Work Text:
A woman sits in the office of a recording studio, carefully scrolling social media.
“What’s up Evee?” Seraphine pokes at her cheek as she walks out of the booth, swapping places with Zeri.
“Believe it or not, I do have work to do.” Evelynn sets her phone down before rubbing at the young girls cheek. “Your music group is under my label now, I have to think of ways to help your brand.”
“AWWWW!” Seraphine quickly hugs the demon. “See guys, she does love me.”
Nidalee laughs.
Ashe just sighs. “Evelynn, there is a reason my partners don't come to recording sessions, if you’re trying to help please keep Seraphine foc-”
Evelynn looks up with a death glare. “I’m still your boss miss frosty, and taking your band of misfits who had a bad first launch and making it work is hard, so just-”
Yone lets out a small chuckle. “It’s okay, she just needs a break from home.”
Evelynn’s lashers raise up adding to her threatening aura. “The fuck is that supposed to mean?”
Yone hesitates before answering. “I guess, just. Umm. Having a pregnant wife at home is tough work, isn’t it Miss Evelynn.”
Ashe and Nidalee turn to Yone and gasps, before looking back to Evelynn and Seraphine.
Seraphine hides behind Evelynn. “I didn’t tell.”
Evelynn sighs. “If Akali tells one more person without bringing it up to all of us I'm skinning her alive.”
“Don’t blame her, I joined the call as Yasuo was just checking on her, it was an accident.” Yone tries to calm the bulging vein in Evelynn’s forehead.
“I don't blame anyone, it's just been a bit of a day.” Evelynn Sighs.
“What’s up?” Seraphine say’s on the demon’s shoulder.
“Kai’sa wanted to come work with you guys on choreography.”
Nidalee nearly spits out her drink.”Isn’t she eight months pregnant?”
“Yes.” Evelynn holds her phone to her head, a known nervous tick. “And I got her to back down by saying I was looking for fashion designer’s today.”
“Don’t lie to Kai’sa.” Seraphine backs away, just enough to lightly slap Evelynn’s shoulder.
“I may know someone.” Zeri pops her head out of the door to the recording room.
“Oh?” Evelynn whips her head around, the lashers excitingly following, one smacking Seraphine in the face.
Zeri smirks. “Yeah, my roommate’s girlfriend just finished school and has been looking to get out there.”
Evelynn physically deflates. “Someone fresh out of school isn't enough to keep her happy.”
“How about you go meet her? A trip out of the studio may be enough.” Ashe suggests.
“Yeah, and we can work so you all will actually pay attention to me when I sing my heart out.”
Everyone laughs, and Evelynn leaves the rowdy crew to head to the address on her phone.
-
Evelynn knocks on the door to the specified apartment.
A young woman opens the door with pale hair done up above her head, her voice artificial. “Umm, hello?”
“I’m looking for Orianna Revic?”
“Speaking, who are you?”
“I’m Evelynn, I work with Zeri.”
“Ah, her boss she wishes wasn’t so scary.” Orianna invites her into the apartment.
“Zeri said your girlfriend is trying to be a fashion designer, and I am looking for someone to fill that role for their upcoming album.”
“Oh.” Orianna sounds surprised, before returning to her flat tone. “She’d love to hear that, she’s in her workshop at her college.”
“Zeri said she graduated?” Evelynn looks at Orianna confused.
“Yes, she did, but she hasn’t found anywhere to host her yet, all the contracts she’s gotten were predatory, and I make sure to read them before she does something foolish.” The line comes off particularly robotic, but in a defensive kind of way. “and her professors liked her so much they don’t mind letting her use their facilities.”
“Ah well, If she’s a good fit I’ll be sure to offer her a deal that lives up to your standards.” Evelynn laughs inside her head, she’s rarely so formal.
“Good.” Orianna nods. “Please don’t tell Zeri that I told you she thinks you’re scary, she’ll overcharge my voice box again.”
“I can manage that.”
-
The local design school workshop is surprisingly quiet as most students were home for break, bar one designer lost in her work.
Headphones in, jamming as she makes a new dress for her and Orianna's costumes for Halloween this year.
She hears a faint knock but pays it no mind as the faculty is likely still around.
Each cut with her well kept antique scissors runs through the threads like butter.
She stands up from her stool to retrieve the next layer of fabric and immediately barrels into a tall woman, and she falls to the ground. “Oh excuse me.”
Her black suit and intimidating grin has Gwen freeze on the floor.
The woman offers her a hand. “You really get into your work, I’ve been trying to get your attention for some time.”
“Oh I’m so sorry, umm what brings you here.”
Ignoring the question, the woman carefully circles the dress she made for orianna, currently sitting on a frame, the ball gown rather extravagant. “This is your work?”
“Yes ma’am.” Gwen blurts out.
