it was some genetically modified beast, and she gained some weird ass abilities - abilities that made her feel far too similar to a goddamn spider than a real human.
Since then, she’d been exploring those new abilities. She fought criminals on the streets in a makeshift costume and even started making a name for herself among the locals in Zaun and Piltover. Spider-Rogue. As a new hero, she wasn’t exactly the target of the big villains - not yet, anyway. And she hoped it stayed that way, especially with how often she struggled with her powers and the responsibility that came with them. At her core, Jinx was unpredictable and messy, embodying the chaos and thrill of being Spider-Rogue. Quick-witted, sarcastic and reckless, her impulsive nature often got her into tricky situations.
Like when Ekko actually figured out who she was... great work, Jinx.
He promised to keep it a secret and even help her out, but there was still a risk involved. That made her even more cautious with Lux and Vi, terrified that they might find out - for their own safety. But Jinx couldn’t shake the intense guilt of keeping secrets from both of them, nor the deep fear of being abandoned if either of them ever learned the truth.
Vi had always supported her - always been the grounded, protective one. Jinx was the unpredictable, free-spirited sibling. Their relationship was complicated, with Jinx’s chaotic tendencies often putting them at odds. But Vi was a crucial figure in her life. Despite the tension, there was an unspoken bond between them that kept them together.
Then there was Lux… their bond meant everything to Jinx. She kept her at arm’s length, though, out of a desire to protect her from the dangerous world Jinx inhabited.
Jinx was pulled out of her thoughts when the professor ended the lecture, and most of the students stood up to leave. She followed suit, grabbing her stuff and heading out into the hallway, searching for a certain blonde-haired princess. Jinx rounded the corner, scanning the hallway. It didn't take long to spot the unmistakable flash of blonde hair walking down the hallway. Lux always had that light around her - like she was the calm in the middle of Jinx’s storm.
"Hey, Blondie!" Jinx called out, her voice playful, as she jogged up beside her.
Lux looked up, her bright blue eyes lighting up when she saw Jinx. A smile tugged at her lips. "Hey, Jinx. You heading out?"
"Nah, I’m just... I don't know. Bored, I guess." Jinx shrugged, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Got any plans? Maybe something a little more exciting than sitting through another lecture?"
Lux laughed softly, shaking her head. "I think my excitement for the day was used up during the lecture."
Jinx leaned in, her hands behind her head in her usual casual posture. "Alright, alright. So, we could always hit the rooftops, do some grafitti, grab some snacks, and then-" she paused dramatically, grinning wide, "-maybe crash a party?"
Lux raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh at Jinx's wild suggestions. "You do realize I have an exam coming up, right?"
"Oh, come on, who needs exams when you’ve got adrenaline?" Jinx smirked. "We could even sneak into a lab and-"
"Jinx." Lux interrupted gently, though there was a fondness in her voice. "I know you’ve got a million crazy ideas, but I’ve actually got to study."
Jinx dropped her hands and pouted dramatically, though her eyes softened in understanding. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re the responsible one. Always studying, always prepared…"
Lux smiled at the teasing in Jinx’s voice. "Guilty as charged." She paused, then added, "But you’re welcome to join me in the library afterward. We could study together and take a break when you’re tired of it. I’d be happy to have you there."
Jinx looked at her for a moment, her grin returning. "The library, huh? Alright, that works. But don't expect me to actually study. I’ll just be... your personal entertainment."
Lux laughed, the sound light and bright. "I think I can handle that."
---------------
Jinx stared at Lux, who was completely absorbed in one of her books, oblivious to the intense blue eyes locked onto her. So boring... Jinx thought, letting out a quiet sigh. But no matter how dull it was, she could never say no to Lux.
Never Lux.
The blonde eventually lifted her head, a soft smile on her face. "My professor mentioned a book that might help me understand the topic better. Mind helping me find it?"
Jinx deadpanned. "A book? Just use the internet like literally everyone else."
Lux pulled a mildly unamused face, though her smile didn’t waver. "Smartass. But books are more reliable," she replied. "The internet’s great, but it doesn’t always have the right answers. Plus, there’s something nice about turning pages. It’s… calming."
"Books are outdated." Jinx said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms.
"Maybe." Lux mused with a playful grin. "But there’s something about them that feels... timeless. They don’t glitch, and they don’t need Wi-Fi. Plus, they don’t try to sell you anything."
Jinx snorted. "Timeless? Please. What’s next? You gonna start writing your notes with a quill and ink too?"
Lux grinned, unbothered. "Hey, if it works, it works. At least my quill wouldn’t run out of battery like your phone did last week."
