Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a long, lonely drive to the winter Kiramman estate, but Caitlyn found peace in the journey. Wheels humming against the pavement, instrumental holiday music playing softly from the speakers. No memos. No meetings. No ‘as per my last emails’. No surprise cases. She could mute the notifications on her phone and just exist in the moment. Not that visiting her family for the holidays meant any sort of real rest or relaxation. Caitlyn's mother would be hosting at least one large party to appease business partners and investors. Then there was the high possibility of other events their family would be expected to attend.

It was only a week-long trip and she was already exhausted just thinking about it.  It was, however, the closest thing to a vacation she could manage. There was also Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to look forward to. Those days were always reserved for family and sometimes close family friends. Real family friends. Like Jayce. He had said he and his mother might try to make it this year. Caitlyn hoped against all hope that they would.

A sudden ringing pulled her from a hopeful daydream of a normal family Christmas, as the picture of her mother's face flashed up on her phone screen. With a sigh she pressed the hands free button on her steering wheel to answer. 

“Hello mother.” 

“Caitlyn, you shouldn't be answering your phone while driving.”

Rolling her eyes, Caitlyn suppressed an exasperated sigh. “You're on speaker. I didn't even have to touch my phone to answer.” 

“I see.” There was a slight pause, “I emailed you over the guest list for the Christmas Eve dinner and–” 

“Christmas Eve? I thought we were hosting the night before like we always do?” She tried to keep her sinking disappointment out of her voice but the click of her mother's tongue indicated she had failed gloriously.

“It was the best day for the majority we wanted to invite. I'm sure it will be just as lovely as our usual Christmas Eve celebrations.” Her mother was trying to sound at least a little apologetic. That was more than Caitlyn had ever gotten in her early years of adulthood, so she tried not to be too disappointed.

Not trusting her voice immediately, Caitlyn took a long breath, flicking on the windshield wipers as snow began to fall. “Very well, Mother.” 

“Drive safe, dear.” 

“I will.” 

The call disconnected and jazzy holiday music began to pick up again. The soft thwip thwip of the windshield wipers syncing momentarily in time with the music. Her headlights illuminated the flurries of snowflakes that were quickly turning the landscape into a lovely winter wonderland. 

Well, it would be lovely if Caitlyn was already at her parents’ estate, wearing her plushest robe with a cup of hot chocolate in her hands. But instead she was in her car, alone. Part of her wished she had someone with her for all of this. She'd be able to avoid all the thinly veiled questions and prodding from her mother. Most of all though, it would simply be nice to have someone to spend the holidays with that wasn't her family or a business partner.

Driving for a while longer she reminisced on past years at the estate. The holidays were the only real reprieve she’d had from her busy school schedule. She had been quite studious, with many extracurriculars, as was expected. It continued into University. So much of her time was taken up she hadn't even considered dating anyone until she met someone in her sophomore year of college. It was short lived but wasn't her last. She had brought one girl home towards the end of her time in University. It was summer vacation and her mother had insisted. 

Caitlyn ended things with the girl a week later. 

It may have not been the kindest thing to do, but the trip quickly made it obvious that she had only dated the girl because she was the sort of partner her mother would approve of. She had been so lonely when she met her and it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. It wasn’t fair to either of them to keep trying for something Caitlyn’s heart just wasn’t into. That was one saving grace about adulthood. She no longer had to spend every waking hour doing everything she could to prove she was the good and dutiful daughter she was expected to be. Not that she had reprieve from it during these family get-togethers. Some expectations never changed, and neither did her desire to prove to them that she was what they wanted her to be. Just in her own way. 

Luckily she still had a few hours of peace to herself on the drive there and decided to set all that away and just enjoy watching the world turn white. While winter could be hard, biting, and unrelenting, it could also be quite beautiful and serene. She enjoyed sitting out on the covered balcony of her city condo, hot tea in hand as she looked out to the mountains in the far distance with their white caps. There was a nearby park that would transform under a temporary blanket of white a few times each winter. If they managed to get there before the sun began to melt everything, she’d sometimes get to see little snow people and creatures built by children that lived nearby. They’d never last very long but there was still a beauty and innocence to it all that warmed her heart. Unfortunately by the afternoon, everything was grey sludge, but it never seemed to deter it from happening.

Lost in her thoughts, the time slipped away, signs leading off the highway bringing her ever closer to her holiday destination. The snow had not let up and piles had gathered along the sides of the road. It at least looked like they had plowed some of the roads but she worried for the way up to the Kiramman estate. Surely her parents would have anticipated this.

Suddenly there was a flash of movement from the side of the road and something large darted onto the tarmac in front of her. Panicked, she slammed on the breaks, veering to the side in an attempt to avoid whatever animal had just run in front of her. What was probably only seconds felt like minutes in slow motion. Her car slid on the icy ground as she tried to regain control. With a spray of snow, her car eventually stopped as it hit a fairly large bank of snow. The windshield was fully covered in powdery snow and chunks of ice, and everything was eerily quiet. Breathing heavily, Caitlyn rested her head on the steering wheel, willing the panic to diminish. She was okay. Whatever it was that ran in front of her was long gone. She was simply stuck in the snow and just needed to back out and continue on her way. 

With a final deep breath she lifted her head, immediately noticing the darkness of her dashboard and the fact the music was no longer playing. Dread filled her yet again as she reached for her keys and turned them in the ignition. The engine gave a jarring whine, but did not start. She took another breath and tried again. Same result.

“Shit.” She hit the steering wheel in frustration, sitting back and ruminating on her options. Pulling out her phone, she called her mother.

“Caitlyn? Is everything alright?”

She wasn’t expecting her mother to ask, and, frankly, she wasn’t alright, but she wasn’t about to let her first impression with her mother in a year be her breaking down with her car stuck in a snowbank.

“I’m fine. I just wanted to let you know that I’m having some vehicle issues so I might be a little later than originally planned.” She kept her voice level and calm. She had this under control and could handle figuring out what she was going to do. “I’m going to call the insurance company and–”

“Your father says to not bother calling roadside assistance, we’re a bit too remote for them to come out in a timely manner. He’s texting you a shop that comes highly recommended.” It wasn’t that Caitlyn wasn’t grateful that her parents cared, but sometimes she just wished they’d let her figure things out on her own sometimes.

