Will you look past my mistakes?

Have you ever seen the rain

Is it not strange, or even funny, how we dread about trivial things? For a species widely considered an apex predator capable of adapting to nearly all circumstances, we are frail and sometimes hilariously conflicted and uncertain. Akali, by no means, was any different as she stood beside Bookie, feeling her clothes slowly drenching with a cold, fearful sweat and a constant shiver running up and down her spine. So many times in the past, she had put on a mask of bravery, stating that she was past Evelynn, yet she knew it was but a lie. When the blonde-haired woman had told Kai'sa about her fears and uncertainty regarding the KDA's diva, she meant it. It would have been foolish of her to assume that the siren's charm ceased working on her, that her magic was ineffective. No ... no ... Akali knew if Evelynn wanted her back, she would have found a way to fulfil that most likely petty desire or perhaps a whim.

Even though the group's rapper had yet to say a word, the lead dancer could sense her distress and deeply seated conflict. With no better idea in mind, she squeezed her friend's left hand, trying wordlessly to reassure her. It seemed to work as Akali returned the gesture immediately, turning her head to the side to flash an apologetic and wary smile.

"Thank you," the blonde whispered so quietly that despite how nonexciting the distance between them was, Kai'sa could barely hear. "I know ... I act unreasonably now," she added, casting down her sight.

"No," the lead dancer retorted momentarily. "No, you're not acting unreasonably. You're simply scared ... it's normal, it's human," she continued, squeezing the rapper's hand even harder. "No matter what happens ... remember, I'm here for you. Much like you're always there for me."

"Thank you," Akali whispered, taking the lead and gently hugging the taller woman. Despite her distress, conflicted mind, and uncertainties, she had perfect control over her seemingly unnatural strength. "Thank you for looking my way," she added, if possible even quieter.

"Don't mention it," Kai'sa replied, allowing herself to be pulled into a full hug and cherishing Akali's familiar and soothing warmth. Even though she tried to act as if this situation did not bother her in the slightest, it could not have been much further from the truth. "We'll go through that together ... always together," she added, putting some strength into the embrace they shared.

Though, the moment was immediately ruined as an all-too-familiar clicking sound filled the apartment, indicating their bandmates provided the valid passcode and opened the door. Momentarily, Akali shuddered, her nostrils filled with the smell of obnoxiously potent and characteristic perfume Evelynn adored. The blonde remembered vividly waking up to this scent, seeing these expensive bottles lined on the shelf, and buying them as an occasional gift. Her mind was on the run, urging her to leave and never return. But ... it would be a clear and apparent contradiction to her earlier words, as she knew deep inside that her leaving would have undoubtedly upset Kai'sa. No, for her, she needed to endure and put the past behind her. It was a challenging feat to ask for, but the rapper was willing to give it her best shot.

"Kai, Kali, where are you?" Ahri's warm voice filled the air, coming increasingly closer by the moment.

"Kitchen ... we're in the kitchen, Ahri," Bookie regained her composure relatively quickly and replied hoarsely.

"I'd have expected you to greet us by the door," the group's leader started in a complaining manner. "Or ... perhaps you did something naughty there and stopped paying attention to the time?" she added, swiftly switching her tone to tease.

"Nothing happened, Ahri," Akali retorted, trying her hardest to control her voice and overall trembling. "We were in the middle of a conversation when we heard you entering," she added, opting to tell the half-truth.

"I told you, there's nothing to worry about, Gumiho," Evelynn's velvet-like voice sounded, effortlessly asserting dominance. "Akali's young but not stupid; the same goes for Kai'sa," she added as if reprimanding her partner.