Her grin grows, as she attempts an introduction. “I’m-“
“You’re Evelynn, the biggest name and talent scout in the industry of late.” Gwen speaks quickly, her tone full of awe.
Evelynn's grin blooms into a full face smirk. “It’s always nice to meet a fan of my work.”
“Of course, your taste is well known in the industry.”
“I’m currently in need of a fashion designer. Zeri recommended I have a talk with you, saying your work is, well,” Evelynn runs her clawed hands along the dress. “Immaculate doesn’t feel adequate.”
“Oh, I well, you see, I don’t know, I would need-“ Gwen tries to stutter out a response, but it’s greeted by laughter.
“You’re quite the adorable little thing, aren’t you? I could eat you up.”
The tone in which Evelynn says that leaves Gwen red in the cheeks, but she must finish her sentence. “I can’t work for you till I get a proper studio.”
“I can handle all that.” Evelynn walks very close,
putting a hand on her shoulder. “I’d hate to see talent like this go anywhere else. Pack up quickly if you can, I don’t like to negotiate outside my office.”
“Where’s that?” Gwen tilts her head puzzled.
“My house.”
-
Ahri’s phone rings as she’s curled tight in a ball, trying to take a nap in Akali’s lap. “Answer that for me babe.”
Akali picks up the phone. “Obnoxious fox records, how can I help you.”
Evelynn’s voice rings over the phone. “Apologize to foxy for interrupting nap time, but tell her I’m bringing someone over.”
Ahri shifts back to her normal form, completely ruining Akali’s attempt at the current boss she is on. “Your pregnant wife is downstairs, and you’re bringing someone over-“
Evelynn switches language to something old enough only her and Ahri know. “Ahri, she’s a sweet little fashion designer, cute as a button, and clumsy, and her work… well check your phone.”
Ahri receives a few pictures, and she immediately opens them to find the most divine dress she’s seen since her and Evelynn’s first wedding. “Who is she?”
“She’s freshly graduated, no experience, suprised she’s not been snapped up by someone more, predatory. the only reason she’s dating a lawyer.’
Ahri begins to slowly wander the house, as she can’t contain her excitement. “You really like this one.”
Returning to English Evelynn sighs. “Yeah I do.”
Ahri arrives in the living room. “Awesome, can’t wait to meet them, but fair warning, Kai’sa not here to meet her.”
“What!?” Evelynn screams through the phone.
“I’ll figure it out, you get home.”
“Okay, keep me posted.” Evelynn sighs. “What are we gonna do with her?”
“I don’t know Eve, but we’ll figure it out.” Ahri hangs up the phone before heading back towards Akali’s room. “Akali put on pants we’re having company.”
“You’re the one who took them off so my lap was comfier. you find them.”
-
Evelynn sighs as her partner hangs up the phone. “Kai’sa is not at the house, so I’m going to go find her after I let you see the space you’ll be working in.”
“That’s fine.” Gwen smiles as she messages someone on her phone. “This is very exciting, I feel like I won a contest or something.”
Her tone makes the smile infectious despite Evelynn focusing on the road. “Do you have any questions about the job?”
Gwen seems to freeze. “I just assumed you’d ask me to make something and I’d do that, and then I’d get paid-“
Evelynn takes her eyes off the moment to give this woman a glare. “Did you not take a class on contract negotiation?”
“I kind of slept through it…” Gwen fiddles with the hem of her dress. “I stayed up all night working on my projects… so I couldn’t stay awake.”
Evelynn sighs. “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get everything you need dear, I don’t make predatory contracts anymore.”
“Anymore?” Gwen asks, tilting her head to the side.
“I don’t live up to my reputation anymore. My partners have made sure I'm a big softie now.”
Gwen laughs at that. “You’re still really scary to me.”
Evelynn laughs, as she pulls up to the gate to her home. “Thank you dear, but you have nothing to fear.”
Past the gate Evelynn notices Gwen fidgety in her seat. “Transportation can be arranged if you need it.”
“I don’t have a liscense so that will-'' Gwen looks up to see the large house. “Wow, it’s so big.”
“It’s after a lifetime of hard work,” Evelynn can’t help but put a proud smile on her face. On cue the doors to the garage open up.
The garage itself is as large as Gwen and Orianna’s apartment. “Well you’ve done a lot of work then.”
Eve gets out of the car and walks around to Gwen’s door letting her out. “Thank you dear.”
Gwen walks up to the steps into the large living room, the vaulted ceilings hanging high above her head, but the furniture seems more sturdy and practical than she was expecting. “It’s more home-y than I expected to be, to be honest.”
Evelynn lets out a single chuckle. “You can thank Kai’sa for that, she was very adamant about practicality when she moved in.”
Gwen nods. “So where will I be working?”