“Thank you both.” Caitlyn sighed, not feeling like the fight was worth it. “I’ll keep you updated.”

“Be safe dear!” Caitlyn heard Tobias call out.

Caitlyn gave a small smile and nodded. “I will. See you both soon.” 

“Take care, dear.” The call ended and Caitlyn sat back again, closing her eyes and taking a few slow, deep breaths. After a moment she tried to turn the car on again, but to no avail. She really was dead in the water, so to speak. Picking her phone up again she dialed the number that her father had sent. It rang a few times and she worried no one would pick up.

“The Last Stop Mechanic shop, this is Vander, how can I help ya?” The voice on the line was gruff but warm sounding and immediately put Caitlyn at ease.

“Um, hello. My name is Caitlyn and I was told you might be able to help me. Something ran out in front of my car, I avoided it, but spun into a snowbank and now my vehicle won’t start.”

“Sorry to hear that, Miss Caitlyn. Are you alright?” 

She took a moment to check in with herself. Aside from the rush of adrenaline still pumping through her, she felt generally alright. “I believe so. A little startled maybe but otherwise unharmed.” 

“Good. Alright.” There was a shuffle of noise on the other line and the clack clack clack of a keyboard being used. “I could send out a tow for ya now and bring it to the shop. Have one of my techs have a look-see tomorrow?”

“That would be wonderful, if it’s not too late?”

“Never too late to help someone in need, especially around the holidays. Can you tell me where you are and we’ll be on our way.”

“Of course. I’m not from town but I think I saw a cross street nearby. Hold on a moment?”

Vander gave an affirmative hum as Caitlyn pulled up her maps app and checked the intersection. He told her it would be about twenty minutes and to just stay warm and hang tight…whatever that meant. It wasn’t like she had much of a choice. 

Gathering up her coat, hat, and scarf she bundled herself up as she saw truck headlights coming her way. It was blinding against the snow and she squinted as the truck stopped and the door opened. A figure jumped down from the driver seat, smaller than Caitlyn imagined considering how he sounded on the phone. As the person got closer, she realized it wasn’t Vander but a woman that looked to be around her age. A shock of pink hair stuck out from beneath a grey beanie and her cheeks and nose were red from the cold.

“Heya, unless there’s another car stuck in a snowbank in the middle of town I’m guessing you’re Caitlyn?” The woman gave Caitlyn a playful smirk and held out a hand which Caitlyn immediately shook firmly.

“Indeed I am.” Caitlyn was taken aback. In all the years she’d come to this town for the holidays she’d never seen this woman before. She would have remembered her if she had. The woman was gorgeous, and her smile was doing things to Caitlyn she felt embarrassed to admit. With a shake of her head she cleared her throat. “I seem to be stuck. I’m not sure what’s wrong. And you are?” 

“Oh sorry. Vi. And let me take a look.” Pulling off her gloves Vi walked to the front of the car. “Or not. Guess we should pull you outta here first. Can I see your keys?”

Caitlyn rummaged through her pockets and handed them over, watching as Vi slid into the driver's seat and tried to start it. The results were the same. She did something else inside before closing the door and handing Caitlyn her keys back.

“We’ll figure this out. First, let's get you outta this snowbank, huh?” She flashed Caitlyn another smile and gracefully launched herself back into the tow truck. It only took her a few minutes to get it into position and a few more minutes to get Caitlyn’s car hooked up to the back. Caitlyn watched with quiet fascination. Vi clearly knew what she was doing and was personable enough that Caitlyn felt at ease. She didn’t have car problems very often, but on more than one occasion she’d have to deal with shops and it usually led to the mechanics or tow drivers making rude, flirty comments towards her that made her skin crawl.

“Alright!” Vi jumped out of the driver's seat again and walked up to the passenger door of the tow truck, pulling it open. “Let's get this to the shop then figure out how to get you where you’re going.”

Caitlyn couldn’t do much more than nod, cold seeping into her bones despite being bundled up. 

Offering a hand, Vi helped Caitlyn into the passenger seat, then swung around into the driver’s, starting the truck back up. Loud rock music began blasting throughout the truck cabin and Vi scrambled to turn it off, smashing the volume button with her palm.

“Sorry ‘bout that.” She chuckled, pulling her beanie off and throwing it on the dashboard. “You can put on something if you want.”

“What you had is fine.” Caitlyn felt so out of her depth that the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass herself by putting on something Vi wouldn’t like. “Maybe a bit quieter though? It’s been a rough evening.” 

“Hey now, don’t you worry your pretty little head about the car stuff. We’ll figure out what's going on. I’ve yet to meet a car I can’t figure out.” Smiling, Vi turned the music back on, putting it to a low volume as she began driving.

They didn’t talk much on the drive but it wasn’t unpleasant. Every now and then Vi would start humming along to whatever song was playing, tapping her thumbs on the steering wheel to the beat. Caitlyn leaned against the window, feeling the combined weariness of her several-hours drive and the drop of adrenaline from the incident taking over all at once. She really just wanted a warm bed and to sleep for a few hours, but she could also be in far worse places. 

The shop they pulled up to was, for lack of a better word for it, quaint. The yard outside had a few cars in various degrees of disrepair, all very covered in white, powdery snow. The building was clearly old but well taken care of. There were splashes of color here and there in some sort of graffiti that almost looked purposeful. A wooden, hand painted sign was propped up on the flat roof reading “The Last Stop” in large, chunky letters. It was endearing how hand-made everything seemed to be.

Caitlyn had been so distracted taking the building in that she was startled when her door was opened and Vi offered a hand to help her down.

“Oh, thank you.” Vi's hand was a little rough,  but surprisingly warm. When they walked through the doors of the shop the light flickered on. It was quiet but warm. Christmas decorations sprawled across the small waiting area and the main counter and Caitlyn even saw a small tree on the desk in the back office. She couldn't help but smile at the mix of store bought and homemade decor. It was so different from the perfectly curated decorations her parents had put up every year.

“Have a seat anywhere.” Vi walked to a drink machine in the waiting area. “Coffee? Tea?”