Jinx smirked, leaning in with a teasing glint in her eye. "Touché, princess. But don’t come crying to me when your ‘timeless’ books can’t help you figure out how to fix your laptop again."
Lux laughed, shaking her head. "And that’s why I keep you around - tech support with a side of chaos."
Jinx liked this - their harmless banter, the back and forth that felt like a perfectly choreographed dance.
"Let’s go find your dumb book." Jinx said with a mock sigh, standing up.
Together, they wove through the aisles of the library, Jinx trailing just behind Lux, her gaze fixed on the blonde. As they passed one of the school librarians, perched precariously on a stepping ladder while shelving books, Lux’s voice broke the quiet stillness of the library.
The sudden sound startled the poor librarian, who wobbled dangerously.
Jinx reacted in an instant. Her left hand shot out to steady the ladder, while her right hand snatched a falling book midair - just before it could smack Lux square on the head. The librarian clung to the ladder, wide-eyed, while Lux stood frozen, still processing what had just happened.
"Careful there, Blondie." Jinx teased, flipping the book in her hand with a smirk before handing it back to the librarian. "You almost got taken out by 'timeless' knowledge."
Lux blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly as she muttered, "Thanks…"
"Anytime." Jinx replied with a grin, already moving ahead.
Jinx and Lux quickly moved to help the librarian, who was still unsteady on the ladder. Jinx steadied the bottom rung with a firm grip, while Lux gently took hold of the librarian’s arm, guiding him down.
Lux was the first to speak, her voice laced with concern. "I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you."
The librarian waved off her apology with a reassuring smile. "It’s fine, dear." he said warmly, though his voice still carried a hint of surprise. "Nothing happened, and that’s what matters most. Just... try not to sneak up on me next time."
Flustered, Lux let out a small, nervous laugh, relieved the situation wasn’t worse. "Of course, we’ll be more careful."
With the librarian steady on his feet, Lux took the chance to ask, "Um, I had a question about a book - do you happen to know if it’s available?"
The librarian adjusted his glasses and thought for a moment. "Let’s check at the front desk."
They followed him there, Jinx slipping her hands into the pockets of her hoodie with a teasing smirk. She tossed a playful look at Lux, who remained unfazed but couldn’t help a soft, apologetic smile.
At the desk, the librarian checked the records on his computer, nodding in satisfaction. "You’re in luck. We still have a copy. It’s in aisle 5, shelf 2, top row."
The two girls thanked him, and as they made their way to the aisle, Jinx’s eyes sparkled with mischief. When they reached the shelf, she glanced at the top row, then turned to Lux with an exaggerated grin. "Uh-oh. Looks like someone’s gonna need a ladder - or a miracle."
Lux sighed dramatically, crossing her arms. "You know, you’ve been insufferable ever since you grew taller than me."
Jinx smirked, clearly relishing in the teasing. "Insufferable? Nah." she said, effortlessly reaching up and grabbing the book. She waved it triumphantly in the air. "Efficient? Absolutely."
Lux rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Efficiently annoying, maybe."
Jinx handed the book to her with a mock bow. "Admit it. You’d be lost without me."
Lux shook her head but accepted the book with a soft laugh. "Thanks, Jinx. Even if you are a pain."
"You’re welcome, Blondie." Jinx replied with a wink, already turning to lead the way back to their table.
They returned to their spot, and Lux set the book down, flipping it open to begin reading. Meanwhile, Jinx leaned back in her chair, watching her with an amused expression.
"So, what now?" Jinx asked, resting her chin on her hand, watching Lux intently.
Lux looked up from her book, a determined smile spreading across her face. "Now." she said, "I study, and you… try not to get us kicked out."
Jinx grinned, stretching lazily in her chair. "No promises."
---------------
No promises, my ass, Lux thought to herself, a small frown tugging at the corners of her lips as she watched Jinx casually pull out her phone, acting like everything was normal. What are you hiding, Jinx?
It wasn’t the first time Lux had noticed something was off with Jinx. Over the past few months, her friend had changed in ways Lux couldn’t quite explain. Lux wasn’t blind - she’d been paying close attention. Jinx wasn’t just different. She was… stranger. Lux didn’t know whether to feel worried or frustrated. It was like the Jinx she’d always known was slipping through her fingers, replaced by someone unfamiliar yet still undeniably her.
She had tried to brush it off, tell herself it was just her imagination running wild. But that was hard to do when she found herself collecting more and more clues. Enough that Lux had even asked Ekko if he’d noticed anything unusual. His answer had only left her more unsettled.
"Jinx? Nah, she’s just being Jinx." he said with a shrug, like there was nothing to worry about.
Was she the only one who saw it? Could she be that paranoid?