“Ah, you’re in the activity wing. The house is divided, activities on the right, bedrooms and such on the left,” Evelynn guides Gwen through the hallways until arriving at a large room, with lots of storage, open table space, and a couch. “Most of the equipment is in storage but this will be yours, the dance studio is across the hall, so it’s appropriately sound proof-.”
Gwen dashes past her going through every nook and cranny, a mile wide smile on her face. “There’s so much storage, who designed this? They’re a genius!”
“That would be Kai’sa. She wanted to dabble in this before we decided to move forward with a professional designer for All/Out, so it’s mostly been untouched.”
Gwen finds the sowing station with 3 different sowing machines and jumps up and down on her feet. “Well when I meet her I’ll have to hug her because she is… this is just so smart.”
“Speaking of,” Evelynn gets a phone call, answering the phone as she steps away leaving Gwen to explore. “Kai’sa-“
“Eevee, where are you?!?” Kai’sa voice comes through, sad and exhausted. “I drove all the way to the studio and they said you aren’t even here, you never gave me my goodbye kiss.”
“I’ll come pick you up, have Sera run through her set with you till I get there.”
“Okay,” Kai’sa tone flattens momentarily. “Don’t drive like a maniac to get here, I’m gonna time it, and if you drive recklessly I’m going to never deseed a pomegranate for you ever again.”
Evelynn laughs at the threat. “Of course darling.”
The girls hang up and Evelynn returns to the door. “I have to go pick up Kai’sa at the studio will you be fine waiting here for a bit.”
“Where’s the bathroom?” Gwen asks curtly.
“Oh, it’s the room out the door to your left. Thanks again for being so… understanding.” Evelynn dashes off before Gwen can give an additional response.
-a few minutes pass-
After fully exploring the room Gwen sits on the couch. Pulling out her phone she calls Orianna.
She picks up almost immediately. “Yes love, everything okay?”
“I’m a bit in over my head, I think I might have found a job, but-“
“Evelynn found you, I assume?” Orianna stirs her coffee.
“Yeah, I kind of got blinded by stardom, I’m in her house, in this perfect studio, and I’m just way over my head.”
“Breathing excercises not working?” Orianna tried to reassure her partner.
“They are, I’m calm, just out of my depths.” Gwen gestures with her hands despite no one being around to see. “Everything just feels too good to be true, but she’s not like the others; she seems… sweet.”
Orianna pauses before circling around to the previous statement. “Wait, she took you to her home? That’s such bad business practice, I’m coming over.” Orianna began packing up her things.
“Ori, stop. Calm down before you drive okay?”
Orianna freezes. “Okay… also can you send me an address.”
“Oh… I don’t have it.”
Orianna sighs. “I’ll call Zeri, please don’t go to strangers' houses in the future please.”
Gwen suddenly perks up, looking at the door. “Babe, they have a pet fox.”
“Please be careful, foxes are known to bite.”
Almost as if hearing the insinuation that she could be dangerous the platinum fox immediately hops up into Gwen’s lap.
Gwen sets her phone down. “Well if you aren’t the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Orianna knows when Gwen is distracted, settling to hang up the phone and focus on finding wherever her partner is.
The fox tenderly rubs into Gwen’s hand as if asking her to pet her.
Gwen obliges, rubbing her behind the ear. “You’re very sweet.”
The fox curls up really tight on her lap.
Gwen sits like this for a few minutes before the door suddenly slams open.
The Rogue of K/DA enters the room, holding a broom. “You know the rules, only one nap.”
“Excuse me.” Gwen looks at her confused.
The fox sits up quickly hissing at the woman.
Akali shakes her head. “Trying to garner sympathy from the new girl won’t help you, it’s your turn to sweep.”
“Huh-“
Gwen’s objection is interrupted by the fox talking in a familiar voice, and a pout. “She gives good scritches unlike someone.”
Akali shakes her head. “My scritches skills are unquestioned, you’re just trying to get out of chores.”
“Ugh, fine.” The fox sighs.
Gwen’s voice is a lot louder than intended. “Can someone explain what’s going on?”
“Oh” Akali lets out a chuckle. “That’s Ahri.”
“Huh!” Gwen screams. “Wait, the theories she not just a normal fox vestayan-“
“Yeah.” Ahri says as she pitter patters towards the door. “I’m gonna go put clothes on, Akali answers questions dear.”
“She was NAKED!?!?” Gwen falls back against the back of the couch. “Don’t do that to someone…”
“She does it a lot,” Akali shakes her head.
Ahri laughs to herself. “People normally like it.”
“PLEASE put your clothes on,” Gwen screams.
“Fine, fine I’m going.” Ahri finally departs the room.
“Sorry about her. This is the only spot Ahri gets to let out her more wild side.” Akali rubs the back of her head.
“So are all the rumors true then? Like about you all-“
“Yeah, we’re dating/fucking” Akali says with a smile.
