Akali: This all looks delicious!

Xayah, you, and Olaf had set out all the food that Olaf and Ezreal had made. Jinx and Grandma were already pouring some sake for everyone.....minus Akali.

Still had no idea what that was about.

True to their word, everyone else showed up as well. Rakan brought some bread rolls and sid dishes with him while Kayn brought some more drinks. Though, he had to leave early to open the bar.

Everything was delicious, of course, thanks to Olaf's skill around the kitchen. And the girls were very much the center of attention for everyone.

While they answered some questions and got to know everyone, you silently drank as you sat in your usual place.

You looked around the room and tried to remember the last time it was this packed. It's been a while. Maybe a few months or so.

Your eyes then landed on where Xayah and Rakan were sitting. Xayah had her head on his shoulder while he had a hand rested on her knee. You felt a small sting on your stomach.

They deserved to be together. You wished they would just make it official.

But that wasn't your place.

You then looked over to Ezreal and Jinx. You noticed your blue haired friend rub her wrist slightly as she happily spoke to the girls. Ezreal, on the other hand, rubbed his ear. You wondered if it still rang.

Olaf laughed loudly at some joke, but you could hear the crack in his voice. You then looked at the girls.

They were all smiling, but you had gotten good at seeing what was hidden underneath.

For them, it was uncertainty.

You knew how they felt. After all, it wasn't that long ago that you felt the same.

You weren't lying to the girls when you told them that everyone was here for a reason.

Rather it be death, self destruction, or a never ending fear, you had a place here.

A home.

And hopefully, they can find it as well.
**********
Xayah: Alright! Listen closely, you spoiled bitches! This is how it's going to be!

The pop stars stood in formation as Xayah started her......rougher introducing to the maid lifestyle. They all wore yukatas of their own which matched their preferred colors. Though, they didn't quite know what to make of Xayah's harsh nature.

Akali: Why are you saying such mean things?!

Xayah: Shut it, you brat!

Akali immediately closed her mouth and stood up straighter. You and Jinx watched everything unfold with Olaf off to the side. Xayah had woken them up pretty early and demanded that they stand in the courtyard despite the cold.

Olaf: That girl. She should soften up a bit.

Olaf took a drag of his pipe while you just watched with your arms crossed. You were leaning against one of the pillars while Jinx finished applying her makeup with her handheld mirror.

Jinx: Yeah, but it's also one of her better qualities. Besides, I think it turns Rakan on and I rather they not lose that.

Olaf: Agreed. How is the new vest fitting you, Y/N?

He was referring to the tan vest that he had given to you. He had outgrown it a while back but you never really found a good time to wear it. With the weather getting a bit chilly in the mornings, you figured now was as good as a time as any.

Y/N: It's cozy.

Olaf: I hope so. The inside is made with a soft bear skin.

You and Jinx stared at him to see if he was lying. You both them looked on the inside of the vest.

Xayah: You!

You both looked up to see Xayah pointing at Jinx.

Xayah: What do you think you're doing?! Get to work! You're the example now!

Jinx stood up straight and saulted.

Jinx: Ma'am, yes, ma'am!

Jinx immediately ran off to do her job. You and Olaf just stood there.

She couldn't boss you around so easily.

Xayah: Now, to get you hussies into shape.
**********
Ahri: This is pretty easy.

Ahri and Evelynn were in charge with folding and putting away the towels. Simple, right? Well....

Evelynn: There's too many. I feel like my arms are about to fall off from all this folding.

Indeed. There were countless towels to fold and put away. Then they needed to do the blankets, then the sheets, and then they'll regroup with the others to go around and clean the rooms that the guests will be using.

Ahri: This is better than being homeless.

Evelynn: I would not have been homeless. Look at me. Can you really see me on the streets?

Ahri said nothing in response. Evelynn looked at her friend.

Evelynn: Well?

Ahri: I mean......you do kinda look like an escort sometimes.

Evelynn glared at her friend.

Y/N: No murder allowed.

The two looked down the hall to see you walking towards them. However, they noticed some green paint on your cheek.

Evelynn: I wasn't going to murder her. Just beat her until she can't breath no more.

Y/N: Same difference. Good work on the towels.

Ahri stared at the small mark of green. Her mind suddenly went back to what Kayn had told them.

Ahri: Were you painting just now?

You nodded.

Y/N: Grandma needed the trimming around the baths painted. All that heat and steam finally did a number on it so I redid it with a protective layer.

Evelynn: Oh? The handsome handy man is busy today, isn't he?

You shrugged.

Y/N: Depends on how fast I can get things done. I gotta go fix the fence up the hill then I have some work to do on the sign out front.

Ahri: You really do do everything.

Y/N: Nah. Xayah handles the housekeeping like a champ and I'm not really allowed in the kitchen after what happened.

Evelynn: What happened?