No. No, she couldn’t be. Spending time with Jinx didn’t make her a hallucinating wreck. It was just... something wasn’t right.
Lux mentally ticked off the things she’d observed so far, every strange behavior piling up and making her feel like she was losing her grip on what she knew about her best friend.
First, there was her hearing. It was like Jinx could hear everything - everything. Once, Lux had whispered a joke to herself, barely a murmur, and Jinx, sitting a chair away, had chuckled and repeated it back to herself.
But that wasn’t all.
Just last week, they were walking down the street, and Jinx had called out to a friend, knowing exactly who it was before Lux even saw the person. It was like Jinx could sense people, feel their presence before they even came into view. It was… unsettling, to say the least.
Then there was the height thing. Jinx had always been shorter than Lux - she’d even teased her about it countless times. But now, Lux found herself craning her neck just to meet Jinx’s gaze. It was as if she’d grown several inches overnight. Impossible. How could Jinx have gotten that much taller in just a few months? The logical part of her knew it was wrong, but the rest of her was stuck on how natural it all seemed to Jinx. Like it didn’t even bother her.
Lux’s thoughts drifted to Jinx’s newfound strength. Lux had witnessed Jinx breaking a metal chain with what seemed like minimal effort, when even a few months ago she could barely open a jar of pickles. Jinx had done that just a week ago - effortlessly - like it was nothing. And Lux had watched, frozen in disbelief. No one could just break a metal chain even if Jinx said it was old and rusty. There was no way Jinx could be this strong without something more going on, no offense to Jinx...
Then there were the spiders. Lux had always hated them - she’d practically jumped onto the nearest surface at the sight of one. But Jinx? She’d always been the one to scoop them up and release them outside. But lately? Lately, she treated them differently. Not only did she seem more comfortable around them, but she even gave them little names, like they were pets. Lux had caught her speaking softly to a particularly large one last week, as if it were a friend. Something about it didn’t sit right with her, no matter how much Jinx insisted it was “just a thing.” and it made Lux’s skin crawl just thinking about it.
And the agility. That might’ve been the strangest thing of all. Jinx used to be clumsy - charmingly so. She was the kind of person who tripped over her own feet and knocked over drinks without even trying. But now? Now she moved with a precision and grace Lux couldn’t explain. Lux had seen Jinx avoid getting hit by a ball during a game, flipping over a bench with perfect precision - something she never would’ve done a few months ago. She barely even seemed to think before moving, her body reacting with a fluidity that made Lux uneasy. The clumsy, awkward Jinx Lux knew so well seemed to have vanished. In her place was someone who moved like she’d been trained for years.
But the thing that really set Lux on edge were the bruises. Jinx’s knuckles were covered in them - deep, dark marks. It wasn’t just a few minor scrapes from her usual brawls; these looked like the aftermath of serious, unrelenting fights. Lux had asked her about them once, but Jinx had just shrugged it off, “Oh, it’s nothing.” But it wasn’t nothing. Lux wasn’t stupid. Jinx was fighting - a lot - and that wasn’t like her.
Lux’s chest tightened as she pieced it all together. The hearing. The strength. The agility. The spiders. The bruises. None of it made sense, and yet, it all pointed to something bigger - something Jinx wasn’t telling her.
And that hurt more than anything. Lux hated the idea that Jinx was keeping secrets from her, especially when it seemed like she was facing something serious. But what could Lux do? Push her for answers? Risk pushing her away completely?
For a brief moment, Lux’s heart clenched with an overwhelming sense of guilt. She didn’t want to believe her friend was hiding something - didn’t want to believe that maybe Jinx was keeping secrets from her.
Despite everything, Lux’s heart ached with loyalty. She cared about Jinx - so much it scared her. And no matter how strange things got, no matter how many unanswered questions lingered in her mind, she wasn’t ready to give up on her.
I don’t know what’s going on, Jinx, Lux thought, her gaze softening as she watched her friend scroll through her phone with that familiar, mischievous grin. But whatever it is, I’m not leaving you. Not now. Not ever.
---------------
Jinx meanwhile leaned back in her chair, idly scrolling through her phone as Lux buried herself in the book she’d just picked up. It was quiet - too quiet. Jinx always preferred noise, chaos, something to keep her from sinking into her own thoughts.
Then her phone vibrated. Once. Twice. Three times.
Her blue eyes flicked down to the screen. A message from Ekko.
Ekko: Heard some chatter on the police line. Ambush at the train station. Might want to check it out.
Jinx’s carefree expression instantly shifted, her brows knitting together in a mix of focus and irritation. She swiped to read the message fully, her thumb hovering over the screen as she processed the words.
An ambush. At the train station.