“Tea would be lovely.” A rush of relief washed over Caitlyn at the offer as she sat on a worn couch that was book-ended by several plastic chairs. There was nothing that sounded better now. “Are you sure it's not too late to help? Are you the only one working right now? What happened to…?”

Vi turned, leaning a hip against the counter as the drink machine worked. “Vander? I told him I could take care of it and sent him home. That old man would work twenty-four seven if we let him.”

“We?” Caitlyn wasn’t sure why she was suddenly so curious about the shop but she couldn’t help herself. It felt like it held so many stories. She had immediately noticed a few framed photos in the back with what looked like a younger Vi with a large, bearded man and a smaller girl with bright blue hair.

“Me and my sister.” Vi pointed to a more recent photo of her and the blue haired girl again. “She works here part time, Vander and I are full time. Vander owns the place.”

“Don’t you drive each other crazy?” Caitlyn tried to imagine what it would be like working with her mother, something Cassandra had desired for years.

Vi gave a slight shrug as the machine chimed. “Sometimes. But it's good work and Vander’s done a lot for us so I kinda…feel like I owe him.” Walking over to Caitlyn she handed her a mug of tea and set a collection of honey, creamers, and sugars on the small table next to her. “Here you are. Warm up. I’m going to go get your car into the garage.” 

As Vi left the room Caitlyn focused on her tea, taking a deep breath as she drank the warmth in. It had been such a taxing day and as much as she loved her parents, she had a year of her life to fill them in on. Then she'd have to deal with opinions of what she should be doing instead. Perhaps she could find a hotel for the night, except it was the week.of Christmas and she knew the few hotels they had in town would probably be filled up. Maybe she could convince Vi to let her borrow the couch she was on. The room was warm and the small Christmas tree in the corner let out a soft, inviting rainbow of lights throughout the room. Even the smell of the shop was oddly comforting.

Not long after she finished her tea, Vi returned through a side door. She had taken off her bulky jacket and was wearing a maroon Henley with the sleeves rolled up. Tattoos snaked down her forearms and she rolled her broad shoulders as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“Okay. She’s safe and secure in there now, despite her best efforts to fight me on it.” Vi picked up a clipboard off a nearby desk then flopped down into one of the nearby chairs. “I’m not going to be able to look at anything until the morning but I’m sure you don’t want to be stuck here the whole time.”

Caitlyn couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her, to which she slapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. “I was just considering asking if I could.”

“Don’t wanna get to where you’re going that bad huh?”i chuckled, handing Caitlyn the clipboard containing an information sheet for her vehicle. “I mean that couch is pretty comfy. Both Vander and I have taken many naps on it, but you really don’t want to sleep in some random mechanic’s shop in the middle of a snow storm.” 

Caitlyn sighed, looking down at the paper but not really seeing what was on it. “No, I suppose not.”

There was a beat of silence as Caitlyn began filling out the form while considering her options. A hotel was a bad idea even if she could find an open room. With a name like hers, she'd be noticed immediately. Small towns were always so nosy.

There was a shift of movement from where Vi sat. “I hope this won’t sound too forward but my place is only about a mile up the street. It's not very big but I got a couch and it’s warm. And it smells better than this place.”

Caitlyn looked up, surprised. “But you don’t know me at all.” 

“And you don’t know me but,” Vi sighed, leaning her elbows on her knees, “you don’t seem too enthused about getting to where you were heading and I’m sure this car business hasn’t been great to deal with. Never is on a normal day, let alone the holidays. I promise I’m not some axe murder or anything trying to lure you into my secret cannibal lair.”

Caitlyn smirked. “And what makes you so sure I’m not?”

Vi let out a surprised laugh, leaning back in her chair. “Oh, she’s got jokes.”

“Sometimes.” Caitlyn chuckled and continued filling out the form, handing it to Vi when she finished. “If it wouldn’t be too much of an imposition, I would like to take you up on that offer if that’s alright?”

“Wouldn’t have offered it if I wasn’t serious.” Vi took the clipboard and Caitlyn's keys and walked over to a row of plastic pouches on the wall, depositing them both inside. 

After a short discussion on logistics, Vi went back to Caitlyn’s car to retrieve her luggage. Vi led  the way through the office and out a back door to where an older looking blue truck sat under a small carport. Lifting the truck bed’s cover she hefted Caitlyn’s things into it and opened the passenger door.

After only a few minutes of driving they came up to a small cabin in the middle of a fairly large yard. There was a car sitting off to the side covered in snow, and what looked like some sort of swing on the small porch. An axe sat stuck in a stump, surrounded by what looked like a pile of logs that were soon to be firewood. It somehow didn’t surprise Caitlyn at all that Vi would be the type to chop her own firewood. She certainly had the physique that could handle it.

Caitlyn quickly exited the truck, trying to push down the wave of thoughts that rushed over her at the single thought. Her face flushed as she began fishing out her suitcases. She’d been enough of an imposition on Vi as it was; she wasn’t about to continue playing a damsel in distress.

“Here, let me help.” Vi jogged around the side of the car, taking up the larger of the two suitcases before Caitlyn could protest.

Vi led her inside, flicking on the lights to reveal a living room that felt just as cozy as the waiting room of The Last Stop. The walls were covered in photos and artwork that looked similar to the graffiti in front of the shop. Against a wall was a plush green couch with several blankets already draped over it. Next to it a coffee table sat with what looked like several car manuals mixed with a cookbook or two.

“So the bathroom is down that small hallway on the left. Door on the right is my room if you need me for anything. Kitchen is well,” Vi motioned to the small open kitchen that was just off the living room, “right there. Help yourself to whatever you need, water or anything. I don’t have much right now. Been kinda busy with the holidays.”

Caitlyn walked over to the couch, brushing her fingers along the fabric. “Lots of cars breaking down?”

“Lots of people who don’t know how to prepare their cars for the winter.” Vi held up her hand when she noticed Caitlyn wince a little. “Not saying that you didn’t. Cars usually have a problem starting to begin with in the cold. One stopping while running is probably something else. Don’t stress. I said I’d figure it out.”

“Sorry.” Caitlyn sighed, pulling one of her suitcases closer to her and rummaging through it. “I believe you will. You certainly seem dedicated to your art. That and...cooking?”