Gwen goes red in the face. “What… no I meant like, are you all, inhuman?”
“Oh!” Akali’s smile falls off. “Well yeah, I don’t pay much attention to the rumors but I wouldn’t call us inhuman, we got a lot of human things about us, even the old geezers.”
“Sorry.” Gwen bows to them. “I didn’t mean anything by it, I just have heard things, and if I was going to be working here, I wanted to know.”
Akali just laughs, as she walks over tussling the girl's hair. “Don’t worry your pretty little head, none of us would do a thing, the farthest would be Seraphine being annoying, but that’s nothing to do with her recent changes. But I’ll leave you to the work-“
“Akali, you aren’t scaring my prospective hire are you?” Evelynn stands at the door with a raised brow.
“Oh I’m definitely not, I’ll leave that to Kai’sa.” Akali says with a grin, before departing.
“Can you help her with dinner, she’s being insistent on cooking tonight?” Evelynn asks before Akali reaches the door.
“Yeah yeah, do your business.”
“So, miss Gwen, I had my legal team come up with a prospective contract, including retainer fees since I’ll want you past this particular project,” crosses the room standing in front of her.
Gwen scrunches up as she approaches.
Evelynn holds up a large contract. “There is a synopsis on the last page-“
Kai’sa pushes the door open interrupting Evelynn. “Babe! You’re overwhelming her, you can’t just say stuff like that.”
Evelynn turns back to Gwen. “Oh, apologies, where are my manners?”
Gwen unfolds a little bit. “It’s okay, I’ve just never been confident in this contract end of things.”
Evelynn sets the contract down on a desk. “We can do all that later.”
“I’ll leave you two to your stuff, I’ve been on my feet too much,” Kai’sa smiles. “I trust your judgment, my temptress.”
Evelynn blushes, a rare thing to see on the demon’s face.
Kai’sa smiles. “I’ll be sitting in my fancy chair while my wife cooks me exactly what I want, you two have fun.”
“Do you have any questions?” Evelynn poses to the still kind of stiff Gwen.
“Oh, I don’t even know where to start.” Gwen’s shoulder’s sank again. “I kind-“
Evelynn offers a hand out to the young girl. “Then, we can go through it piece by piece or I can send you home with the contract for your partner to review. I’m not in any rush here.”
“But you said it was-“
“I said I was desperate, not the project,” Evelynn shakes her head. “because I was desperate to impress Kai’sa, and that dress you made had her practically drooling, so you certainly did that. Come on, Akali’s cooking pupusas, we can send you home with some.”
-two weeks later-
A formal office which normally was for board meetings held just four people, But a fierce legal battle raged between Orianna and Evelynn.
Ahri wanted to join in at first, but since it wasn’t her project she forgot to read the contract having spent too much loafing in Kai’sa hoodie hood, cuddling her wife.
Gwen reserved herself to not get involved as she’d also not read the contract past the bullet points because she was too busy working on something else these past two weeks.
The talks were seemingly calming down after nearly an hour of heated argument.
“Everything is ready, all that’s left is her signature. She’ll work and stay nights at the discretion of her fixation, but we have one addendum.” Orianna says locking fierce eyes with Evelynn.
“Oh?” Evelynn’s voice hooks up, intrigued.
Gwen holds up a piece of fabric. It appears to be a small black outfit, sown from the hanger. Speaking as confidently as she could, while reading from a note card. “Should Ahri bother me during my work, being a distraction, I reserve the rights to make and put outfits on her fox-“
Ahri immediately yips as she stands up. “No fucking wa-“
Evelynn cuts her off. “Deal.”
“What?!?” Ahri looks at her wife in shock.
“I’m not petting you while you're naked, it’s weird.”
-Halloween night-
Gwen sits on the couch, as Orianna sleeps on her shoulder, while fox Ahri sits in her lap in a perfectly fitting witch costume. Gwen is growing tired.
“I can take the fox off your hands if you want me to take you two home?” Evelynn uses the soft tone Gwen only hears when they’re alone.
“Maybe later, she rarely gets to have fun like this, so she deserves the rest that comes with it.” Gwen carefully tucks a piece of orianna’s hair behind her ear so it wouldn’t bother her sleeping. “Thanks again for the invite.
Evelynn sits next to her, perching herself on the armrest of the couch, using her lashers for balance, she stares out the window. “Don’t mention it doll, the costumes you made were the life of the party. And besides you two are welcome any time, party, work, whatever, just a heads up so Akali doesn’t accidentally flash Orianna like the first time she came over.”
“We still joke about that.” Gwen smiles a little less bright, as the tired begins to take her, feeling safe in the moment.
“This world isn’t always kind, we gotta treasure those moments where-“
Evelynn stops as she feels the weight of Gwen sink onto her leg, with Orianna’s weight tagging along. Evelynn can’t help but laugh to herself.