Of course, it had to be now.
"Everything okay?" Lux’s voice broke through her thoughts.
Jinx’s head shot up, her expression snapping back to neutral as she shoved her phone into her hoodie pocket. "Yeah, yeah. Just, uh… spam texts. You know how it is." She forced a crooked grin, but Lux wasn’t buying it.
"You sure?" Lux asked, her brow furrowing.
"Totally. Hey, listen…" Jinx stood abruptly, tugging her hood up. "I just remembered - I’ve got… a thing. An appointment! Yeah, that’s it. Super boring, super lame. So, uh, I gotta jet."
Lux blinked, confused by the sudden shift. "Wait, what? You can’t just leave. We were -"
"I’ll catch up later!" Jinx interrupted, already backing away. "Promise! Don’t wait up, Blondie."
Before Lux could argue further, Jinx turned on her heel and bolted toward the library doors. Lux sat frozen for a moment, her mind racing. Something about Jinx’s excuse didn’t sit right. It felt… off.
What kind of appointment could she possibly have this late? And why would she look so… worried?
Lux’s instincts flared. She slammed the book shut and quickly gathered her things, heart pounding. Lux pushed her chair back, the scrape of wood on tile echoing softly in the quiet library. Jinx was hiding something, and Lux was done pretending she didn’t notice. She slung her bag over her shoulder and hurried toward the exit, determination tightening her chest.
Whatever this is, Jinx, you’re not doing it alone.
---------------
Jinx walked briskly through the rain-slick streets, her hood pulled low over her head as the cool night air nipped at her cheeks. The message from Ekko played over and over in her mind.
An ambush at the train station. Great. Just what I needed tonight.
Her boots splashed through shallow puddles as her thoughts began to race, blending with the distant sounds of the city. She shoved her hands into her hoodie pockets, fingers brushing against the familiar fabric of her mask. Just the feel of it sent a wave of unease rolling through her chest. She hated carrying it around - it made everything feel real.
A knot tightened in her chest, not because of the ambush - no, she’d faced worse - but because of the way she’d left Lux back in the library.
Lux.
Jinx sighed, her grip tightening around the mask in her pocket as guilt gnawed at her. Lux didn’t deserve the half-assed excuse she’d thrown at her, and the look on her face when Jinx bolted… yeah, that was going to stick with her for a while.
She’s going to figure it out eventually, Jinx thought bitterly, kicking a stray can out of her path. Hell, she probably already has. Lux wasn’t dumb - not even close.
It was the way Lux always looked at her, like she could see through every lie, every deflection. Like she knew something wasn’t adding up. And that terrified Jinx more than she wanted to admit.
Because Lux wasn’t just some random person. Lux was Lux.
The one person who could make her feel like she wasn’t completely screwed up. The one who didn’t flinch when Jinx said or did something chaotic. The one who somehow made Jinx feel like she was worth something, even when the rest of the world seemed ready to write her off.
And you’re lying to her. Every single day.
Jinx’s jaw clenched as she crossed the empty intersection, her heart hammering faster now - not from the cold, not from the ambush, but from the weight of it all. She hated it. Hated that she couldn’t tell Lux the truth.
But what choice did she have?
She glanced up, the dim glow of the train station coming into view. Her steps slowed as she approached, the eerie silence settling around her like a second skin. Jinx took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever was waiting ahead. Her hand drifted back into her pocket, fingers brushing the mask again. She’d put it on soon, become someone else for a while. Someone who didn’t have to worry about hurting the people she cared about.
Keep her safe, Jinx thought, her hands curling into fists. Even if it means keeping her in the dark.
With one last glance over her shoulder, Jinx stepped into the shadows of the train station, ready for whatever came next.
---------------
The city skyline glowed faintly in the distance, blurred by rain streaking down the windows of the old train station. Jinx leaned against a rusted pillar, her hoodie pulled low over her head. She tapped her fingers rhythmically against the metal, the sound barely audible over the distant rumble of thunder.
For once, the night was quiet. No car chases, no thugs lurking in alleys, no cries for help. And yet, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that tonight wouldn't end quietly.
"You're hiding something." Lux’s voice rang out from behind her, startling her out of her thoughts.
Jinx froze. How did I not notice her?!
Of all the people who could’ve shown up here tonight, why did it have to be her?
"Lux, you can't be here..." Jinx turned around slowly, her heart pounding as she faced Lux.
Her blonde friend stood just a few feet away, rain dripping from her hair and jacket. Her expression was a mix of determination and concern, the kind of look that made Jinx’s chest tighten.