Vi followed her gaze to the coffee table and hurried over to straighten them. “Uh, yeah, something like that. Cooking’s a bit of a hobby. You hungry by any chance?”

Caitlyn went to say no, then realized she hadn’t eaten in hours. As if on cue, her stomach growled. “Apparently I am.”

“Alright. Let me grab a shower real fast to wash off the shop then I’ll cook while you do what you gotta?” 

“You really don't have to–” 

“I insist. Get settled. I'll be done in a few.”

As Vi showered, Caitlyn decided to follow up on some case emails she'd put off answering. She also sent out a quick text to her parents letting them know it was taking awhile to get things settled and to not worry about her. Luckily it was late so the likelihood of them still being awake was low. 

As she set her phone down to charge, Vi came out of the bathroom dressed in a black tank and grey sweatpants, walking to the kitchen and opening the fridge. Now with her back to Caitlyn, she could see that the forearm tattoos snaked all the way up Vi's arms and around her shoulders. More peeked out from under the tank along her upper back and Caitlyn was pretty sure that meant Vi’s whole back was probably done. She had to commend the woman's patience and dedication. It was a lot of ink.

“Caitlyn?” Vi had turned, looking at her expectantly. 

“What? Yes, sorry. What did you say?” Kneeling in front of her suitcase, Caitlyn busied herself grabbing clothes to change into. 

“Said it's all yours and how do you feel about quesadillas?” 

“Sure?” She tried to keep the unease out of her voice. It would be embarrassing to admit that she wasn't sure if she'd ever had quesadillas before.

“I'll keep it simple.” Vi flashed her a smile that was even more charming now that she wasn't covered in grease. 

Caitlyn felt a flush along her neck and hurried into the bathroom, closing the door quickly. Music started playing in the living room as she leaned against it and took a long, steadying breath. 

“Get it together, Cait.” She whispered to herself. “She's just being kind. It's not her fault you're–”

There was a knock on the bathroom door that made Caitlyn jump away, bumping into the sink. “Oh hey, forgot to tell you towels are in the cabinet to the right of the sink.” 

Turning, Caitlyn opened the cabinet and grabbed a towel. “Found them, thank you.” 

She held her breath until she heard footsteps fade away into the kitchen. Letting it out in a slow hiss she shook her head at how ridiculous she was being and turned on the shower. After cleaning off, she pulled out her most comfortable pajamas and made her way back to the living room. Vi walked into the living room with two plates as Caitlyn took a spot on the couch. 

“Not my finest work but I promise they're more than edible.” Vi sat next to her and handed her one of the plates. 

Admittedly, Caitlyn hadn't really had many quesadillas in her life, but these ones looked hearty, hick with shredded chicken and cheese. A small array of toppings were artistically positioned around half of the plate. Caitlyn had seen half as inspired dishes at five star restaurants.

“Edible is the only factor I care for right now. But the presentation is lovely.” 

Vi smiled at the compliment, clearly trying not to look too proud of herself. There was something more to all this that Caitlyn couldn't quite put her finger on, but it didn't matter. Her car would be fixed in a few days, she'd do her holiday duties and then she'd go home. This would be a nice memory within it all, though. 

Vi turned on the TV as they ate. A charming, old claymation telling of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was playing. Caitlyn vaguely remembered it being on when she was younger. The memory grew even clearer when the misfit toys came on the screen. She remembered, even as a child, feeling like the odd one out when everyone else seemed so…normal. The longing to belong was something she still felt strongly even in her adulthood. 

After food was eaten and the movie finished, Vi cleaned up and bid Caitlyn goodnight. As Caitlyn laid on the couch, bundled up under several blankets, she prayed for the sweet release of sleep to take her. But the combination of an unfamiliar setting and her own overactive brain, she couldn't help but notice that, despite the shop being completely decorated, there wasn't a single Christmas decoration up in Vi's cabin. She pondered on it for a little while longer, her detective brain weaving together all sorts of possibilities before she finally drifted off into a much deserved sleep.

Chapter Text

Vi made sure to wake up early so she'd be up before her surprise guest. She had no idea what had compelled her to offer up her couch to begin with and she was equally surprised that it was taken. She couldn’t be mad about it though. Thinking back on the previous evening, she'd had a hunch when she first saw the woman that she was someone important. Then the paperwork confirmed it. She'd known about the Kirammans her whole life. 

Not that she ever cared to remember more about them than the fact that they existed and owned the big plot of land and huge ass house on the north end of town that stayed pretty much empty until the end of the year. They were politicians or business people or something like that;honestly she never really cared to find out. It was surprising that she never heard they had a daughter, though. Maybe that's why Caitlyn was so hesitant about going home. There was obviously something going on there but far be it for Vi to get involved.

What it did mean, though, is that she wouldn't have to worry about them dodging the bill at the shop. Not that a lot of customers skipped paying but times were tough for a lot of people in town and they needed their cars to get to work. Sometimes there were promises to pay with no due dates and well…there were bills to pay. Vander was still running a business, after all.

As eggs and bacon sizzled in the skillet in front of her, she heard movement from the living room. Glancing over a shoulder, Vi watched as Caitlyn sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and stretching. A few errant locks of hair fell in her face and stayed there as Caitlyn looked blearily at Vi. 

Vi couldn't help but smile. “Morning, Cupcake. How do you like your eggs?” 

“Cup–?” Caitlyn's eyebrows knitted together then relaxed as she ran her fingers through her hair, pushing it back out of her face. “Over medium?” 

“You got it.” Vi turned back to the fridge, grabbing two eggs and cracking them into the pan. 

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Not in the uncomfortable sort of way Vi would expect considering she was having breakfast with a woman she had only met the night before, let alone a Kiramman. It was a companionable kind of quiet. She'd left her cooking playlist going - a collection of classic rock she grew up with – and it filled the space of her small cabin. Every so often she’d notice Cailtyn’s head bobbing to the music. 

Once food was eaten and the table was cleared, Vi left Caitlyn to pack up her things while she did the dishes. Returning to the living room, Vi watched as Caitlyn surveyed her luggage with a pensive look on her face. 

“Preparing for war?” Vi joked as she moved to the hall closet and grabbed her jacket.