The girls just watched as a shadow fell over your face. You could still see the flames. The screams and cries.

It was a night that will forever haunt you.

Y/N: I have to go.

The girls watched you drag yourself down the hall.

They looked at each other confused.
*********
Akali: I thought cleaning this stuff was Y/N's job.

Akali and Kai'sa got stuck with Jinx cleaning the hot spring area. The place you had just finished painting around. Since the water had been drained, Xayah figured now was a good time to get it all cleaned.

Jinx: Nah. He fixes things, not cleans them. Though he sometimes does both. I'm just happy to have help for once.

Kai'sa: Xayah doesn't help you?

Jinx: Sometimes? We switch off. One maid works around the Inn helping folks while the other cleans. It tends to work out most of the time.

Jinx washed the sides of the steps while Akali, who had now modified her yukata, scrubbed the floor around the spring.

Not really enjoying the awkward silence, Kai'sa decided to make some small talk.

Kai'sa: So, Jinx, how long have you been here for?

Jinx: About as long as Y/N. So, 6 years? 5 and a half?

Kai'sa: So you and Y/N must be close.

Jinx: As close as we can be in a brother sister relationship. He has my back and I got his. We all do.

Akali: So would you know if he was seeing anyone?

Jinx started to laugh while she shook her head.

Jinx: Like that guy can ever take time away from working and drawing to ever be in a relationship. He's a great guy and he's definitely popular with the ladies, but he dedicates himself to his work.

Akali pouted, but then got an idea. She smirked as she continued to clean.

Kai'sa: And what about Xayah and that Rakan guy? They seem close. Are they a couple?

Jinx stopped cleaning. Kai'sa noticed while Akali made her plan of attack. Jinx slowly started to clean again.

Jinx: No. They aren't together.

This came as a surpise to Kai'sa. She figured they were with how they were acting around each other the night prior. Plus, Rakan was flirting with her and she seemed to like it. She even flirted back a few times.

Kai'sa: Really? I wonder why. They seem perfect for each ot....

Jinx: Drop it.

Kai'sa flinched at the bite in her voice. The short girl said nothing else as she cleaned. Kai'sa, realizing she crossed a line, chose to accept the silence and take the advice. She went back to cleaning.

Jinx, however, did not disagree with the girl. She knew that her friends were perfect for each other. But they couldn't be with each other. Not yet.

Not while Xayah was still recovering.
*********
Olaf: Lunch.

Olaf set down a platter of sandwiches on the table where everyone had gathered. The day was half way over and the girls were already beyond exhausted. Even Akali, who was used to working an actual job.

Ahri: I don't even think I can lift my arms.

Xayah just shrugged and rolled up her sleeves. She grabbed a sandwich with one hand and took a bite, displaying her impressively muscled biceps.

The girls stared in awe and wonder.

Akali: She really is on a whole other level.

Evelynn, being Evelynn, reached out and ran her fingers along the muscle.

Evelynn: Darling, you must tell me your secrets.

Xayah swallowed her food and flexed with a smirk. The girls all watched with stars in their eyes.

Xayah: Hard work, ladies. Hard work.

Jinx: Speaking of hard work, where's Y/N?

It was only when she said that that the girls actually realized that you were gone.

Olaf: Probably still up the hill. You know how he is. He can't leave anything undone.

Xayah sighed as she stopped flexing.

Xayah: That guy really needs to learn to put himself before work. I swear, rain or shine he's working. It would be admirable if he didn't keep getting close to getting himself sick as a dog.

Ahri: He's really dedicated, huh?

Jinx: I thought we already had this conver.....oh yeah. You weren't there for that scene.

Jinx stared off into space for a moment before she shrugged and went back to eating. No one said anything for a bit.

Xayah: Anyways.....yeah. When it comes time to work, he just puts his head down and has tunnel vision.

Olaf: I've never meet someone who works so hard at his age.

Kai'sa was actually impressed by this. You seemed to be 22 or so and yet you were focused on what you did. And not only that, but you also helped around Kayn's bar and painted.

Seems like you never have free time.

Ezreal: Guess who decided to join you all for lunch?!

Ezreal slid open the door roughly, but Xayah quickly threw a nearby knife which lodged itself in the wall next to Ezreal's head.

Ezreal: On other thought....

Ezreal gently closed the door.
*********
After lunch, which you skipped out on, you were fixing a part of the roof. And by that, I mean you were hanging upside down from the roof and fixing the under part.

Why weren't you using a ladder? Well....

Y/N: Give me my ladder!

Jinx: No! Take back what you said!

Jinx held your ladder hostage which annoyed you, but you were also entirely willing to jump off the roof.

Akali scratched her ear as she enjoyed her walk around the Inn's grounds. After living here for a day, she had discovered new things about the town itself. And, of course, the Inn.

Namely how many trails that were around. And the best one was the one that was around the building itself.