Lux folded her arms, ignoring the chill creeping through her soaked clothes. "You left without explaining anything. Again. And now you’re here, of all places. Alone." Her voice softened, though her eyes searched Jinx’s face intently. "What’s going on, Jinx? Why can’t I be here?"
Jinx’s jaw clenched as she stepped closer, her shoulders tense. "You really shouldn’t have followed me." she said, her voice low, almost a growl.
Lux raised an eyebrow, defiance flickering in her eyes. "And why not? What are you doing, Jinx? Why do you keep running off like this? Why won’t you just talk to me?"
Jinx shoved her hands into her hoodie pockets, her fingers brushing against the mask hidden inside. The sensation sent a chill through her, a reminder of what was about to happen - and why Lux needed to leave.
"This isn’t your fight, Lux." Jinx said, forcing a calm she didn’t feel. "You should head home. Now."
Lux tilted her head, refusing to back down. "Home? After you ditched me with that lame excuse? You think I haven’t noticed? You’ve been different, Jinx. You’ve changed."
Jinx flinched, her gaze darting toward the shadows of the train platform. Time was running out. The ambush could start at any moment, and Lux was standing in the middle of it.
"Lux, please." she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of the moment. "Just go home. It’s not safe here."
But Lux didn’t move. "Not safe? Jinx, you’ve been avoiding me for months. Disappearing, lying, keeping me and Vi in the dark. And now you’re telling me it’s not safe? You’re hiding something. Just tell me the truth."
"I can’t." Jinx said, her voice quieter now, almost pleading. "I want to, but I can’t. You just have to trust me."
Lux’s voice softened, though her resolve didn’t waver. "I do trust you, Jinx. But trust goes both ways. Why can’t you trust me enough to let me in?"
Jinx turned sharply, her frustration boiling over. "It’s not about trust, Lux! It’s about keeping you safe. From me. From everything."
The intensity in her words made Lux take a step back, but her eyes stayed locked on Jinx, steady and unyielding. "Then let me decide if it’s worth the risk."
"I’m serious, Lux." Jinx’s voice dropped, her words sharp. "You need to go. Now."
But Lux stood her ground, stubborn as always. "Not without you."
Before Jinx could argue, a loud crash echoed through the station, followed by the heavy thud of boots hitting the wet concrete. The shadows near the far end of the platform shifted, dark figures emerging from the gloom. Jinx cursed under her breath, her hand instinctively pulling the mask from her pocket. In one smooth motion, she slipped it over her face, the familiar fabric grounding her as she prepared for what was coming.
Lux’s eyes widened, realization crashing over her. "Jinx... what are you...?"
Jinx hesitated, guilt and frustration flaring in her chest. She grabbed Lux’s arm, her grip firm but not rough. "I’ll explain later." she said quickly. "Just stay out of sight."
But Lux didn’t move, her feet rooted to the ground as she stared at Jinx like she was seeing her for the first time. "You’re Spider-Rogue..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Not the time, Blondie." Jinx said, pushing Lux gently against the wall. Her voice softened, desperation creeping in. "Stay here. Please."
Before Lux could respond, the sound of voices and approaching boots grew louder. The ambush was in motion. Jinx let go of Lux’s arm and turned toward the shadows, where the danger was waiting.
Without another word, she launched herself into the fray, her movements sharp and precise, her body a blur as she intercepted the first of the attackers. Lux stayed frozen in place, torn between awe, fear, and a whirlwind of questions that made her heart race.
The train doors opened, revealing their target - a man clutching a briefcase, his expression a mix of fear and determination. The attackers surged forward, but Jinx was faster, a streak of shadow and chaos, throwing herself into the fight with a ferocity Lux had never seen before.
From her hiding spot, Lux watched, her mind racing. Who was this version of Jinx? And what else had she been hiding?
---------------
The attackers rushed forward, their boots splashing in the shallow puddles scattered across the platform. Jinx was already moving, her body coiled like a spring as she launched herself into the fray.
The first thug barely had time to react before Jinx’s fist connected with his jaw. The impact sent him sprawling onto the wet concrete, his weapon - a crowbar - clattering out of reach.
The second man swung a metal pipe at her, the weapon slicing through the air with a sharp whistle. Jinx ducked, her reflexes impossibly fast. She twisted low to the ground, sweeping his legs out from under him with a precise kick. He hit the ground hard, groaning in pain.
"Two down." Jinx muttered under her breath, her masked face tilted toward the remaining group. Her body felt alive, every nerve firing in perfect synchronization as she anticipated the next attack.
Three more thugs advanced, and one of them pulled a knife.
Jinx smirked beneath her mask. "Really? A knife? You’re gonna have to try harder than that."