“Something like that.” Caitlyn glanced at Vi with a tight smile on her lips. “But duty calls and I can only avoid this for so long. It's only a matter of time before the phone calls start.” 

“Then we should probably get you there.” Vi righted the larger suitcase and began moving towards the door. “Plus I gotta get to the shop and turn that pumpkin into your golden carriage outta here.” 

Caitlyn chuckled with a shake of her head, midnight blue hair falling around her shoulders. Vi couldn't help but smile. She had a nice laugh and she was pretty too.

Loading up Vi’s truck they began the drive to the Kiramman estate. She always knew the place was big, but that did not prepare her for how unbelievably massive it was up close. After a slight grilling of her intent for being there by security at the front gate, she pulled up the long driveway and stopped at the roundabout in front of the door. Caitlyn was looking forlornly out the window at the house but made no move to leave. 

“Do you ever face something,” she began, still looking out the window, “and not know if the stress you’re feeling is general anxiety or some sort of premonition?” 

Vi held back a comment how both seemed a little over dramatic but she didn't want to invalidate anything Caitlyn was feeling. There was clearly a lot that Vi didn't know. Hell, she’d met the woman less than twelve hours before this moment. 

“I think you worry because you care. I'm not going to pretend to know anything about you or the life you've led but this all seems like a lot. Doesn’t surprise me that you’re stressed out.” 

“That's the funniest thing about it,” Caitlyn sat back, “I'm worrying over things that haven't occurred and it's…ridiculous.” 

“Maybe. You won't know till you face it.” Vi tried to give her best reassuring smile, which Caitlyn returned. 

“You're right.” Caitlyn turned to face Vi. “Thank you, by the way. For last night. I think I needed the extra time to mentally prepare for this.” 

“Don't mention it. I'll just add a night's stay at Casa De Violet to your tab at the shop.” Vi gave her a playful wink, almost laughing at how Caitlyn's eyes widened in surprise then narrowed with a smile of amusement in quick succession. 

“You better find out what happened to my car quickly or I'll have to become more of an imposition because I refuse to be here for more than a week.” She replied dryly.

“Maybe I'll take my time then. Been awhile since a pretty woman has graced my place.” As soon as Vi said it, she wished she could snatch the words out of the air. Caitlyn's cheeks flushed bright red and she turned to look back at the house to cover it. Vi couldn't help but smirk. She had her suspicions when she first met Caitlyn, but now she wondered just how well she actually clocked her. 

“I should go.” Caitlyn opened the passenger door and slid out. Vi quickly followed suit, pulling Caitlyn’s suitcases from her truck bed and handing them off. Digging through her pocket she pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. “Here, this is my number. Feel free to text me if you want a status update on your car or anything.” 

“Lovely, thank you.” Caitlyn reached for the piece of paper, hovering for a moment before taking Vi's hand in her own and squeezing it slightly. “Thank you. Truly. Last night could have been far worse than it already was.” 

“Don't mention it. Happy to help.” Vi grin widened as Caitlyn released her hand, tucking the slip.of paper into her pocket. “Good luck.” 

Caitlyn's shoulders rose and fell as she took a deep breath, clearly readying herself. 

“Thank you Vi.” Without looking back, Caitlyn grabbed the handles of her suitcases and stomped up to the front door. 

Vi sat in her truck a moment longer than she probably needed to, watching Caitlyn go in and the door shut behind her. Feeling satisfied, Vi turned up the music and an overly cheery version of Deck The Halls began playing from the local radio station. she flicked it off immediately before pulling out of the driveway, making her way to the shop. It had been a weird start to the holiday week but she had to admit it had been nice. Life had gotten too predictable; she was ready for a little excitement and she had a feeling this wasn't the last she'd see of Caitlyn Kiramman, car issues aside.

Chapter Text

When Caitlyn stepped into the Kiramman estate it was exactly as she had expected it. A perfectly trimmed tree sat in the large foyer, serving as a centerpiece to the hallways that branched from it. The large marble halls were shined to perfection and tasteful decor was put up with precision and care everywhere. Silver and gold seemed to be the color scheme of choice that year. She almost missed the blue and silver they had the year before.

Leaving her luggage for one of the many attendants her parents hired for the holidays, she climbed the stairs, careful not to disturb the tightly wrapped garland. Unsure if it was trepidation or relief, she let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding as she made it to the second floor. Her parents’ familiar voices carried down the hallway from their study not too far down the hall. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her parents; quite the contrary, she loved them both dearly, but the issue was that she and her mother….well, it had always been a bit of a strained relationship, especially as Caitlyn grew older and more independent. They were just enough alike that they could go tete-a-tete with one another, but Caitlyn was just as much like her father that she knew how to work around her mother when she needed to sometimes. It drove Cassandra Kiramman mad sometimes.

One way or another, Caitlyn was home and she’d have to go in and start this week eventually. She’d survived two and a half decades of them so far; she could get through another year.

Taking one more steadying breath, she adjusted her sweater vest and walked into the room. Cassandra was leaning into a mirror putting on some earrings, whereas Tobias was sitting on one of the small couches, newspaper in one hand and cup of tea in another. Their conversation ceased as Caitlyn walked in. 

Her mother straightened. “Caitlyn, you finally arrived.”

“I did. I apologize for last night. I still don’t know what happened with my car.”

“Oh posh.” her father scoffed as he stood and walked up to her. He gave her a once over then took her shoulders gently, his smile highlighting the wrinkles in the corner of his eye. “We’re just glad you’re here and safe. We’ve missed you.”

Her family wasn’t quite the touchy-feely kind but there was nothing quite like the welcome hug her father always had for her upon arriving home. She leaned into it a little, taking in the fragrance of the same cologne he’d been wearing for as long as she could remember and taking comfort in the familiarity. As they parted he motioned to the seat next to him and began preparing her a cup of tea.

“I do hope wherever you stayed last night was safe. Did you manage to get into a hotel?” Cassandra went back to the mirror, clearly getting ready for something. Caitlyn realized she’d never checked any of her messages before coming that morning and there was probably something on the schedule that she should also be getting ready for.