However, she slowed to a stop when she spotted Jinx waving a ladder around, and you hanging upside down.

You held three nails between your teeth with a hammer in your hand. You swung it around frantically.

Y/N: I refuse to apologize! Give me my ladder, you flat chested blueberry!

Jinx: Take back what you said about my tattoos and I'll consider it!

Y/N: I'll throw this hammer!

Jinx: Do it!

She was only met with a flying hammer that barely missed her. She turned back to you with a shocked expression.

Jinx: You jerk!

Y/N: I warned you!

Akali: Uh, what's going on here?

Jinx and you stopped yelling and looked at the girl as she slowly walked over to Jinx. Jinx threw down the ladder and crossed her arms.

Jinx: He was being mean!

Y/N: I was being honest, which you told me to do!

Akali: What did you ask him?

Jinx: How my outfit was.

Akalo looked at the way Jinx was dressed. She wore a denim jumper with a black shirt under. On top of that, she wore a red beanie. She was able to get her work done early for the day, which was probably why she was here bothering you.

Akali: I think you look nice.

Jinx: Right?!

Akali then looked up at you.

Akali: What did you say?

Y/N: I said...

Jinx: He said I looked like a little kid.

Y/N: No. What I said was, "They won't even let you into the bar because you look like you go to kindergarten".

Akali: Somehow that's worse.

You just shrugged.

Y/N: Whatever. Give me the ladder, or I'm jumping.

Jinx rolled her eyes.

Jinx: Yeah right. We both know that you won't.....

She didn't get to finish her sentence before your body hit the ground which kicked up some dirt. Akali and Jinx both gasped while you groaned in pain.

Akali: Y/N!

They both helped you up to your feet as you coughed up some dirt.

Jinx: Are you stupid?

Y/N: I didn't realize how close to the edge I was. I think I slipped.

Jinx and Akali let go of you as you grabbed your side. You then turned to Jinx.

Y/N: Why didn't you just give me the ladder?

Jinx: Stop talking like you died and came back to haunt me. You're fine.

Y/N: I think I broke a rib.

Jinx just hit your side, which stung, before she marched off. You held your side while Akali watched the blue haired girl away.

Akali: Are you okay?

You watched Jinx for a moment until she was out of sight. You then stood up straight and dusted yourself off.

Y/N: Yep. Never better.

Akali was shocked by how fast you recovered. You rolled your shoulder which made it pop before you picked up the forgotten ladder. You set it back against the Inn and started to climb back up.

Akali: Wait, you're going back up?

Y/N: I got work to do. Don't you?

Akali shook her head. The girls decided to take their afternoon off completely. Since Grandma gave everyone else the rest of the day off, the girls figured now would be a good time to take an actual break.

Akali: Don't you have the afternoon off?

Y/N: I do, but this damn roof has been in the back of my mind for weeks now. It should only be a few minutes.

You began to nail in the layering while Akali watched. As you worked, she found her mind drifting back to that day at the tour.

She found her cheeks heating up at the memory. She slapped her cheeks before you climbed back down.

Y/N: And done.

You turned, and jumped when you saw her still there.

Y/N: Merde! You're still here?!

Akali was confused.

Akali: Uh, yeah? We just talked.

Y/N: Yeah. Like, half an hour ago.

Wait. Did she space out for that long?

You started to collect your tools before Akali finally snapped out of her trance.

Akali: Anyway, what are you going to do today? I don't think I've actually seen you take it easy.

You just picked up your tool box and smiled.

Y/N: I'm going to paint. Or something. I'm not sure.

Akali walked with you as you began to walk around the Inn so you could head back inside.

Akali: Well, how do you do that? Do you, like, go somewhere to get a good view or....

Y/N: Depends. Mostly I just paint in my room. Sometimes, though, I go and paint landscapes.

Akali: What about people?

You shook your head.

Y/N: Not really. I, uh, no one really has the patience to sit in one place long enough for me to paint them.

Akali: Oh.

Y/N: Ye....

Xayah: He did what?!

You and the younger girl looked to the Inn to see a door getting kicked open and Xayah marching out. She pointed at you with eyes of fury.

Xayah: You!

You gulped and immediately started to run away as quickly as you could, Xayah giving chase like a natural predator. Akali and Jinx watched as your friend tried to punish you for your carelessness.

Akali: I mean, at least it's not boring around here.
********
You stepped into your room with a towel over your head. The sun had set and the day was over. Time to sleep and do it all over again. It felt weird having the girls around now. Almost like having longterm guests.

You made it to your bed and sat down, letting out a relaxed sigh. You tossed your towel into a nearby hamper and looked to your small nightstand. You reached over and picked up a small green army man and examined it. You smiled to yourself before setting it down and laying down.

You had a feeling that things might change around here. You weren't against it, but you knew what it entailed.

You just hoped everyone was ready for it.