The man lunged, but Jinx sidestepped with ease, grabbing his wrist and twisting it sharply. The knife dropped from his hand with a metallic clang, and before he could react, Jinx flipped him over her shoulder, slamming him onto the ground.
Behind her, another attacker swung a baton, aiming for her back. Lux, still hidden against the wall, gasped. "Jinx, look out!"
Jinx spun on her heel just in time, catching the baton mid-swing with one hand. Her grip tightened, and with a quick yank, she wrenched the weapon free, tossing it aside. She followed up with a sharp elbow to the man’s stomach, doubling him over, before delivering a swift uppercut that sent him staggering backward.
The last thug hesitated, clearly reconsidering his options. Jinx tilted her head, her body language radiating confidence. "You gonna make this easy and leave, or do I have to embarrass you in front of your friends?"
The man growled, pulling out a gun. Lux’s heart dropped.
"Jinx!" she shouted, panic lacing her voice.
But Jinx was faster. Before the thug could aim, she shot a webline from her wrist, the silk glinting in the faint light. The web hit the gun and yanked it out of his hand, sending it skidding across the platform. In the same motion, she leaped forward, delivering a flying kick that sent him crashing into a bench.
Silence fell over the platform, broken only by the sound of rain pattering against the roof. Jinx stood in the middle of the chaos, her chest heaving as she surveyed the unconscious attackers sprawled around her.
From her hiding spot, Lux stepped out, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "You... you just..." she stopped.
Jinx scanned the area, ears straining to pick up any signs of pursuit. The faint wail of sirens in the distance snapped her out of her thoughts.
"You… you’re Spider-Rogue…"
Jinx froze for a moment, the weight of the words crashing down on her. Lux had figured it out. She didn’t have time to process the implications, though, because the sirens were getting closer.
"No time for this." she muttered, spinning on her heel and grabbing Lux’s wrist. "We’re leaving. Now."
"Wait - what?" Lux protested, stumbling slightly as Jinx pulled her toward the far end of the platform.
"Not here, Blondie." Jinx hissed, her tone clipped. "The cops are on their way. We’ve got to move."
Lux struggled to keep up with Jinx’s relentless pace, the rain soaking through her jacket as they wove through the maze of benches and abandoned luggage. "The police? Jinx, why -"
"No time!" Jinx snapped, her voice sharp but desperate. Her grip on Lux’s wrist tightened as they finally burst out of the station and into the rain-soaked streets.
The city lights shimmered in the puddles around them as Jinx ducked into a narrow alleyway, tugging Lux in behind her. The sound of the sirens grew louder, bouncing off the brick walls as Jinx pressed Lux against the damp surface, shielding her from view.
"Stay quiet." Jinx whispered, her voice low and urgent. She kept her gaze fixed on the street leading to the alleyway, her muscles coiled like a spring, ready to act if needed.
The rain poured around them, masking their hurried breaths. Jinx’s mind raced. She couldn’t afford to let them get caught - not with Lux here, not with her identity exposed. But as she glanced over at Lux, something caught in her throat. Even soaked to the bone, rain streaming down her hair and face, Lux was… radiant. Her golden hair clung to her cheeks, her blue eyes wide and shimmering like the distant city lights. It wasn’t fair how effortlessly beautiful she looked, even in a moment like this.
Jinx swallowed hard, forcing herself to look away.
Get it together, Jinx. This isn’t the time.
Lux shivered beside her, rain dripping from her hair and jacket. "Jinx, what the hell is going on?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rain.
Jinx didn’t answer right away. Instead, she pulled off her mask with one fluid motion, revealing her flushed, rain-drenched face. Her blue hair clung to her cheeks as she stuffed the mask into her hoodie pocket. Turning back to Lux, she frowned, noticing how Lux’s teeth were chattering from the cold. Without hesitation, Jinx shrugged off her damp hoodie and draped it around Lux’s shoulders, wrapping it tightly to shield her from the biting rain.
"Here." Jinx said gruffly, avoiding Lux’s wide-eyed stare. "You’re freezing."
Lux blinked, stunned by the gesture. "Jinx..." she began, her voice soft.
"Don’t." Jinx cut her off, her tone sharp but laced with guilt. "Not now."
The wail of the sirens grew louder, then faded as the patrol cars sped past their hiding spot. Jinx exhaled a shaky breath, her body relaxing just slightly.
Once the sound of the sirens disappeared entirely, she finally turned back to Lux, her expression a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "You shouldn’t have followed me."
Lux pulled the hoodie tighter around her, still trembling from both the cold and the rush of adrenaline. "You keep saying that, but you won’t tell me why. Jinx, I’ve seen enough to know something big is going on. I’m not just going to walk away."