“Hotels were at capacity, but I managed. Don’t worry mother, I was able to handle myself well enough.” She could already feel herself slipping back into her proper Kiramman mask. She was sitting taller, her ankles crossed just so, and she was habitually smoothing out the fabric of her pants as she sat. She was grateful for the tea her father handed her, for nothing else than to have something to keep her hands occupied.

“I believe it's safe to assume the shop helped you out of the snow?” Tobais asked, preparing another cup of tea and handing it to Cassandra as she sat in a nearby armchair.

“Yes, they did.” Caitlyn watched as her mother added sugar and milk to her tea, exactly the same way Caitlyn prepared her own. “I do have to ask, how did you find out about them?” 

“Do you remember Torman Hoskel?” Cassandra inquired.

“The vintner?” She could only remember so many of her parents’ various business partners, but Hoskel was a hard one to forget. Not only was he a shameless flirt, the man loved his wineries and talked about them at length every chance he got. Loudly.

“That’s the one.” Tobias chuckled. “He got stuck late last winter. Flat tire on a curb, would you believe it.”

“To this day he swears something ran him off but from what I heard he was trying to get around another driver.” A small smile curved on Cassandra’s lips as she took another sip. 

“So he knew about the shop?” Caitlyn felt like there was far more to the story than either of them were letting on, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the whole situation.

“More like they found him.” Tobias shook his head. “The owner…Vader or what have you? He happened across the poor bloke not long after. Hoskel has been singing the man’s praises since. I haven’t met him myself, but they got his car in working order for a fair price from what I can tell.”

“I see.” Caitlyn looked down at the cup of tea.

As they drank their tea, conversation of Caitlyn’s car fell to the back burner as Cassandra began going over the schedule for the next few days. A lunch with Salo Weinbast, some politician that her mother knew, and a party hosted by Amara Blanc, an investor and friend of the family, that evening. Then a few more smaller events scattered throughout the days after, all culminating to the finale that would be the Christmas Eve Kiramman party. It was relatively easy to negotiate her way out of lunch. She had traveled quite far the day before and with the added stress of her pending car issues, her mother could tell she needed the rest. There was also the fact that her mother probably wanted her in prime shape for the evening. It was the opening event of the week after all. Caitlyn wouldn’t disappoint. 

With a heavy sigh, Caitlyn smoothed out the skirt of her vintage, emerald dress as she did final checks before heading out the door. It wasn’t her favorite dress but she was more interested in looking presentable than standing out. She liked it well enough. The flared skirt fell about midcalf and it was just off the shoulder enough to ooze elegance, but it still had a playfulness to it to keep her from looking too serious. It reminded her of the dresses she’d see in old swing dance numbers in golden age musicals. Too bad the most dancing she’d experience that week was some boring slow waltz with a doner or investor to an overplayed Christmas song.

“Caitlyn? The car has arrived.” Her mother’s voice rang up the stairs and she picked up her gloves and a white faux fur shawl she only used for these types of events and made her way downstairs. Her mother gave her a once over and nodded approvingly. “Come now, we cannot be late.” 

By the time they arrived the party was in full swing. Amara had really outdone herself, booking a country club right on the water. Everything was bathed in warm white lights giving it an almost ethereal glow. Inside the main ballroom, a quartet was playing an arrangement of Christmas music and a few couples slowly turned on the softly lit dance floor. Other people were milling around tables of hors d'oeuvres and waiters were walking around with platters containing more food and drinks. 

Grabbing a champagne flute from the first one she saw, Caitlyn downed it, hoping that maybe a slight buzz would help calm her nerves and get through the event. As the years passed, she had grown more and more apart from this world. She enjoyed her detective work partly because it was so detached from the reality she’d known for so long. Instead of cocktail parties, she had debriefs. Instead of hair appointments, she had lab work reports. Every case was a puzzle where she could sit with the facts and figure out the answers. She’d take that any day over the mental gymnastics it often took to understand half the people that were currently in the room. Depositing her empty glass on a passing tray and grabbing another, she made her way over to Amara.

The woman was naturally surrounded by people but her smile lit up as she saw Caitlyn. The older woman held a hand out and Caitlyn shook it gently.

“So good of you to make it, Caitlyn. Your mother tells me you were held up.” 

“Car problems. You know how it goes.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t fly. I couldn’t imagine being stuck in a vehicle for that long.” Amara chuckled, as did several people around her. Caitlyn would feel a bit embarrassed if it wasn’t for the fact she knew the only reason they were laughing along was to get in Amara’s good graces.

“The mountains are very beautiful this time of year. I enjoy the drive to see them, especially with being in the city so much these days.” Caitlyn took a sip of her champagne as she scanned the others around them. She vaguely recognized one or two but that was it.

They chatted for a little bit longer before Amara got called away by someone else. Caitlyn took the opportunity to step outside for a moment, only having to stop to chat to three people she vaguely remembered, before finally making it out. The air was crisp and she regretted not grabbing her shawl, but she didn’t want to risk having to go through the crowd again. Watching her breath fan out in front of her she walked over to the railing and leaned against it, watching how the surrounding Christmas lights reflected off the water. The area outside the clubhouse was part of a larger riverwalk and the longer she spent out there, the more she realized how many people were out and about. Couples were walking; one person had a dog that briefly stopped to say hello. It reminded her so much of her city and its daily goings-on, where people just minded themselves and she could just exist.

She enjoyed petting the dog though, a small part of her aching as she remembered her childhood dogs that had passed a handful of years ago. As she stood and the dog and owner walked away, there was another set of footsteps behind her. She didn't think much of it until she turned around and met a pair of familiar grey-blue eyes.

They widened as she turned fully to face the woman. “Caitlyn! I didn’t know you were in town.”

It felt like a cold rock fell from her throat to her stomach and settled like lead there. “Maddie. Yes. I got in last night.”

“I heard. You had some car trouble?” Maddie chuckled, looking away almost sheepishly. “Glad you made it safe.”

“That seems to be the general sentiment. What are you doing here?” It came out before Caitlyn could stop herself and she almost felt bad the way Maddie’s expression fell.

Straightening, Maddie held her chin up. “The security company I work for was hired by Mrs. Blanc. I was assigned as their head.”

It was only then that Caitlyn noticed how Maddie was in a uniform instead of any sort of formal or streetwear and a badge hung on her hip. “You’re doing well for yourself then.”

