Creatures

This One's For You

Ahri POV

Walking up the staircase of the jet I was boarding, I turned around to take one last look at Ionia. Finishing up my world tour, I was finally ready for some rest and relaxation. I was preparing to announce I was going to go on hiatus and would be taking a break from the life of a popstar.

 I wanted to finally put my all into graduating from high school and getting into a good university.  I loved the life I was living, but, I still wanted more for myself besides just being a celebrity.  My jet was leaving from Ionia International Airport and would be returning me to Piltover. I had been gone for a little over 3 weeks now, finishing up the last bit of my tour in Noxus and Ionia.

I couldn't wait to see my friends again and catch up on everything I missed. Eve had been talking my ear off last night about some new kids I would have to meet. I finally boarded the plane and walked back to the lounge area. I had never dreamed I would take this music career to the top in the ways I did. 

 But now, I needed a break. My mental health had started to take a hit recently and I started feeling burned out. I sat down in one of the chairs with a sigh. With the touch of a button on the arm of the chair, my seat started to recline. I had turned into my side slightly so I wasn't putting too much weight on my tails.

"Hey, how are you feeling, ready for takeoff," Irelia peeks her head around the corner.

I turn my head towards her, "Yeah, ready to be home."

"I heard that, this whole tour has been draining for every party involved, get some rest kiddo."

"I will, thanks Irelia", I finish.

Irelia is my manager and my adoptive mother. My parents died when I was young and Irelia, a very close friend of my mothers, became my guardian. A few years ago she finalized all the paperwork and officially adopted me.  Irelia has been my rock throughout my whole career and has given everything to make sure I could pursue this life that I did.

I rolled over on my side and pulled my phone out and put my headphones on. I was finally hoping to check my personal Chirper account. I started a wind down playlist from my phone and started scrolling. This account was separate from my brand account so I could easily keep in touch with my friends. Mainly just reading stuff about kids complaining about schoolwork. More pictures of the school account posting sports pictures. That was until I saw something that shook me so hard I almost shot out of my seat. It was Eve sitting with a group of people at Azir's Pizza. But what really caught my eye was the arm she had around a certain boy. It was Y/N, there was no mistaking it. I hadn't talked to him since his last birthday, but I would never forget that face and those eyes.

I immediately went back to my phone's main screen and into my contacts. I scrolled until I found his name, and froze there over his contact page. Was this a good time to call, would it be too awkward? That picture was posted minutes ago, was he busy? I swallowed my fear and the next thing I knew my phone was ringing.

                                                                                          Y/N POV

The rest of the group was asking me what kind of pizza I would want. I thought about it before I noticed my phone ringing. Before I could give an answer I saw who was trying to call me.

The name on the phone said Ahri with a Fox emoji next to it. Why was she calling me now of all times? A shiver went up my spine and I could hardly breathe. Everything around me felt so close and all the people around me felt almost constricting. I didn't even think about what they might think. Because, before I could tell what was happening I was on my feet, phone in hand, moving towards the exit.

The cold air hit my face as I walked off to the side of the restaurant and sat on the bench connected to the building.

I stared at my phone for a while as it kept ringing. I snapped back to when I realized I missed the call and my phone went back to it's lock screen.

I frantically opened my phone and went to go where it showed I had a missed call from Ahri. But, before I could hit to call her back my finger froze over her contact. Could I even bring myself to talk to her. Our last conversation was a good one, but I still get hung up about the way we both split years ago. My decisions became easier as I saw she was calling me back.

This time I barely hesitated to answer the call. However, my words got caught in my throat, and a tear almost escaped my face.

Through a shaky voice I was finally able to speak up," H-hey."

"H-hi", the voice on the other end said shakily.

"Hi, Ahri. It's been a while", I said this time a bit more naturally.

"Hi Y/N. I'm hoping this isn't a bad time", she says.

"No, of course not. It's never a bad time to hear from you, it's just been a while I guess. Though, I guess being as famous as you are, it wouldn't leave much time for much else."

"Yeah, it's been a long time since I've had time for much else", she sighs. "My recent tour is finally over, and I've honestly been thinking about taking a break for a while", she adds, a hint of sadness in her voice.

Before I could even say anything to her she continued on, "I want to live my life beyond just that of a celebrity. I miss the days when I could just be myself, Ahri."

"Yeah, you've been working at this for a while now. When was the last time you actually stopped,"I ask, unable to hold back the concern in my voice?

"It feels like I haven't stopped moving since I was 13. But, this will be the first extended break I've taken since I started my career," her voice comes through, sounding tired.

"It was never easy getting you to stop at anything. You're stubborn in that way," I tell her with a small laugh.

"Hey, that's not very nice," she replies with a playful laugh of her own. She continues, "I miss just talking like this, I know you're just a phone call away. But everything just feels like a mess most days."

"I'm not an international superstar, so I don't exactly get it. However, I know it probably isn't that easy to find time to talk to everyone you want to, " I reassure her.

"Mhm," she says. "I think I have to go now though, my plane is getting ready to take off. I don't know what it was, but I just felt like hearing your voice."

"It was nice hearing from you after so long. Don't be a stranger though next time. I hope I get to hear from you sooner than later next time," I say to Ahri.

I can hear the smile behind her words, "Yeah, I'll definitely be getting in touch with you now that I'm taking a break. It was good to hear you, bye Y/N."

"Bye Ahri, take care," I say before the phone call disconnects.

I take a look at my phone as the phone screen turns into my lock screen. Eleven minutes have passed, so I tucked my phone into my pocket and headed back inside. I hope the atmosphere isn't too awkward, since I just kind of ran out of Azir's.

I get up from the bench outside and head towards the door. The door's bell dings as it opens and I look over to where everyone was seated at the table. They seem to have been getting on just fine. Relief washed over me, I didn't intend to make anyone worry or freak them out. So it was nice to see them carrying on like normal. I make my way over to the table and pull my chair out and sit back down. I couldn't help but let out a small exhale. This day feels like it's been dragging on forever.