Jinx groaned, running a hand through her wet hair. "You don’t get it, Lux. This - this life, this mess - it’s not something you can just walk into. You don’t belong here."
"Then where do I belong, Jinx? Watching you disappear and lie to me over and over again?" Lux’s voice cracked as she spoke, but she held her ground.
Jinx clenched her fists, her knuckles aching from the fight earlier. She wanted to argue, to push Lux away for her own good, but the raw determination in Lux’s eyes made her hesitate.
"I just… I don’t want you to get hurt." Jinx finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lux stepped closer, her expression softening despite the tension in the air. "And you think watching you run off into danger without knowing what’s happening doesn’t hurt? Jinx, I care about you. I just want to understand."
Jinx looked away, the weight of Lux’s words sinking in. She wanted to tell her everything, but the thought of dragging Lux into her chaotic world made her stomach twist.
"We need to keep moving." Jinx said instead, her voice hoarse. "It’s not safe here."
Lux sighed but nodded, pulling the hoodie tighter around herself as Jinx grabbed her wrist again. Together, they slipped deeper into the city’s labyrinth of alleys, disappearing into the rain-soaked night.
---------------
The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time Jinx and Lux reached the small apartment building tucked into a quieter corner of the city. Jinx’s heart was still pounding from the narrow escape, her soaked shoes squelching against the pavement as she glanced around cautiously. Lux followed close behind, her arms wrapped tightly around Jinx’s hoodie as if it were a lifeline. The silence between them felt heavy, the unspoken questions lingering in the damp night air.
Jinx led Lux up the stairs, her hand gripping the railing to steady herself. When they reached the apartment door, she paused, her fingers hovering over the handle. She took a deep breath, listening carefully for any signs of life inside. The apartment was silent. No music blasting, no clatter of dishes, no heavy boots pacing across the floor. Vi wasn’t home.
Jinx let out a quiet sigh of relief as she turned the key and pushed the door open just enough to peek inside. The living room was dark, the faint glow of the city lights filtering through the curtains. Still cautious, Jinx stepped inside, her movements deliberate as she scanned the space one last time.
"She’s not here." Jinx murmured, more to herself than to Lux.
"Vi?" Lux asked softly, stepping into the apartment after her.
"Yeah." Jinx replied, shutting the door behind them. "She’s out. Probably won’t be back until morning."
The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, but her heart still felt like it was racing. She couldn’t let herself relax - not yet. Without another word, Jinx grabbed Lux’s hand, her grip firm but gentle, and guided her down the short hallway toward her bedroom. She pushed the door open, flicking on the small desk lamp in the corner. The room was a chaotic mix of Jinx’s personality - posters plastered on the walls, half-finished projects scattered across the desk, and a tangle of wires and gadgets strewn about. The bed, though, was surprisingly neat, the dark comforter pulled tight across the mattress.
Jinx let go of Lux’s hand and turned to face her, her expression unreadable. She reached out and pulled the bedroom door shut, the faint click echoing in the quiet apartment.
"You can sit." Jinx said, gesturing vaguely toward the bed. Her voice was softer now, almost hesitant.
Lux hesitated for a moment before sinking onto the edge of the mattress. She looked up at Jinx, her blue eyes searching for answers in her friend’s guarded expression. Jinx stood frozen in the doorway of her room, her mind racing. Lux sat on the edge of her bed, dripping rainwater onto the floor, her arms clutching Jinx’s hoodie tightly. The sight tugged at something deep inside Jinx- a strange mix of guilt and protectiveness that she couldn’t shake.
Without a word, Jinx turned and headed to the bathroom. She grabbed two towels from the rack, her fingers trembling as she dried her own hair roughly before making her way back to the bedroom. When she re-entered, Lux was staring at the floor, her hair plastered to her face, water dripping onto her knees. Jinx swallowed hard and silently handed her a towel.
"Here." Jinx mumbled, avoiding Lux’s eyes. She rubbed the back of her neck with her own towel, trying to focus on anything but the emotions bubbling inside her.
Lux took the towel slowly, but she didn’t move to dry herself. Instead, her grip tightened on the fabric, her shoulders trembling.
"Lux?" Jinx asked hesitantly, stepping closer. "Are you okay?"
At first, Lux didn’t respond, but then her shoulders shook harder. She buried her face in the towel, her breaths coming in uneven gasps.
"W-why?" Lux choked out, her voice cracking. Her hands clenched the towel as tears spilled down her cheeks, soaking into the already damp fabric. "We... are b-best friends..."