“I’d say so.” Maddie rubbed at the back of her neck, looking down almost sheepishly. “I was hopin’ to see ya, Cait. I want to say I’m sorry about how I acted before. I still can’t say I understand but–”

“Maddie, please,” Caitlyn did not want to deal with a pity party. Maddie was sweet but she had a way of getting people to feel sorry for her.

“I just wish we had more time to talk. You left so quickly and–”

And there it was. Alarms were going off in Caitlyn’s mind and she needed to get out. She didn’t even want to be at this party and the very last thing she wanted was to rehash things with an ex who never could really understand that ‘no’ means ‘no’. “I’m really sorry, Maddie. It's lovely to see you but I need to go.”

Knowing that if she didn’t get out now she’d have to explain herself yet again, she turned heel and began walking quickly down the boardwalk away from the party. She heard Maddie calling after her but kept walking. She had no idea where she was going and she knew she’d eventually have to turn around and return to the clubhouse, but she needed to try to lose Maddie first.

“Cait, please can’t we just talk a little bit? I just want to understand.” Maddie was quick, Caitlyn could give her that. “Maybe we can try again and–”

Turning a corner, Caitlyn missed whatever Maddie was going to say next as she collided into something–no, someone. She began stumbling back, her heel catching a crack in the pavement. Her hand flailed in front of her uselessly as she tipped back, only stilling as another set of hands shot out and grabbed her arms, pulling her forward and steadying her.

“Woah where’s the fire? You okay, miss–” Caitlyn looked up at the stranger letting out a gasp as she met another familiar pair of blue-grey eyes.

“Vi.” Caitlyn couldn't seem to say anything else; she just searched the other woman’s face, hoping her expression was enough to communicate that she needed help.

Concern was painted across Vi’s face immediately. “Caitlyn what’s–”

“Cait!” Maddie rounded the corner, freezing in place when her gaze landed on Caitlyn and Vi. Vi was still holding onto Caitlyn’s arms as she looked away from her and to Maddie. “Oh. Um, hello.”

Vi looked back at Caitlyn, brow furrowing slightly, but seeming to understand that something was happening. At least, Caitlyn thought so, otherwise why was Vi still holding onto her? Vi glanced at Maddie, then back at Caitlyn, an eyebrow cocking in question. Giving the smallest nod possible Caitlyn mouthed ‘My ex. Help?’ and Vi nodded once.

Caitlyn looked at Vi a moment longer, steeling herself. As she began to turn she felt one of Vi’s hands drop from her arm to rest  gently on Caitlyn’s lower back. The other hand remained against Caitlyn’s arm. It was warm and there was something steadying about the touch Caitlyn couldn’t help but lean into it.

Maddie was looking between the two of them, confusion giving way to some sort of understanding that was lost on Caitlyn completely. 

“Oh.” Maddie glanced down at Vi’s hand on Caitlyn’s waist and looked between them again, her expression growing suddenly cold and guarded. “Who’s this now?”

Something about the way Maddie was looking at Vi made Caitlyn’s blood boil. There was an immediate disdain and she didn’t even know Vi. Caitlyn felt herself go on the defensive, scrambling for something to say to stand her own ground and put Maddie in her place. “This is Vi. She’s…she’s...”

Caitlyn floundered, not knowing what she was even following that up with. She was smarter than this and felt like she was making a complete fool of herself. Maddie would see right through her if she wasn’t very careful with her next choice of words. Panic rising, she couldn’t help but lean more into Vi, trying to ground herself with the warmth that radiated off of Vi’s hand.

“Cait’s girlfriend.” Vi’s arm slid around Caitlyn’s waist more securely as she took a half step forward and held the other hand out to Maddie. “And you are?”

Several emotions flashed across Maddie’s face, and if Caitlyn wasn’t still trying to process what Vi had just said she might have taken some respite in the fact that they’d thrown Maddie for a complete loop. Too bad Caitlyn was thrown for it too.

“Maddie Nolan. I’m surprised Cait hasn’t told you about me.” She stepped forward and shook Vi’s hand, her eyes narrowed and an unkind, tight smile on her lips.

“Can’t say she has, but she’s been busy.” Vi met Caitlyn’s gaze, and she quirked an eyebrow clearly indicating she needed Caitlyn to do something.
“Yes,” Caitlyn cleared her throat and leaned a shoulder into Vi. “I never got a chance to. We’re both so busy all the time and such.”

“I’m surprised you weren’t at the party.” Maddie all but ignored Caitlyn, far too busy staring daggers at Vi as she gave the mechanic a once over. Caitlyn was glad that Vi at least didn’t seem to be wearing work clothes. That would have been much harder to explain.

“I had other family obligations.” Vi replied without missing a beat. “But I just couldn’t keep away.”

Vi pulled Caitlyn in a little closer and Caitlyn was embarrassed at the flush she felt in her cheeks, only doubled by her embarrassment over the whole situation.

“I see.” Caitlyn didn’t see Maddie’s expression this time, as she was too busy looking at Vi for some sort of explanation. “Then I suppose I’ll see you around later. It was good to see you, Cait.”

“Same to you, Madison.” Caitlyn's head was swimming like she was going to pass out.

Vi gave Maddie a smile and a wave as Maddie disappeared out of view. Once out of sight, Vi stepped away and shoved her hands in her pockets. Caitlyn couldn’t blame her, that whole exchange was about as awkward as could be, though Vi wasn’t exactly blameless. As she was beginning to turn and question the other woman, she felt a weight on her shoulders as Vi draped a jacket over her. Caitlyn paused, looking at her confused.

“You were shivering.” Vi shrugged, sticking her hands in the pockets of her jeans and looking up, “And it's going to start snowing soon. You’re kinda crazy coming out here dressed like that.”

Caitlyn’s gaze followed Vi’s upward, then she looked at her. “Well I hadn’t exactly been thinking of the weather when I made my way out here.”

Vi jutted her chin in the direction that Maddie had left. “That girl chase you out here?”

“No, I was escaping small talk with bankers and politicians.” She pulled the jacket tighter around her, suddenly realizing how cold she actually was. The jacket has a warm, lived in scent to it. Woodsy and a little metallic, probably from the mechanic shop. “I only intended to be out here for a few minutes. Maddie found me just before you showed up.”