Jinx’s heart clenched painfully. She’d seen Lux cry before - little moments, like when they watched a sad movie or when she laughed so hard she couldn’t hold back the tears. But this was different. This wasn’t the Lux who always had a comeback, the one who could light up a room with her smile. This was raw, broken, and it cut Jinx deeper than any fight ever had.
"Lux..." Jinx whispered, her voice barely audible. She felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure whether to step forward or retreat.
"I-I thought we told each other e-everything." Lux continued, her sobs growing louder. "But you—you’ve been lying to me. You’ve been hiding so much, Jinx, and I... I don’t understand. Why didn’t you trust me?"
Jinx’s chest tightened, her fingers twitching at her sides. She wanted to say something - anything - to make it better, to erase the pain etched across Lux’s face. But no words came.
"Do you even care?" Lux’s voice broke, her head snapping up to meet Jinx’s gaze. Her tear-streaked face was flushed, her eyes red and filled with hurt.
Jinx couldn’t stop herself. She moved swiftly, kneeling between Lux’s legs, her face just inches away from hers. Her hands reached for Lux’s waist, pulling her closer, holding her tightly. She needed to feel her there, needed to make sure Lux knew that she was here, even if she couldn’t explain everything.
"I care." Jinx breathed, her voice trembling. "I care so much, Lux. You don’t understand... you’re everything to me. I just - I didn’t want you to see me like this. I didn’t want to hurt you."
Lux’s breath hitched, her hands coming to rest on Jinx’s shoulders, her body shivering. "Then why? Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you keep pushing me away?"
Jinx’s heart pounded in her chest as she pulled Lux even closer, her arms wrapping tightly around her waist, her forehead resting against Lux’s shoulder. She could feel the warmth of Lux’s breath against her skin, feel the tremors that ran through her body, and it made something inside Jinx snap. I’m not going to lose her, Jinx thought fiercely. Not like this.
"I didn’t want to hurt you." Jinx whispered again, her voice soft but urgent. "I thought... if I kept you away, if I kept you safe from this, you wouldn’t have to see the things I’ve become. But I was wrong. I’m sorry. I should’ve trusted you."
"Then don’t push me away anymore. Please. I’m here, Jinx. Just let me be here."
Jinx stared at her, her chest tightening as she took in every detail of Lux’s tear-streaked face. Even now, with her eyes puffy and her hair a mess, Lux was... beautiful. How could someone like her care so much about someone like me?
Jinx reached up, gently brushing a strand of wet hair out of Lux’s face. "I’ll try." she murmured. "I’ll try, okay? But it’s not easy."
Lux gave her a watery smile, the corners of her lips trembling. "I don’t need easy, Jinx. I just need you."
Lux's tears soaked into Jinx's shirt as she leaned into the embrace, her hands gripping tighter, like she was holding onto the only thing that made sense in a world that suddenly felt so uncertain.
"I just... don’t want to lose you." Lux whispered, her voice barely audible.
Jinx's grip tightened, her heart aching as she pressed a soft kiss to the top of Lux’s head. "You won’t. I won’t let you go. Not now... not ever."
For a moment, the world outside seemed to disappear. There was only Lux in her arms, her heart beating against Jinx’s chest, the soft sound of her breath mingling with the steady pulse of Jinx’s own. The room fell silent, the sound of the rain outside the only noise between them. Jinx didn’t know what would come next, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe - just maybe - she didn’t have to figure it out alone.
In that moment, nothing else mattered. They were together. And for now, that was enough.
After a moment of silence, Jinx finally pulled back slightly, just enough to look Lux in the eyes. Her expression softened, but there was a flicker of irritation in her voice.
"But seriously, Blondie." she muttered, her brow furrowing, "Don’t ever call me by my name when I’ve got the mask on. You might as well hand me over to the cops next time."
Lux blinked at her, momentarily stunned, before a soft laugh escaped her lips - half relief, half disbelief. "I'm crying, Jinx." she sniffled, wiping at her eyes with the towel. "And that’s your priority?"
Jinx smirked, her hands tightening slightly around Lux’s waist in a playful yet reassuring grip. "Hey, emotions or not, you can’t be blowing my cover. That’s like rule number one of superhero-ing. And rule number two? Don't follow me into danger, unless you want me to save you."
Despite herself, Lux let out another laugh, her voice breaking slightly as her emotions continued to bubble. Jinx’s smirk softened into something gentler, and as she looked at Lux - really looked at her - another thought surfaced unbidden in her mind. Maybe the mask is my cover, but she’s my anchor. My everything.
Lux rolled her eyes but leaned into Jinx’s touch, her smile trembling but genuine. "You’re impossible."
"And you’re stuck with me." Jinx replied, her grin softening.
For now, the tension eased, and the room filled with a quiet warmth that neither of them was ready to let go.