“Sorry for stepping in like that. I saw you try to walk away and she followed. Felt like I needed to do something.”

“No, I appreciate it.” Caitlyn sighed. “Girlfriend though? That was a bit…extreme.” 

Vi chuckled, rubbing at the back of her neck. “Yeah I, uh, sorry about that. It's the first thing I could think of after I caught the vibe.”

“Well, it definitely threw her off.” Caitlyn pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a tension headache coming on. “But if this gets back to my parents it’ll take a lot of explaining. They still don’t understand why we’re not together.”

“They must have liked her.” 

Caitlyn let out a huff of a laugh. “Maddie is everything my mother would ever hope for me to date. Which is why she was displeased when she heard I ended things.”

“Why did you end things?” Vi’s eyes went wide as soon as she asked. “Sorry you don’t have to answer that.” 

“No, it's okay.” Caitlyn chuckled over the red that bloomed across Vi’s cheeks. “Can we walk and talk? I think my legs might freeze if I don’t get some circulation going.”

Vi offered her arm, and after sliding the jacket on properly, Caitlyn took it and they continued walking down the boardwalk. “I was in a strange space when I met Maddie. We both went to the same University. I was double majoring in forensic science and criminal justice and Maddie was a fellow criminal justice major. Our classes overlapped a lot and one night we were both at a bar and it just…happened.”

Vi nodded. “I mean, that makes sense I guess.” 

“I suppose. We were together for nearly a year.” Caitlyn sighed. “She came back here for Christmas and of course my mother adored her. Maddie was never unkind to me but there was always something missing. I enjoyed her company but the longer time went on I realized I would never love her. Maddie on the other hand….it felt fair to the both of us to end it.”

Vi nodded again but didn’t say anything, clearly waiting for Caitlyn to continue.

“I ended things before New Years, just to save us both having to go into the next year on false pretenses. I know it hurt her deeply and I do feel bad about it but…I couldn’t do it anymore. I haven’t seen her in the few years since then so it really threw me for a loop seeing her here today.”

Vi was quiet for a moment longer before letting out a breath, the air fanning out in front of her. “I think you definitely did the right thing. Even if she still doesn’t get it.”

“Thank you.” Caitlyn looked up at the sky, noticing small, white specks beginning to come down. “I just don’t know what to do about her. If she’s truly part of Amara’s private security it means she’s going to be at every event Amara is. And if there’s one thing I know about Amara, she likes to be seen.”

Vi winced visibly. “And that also means I just made a huge mess of things for you.”

“A little bit.” Caitlyn chuckled. “But I’m sure it’ll be fine. Hopefully it was enough to keep Maddie from chasing after me again.”

“One can only hope. Persistent exes are the worst.” Vi shook her head, snow fluttering off her pink layers. 

“Are you saying this from experience?” Caitlyn teased. “Are you a heartbreaker too?”

Vi laughed, shaking her head. “Nah. Too busy for all that. Mechanic shops are actually pretty busy, believe it or not. Especially since parts take awhile to get here depending on the weather.” 

“I could imagine, especially out here.”

Caitlyn looked around, noticing they had come upon a park that was being blanketed in a fresh layer of powdery white snow. Without realizing Caitlyn came to a stop, Vi slowing with her.

“Sorry.” She began to walk again, but Vi stayed put, pulling her softly back next to her..

“It’s okay. Pretty isn’t it?”

They were up on a small hill overlooking the park. From their vantage point she could see several sidewalks that wound around the area. Every tree was decorated, their twinkling rainbow lights dancing across the snow as paths became indecipherable from the rest of the ground. Directly below them at the bottom of the hill was a playground. The wooden structure was stark against the growing white, tall and looming but slowly turning into a glorious ice palace. The swing’s seats were already covered but still looked inviting. Caitlyn couldn’t remember the last time she was on a swing.

Sliding her arm out from Vi’s she began making her way down the hill, only sliding a little bit in her heels. She was in the absolute worst shoes for what she was doing but it wasn’t going to stop her. There was noise behind her and she glanced over her shoulder to see that Vi was following. When she got to the bottom she beelined for one of the swings, flipping it over and doing her best to dry the seat before settling on it.

Vi did the same and sat in the swing next to her, kicking off the ground to get in motion. They swung in companionable silence for a little while and Caitlyn closed her eyes, letting the wind blow her hair back. The cold was biting but something about it made her feel alive. When she finally slowed she looked over to Vi who was swinging only slightly, kicking at the snow with her boots. 

Slowing herself, Caitlyn leaned against the chain of hers, regarding Vi with a little concern. “Are you alright?”

Vi looked up. “What? No, yeah. I’m okay. It’s just been a long time since I’ve done anything like this. Pow used to love coming here but then school and life got busy. You know how it is.”

Caitlyn let out an understanding hum. “Pow is your…sister?” She recalled the pictures of the blue haired girl in the photos from the shop and Vi’s cabin.

Nodding, Vi looked back down at her feet. “Yeah. Powder. She’s always close but it's hard to make as much time as I used to. She’s got her own life now and while I’m part of it…I’m not all of it anymore.”

“So the two of you are pretty close, hmm?” Caitlyn began swinging a little again. “It must be nice to have someone like that. I’m an only child. The closest I have is my friend Jayce. He’s been a family friend for quite some time but…it’s not quite the same, I’d imagine.”

“We are. She’s an absolute menace. But I’d do anything for her.” Vi stilled, toeing the snow a little. “We’ve both been through a lot, and if it wasn’t for Vander we’d be so worse off. I’ve done everything I can to make things easier on her but…there’s only so much I can do, you know?”

Caitlyn studied Vi's expression for a moment, her words sinking in and helping paint a clearer picture of the woman in front of her. Caitlyn had met people like her before. Older siblings that gave so much of themselves away for the sake of their younger ones without ever expecting anything in return. Sometimes to their own detriment. Even in the short time she'd known Vi, she'd experienced being on the receiving end of her desire to help. Twice, actually. 

“You have a good heart.” Caitlyn finally said. 

Giving a half-hearted smile Vi pulled herself up from the swing and offered a hand to Caitlyn. “You hardly know me, but thanks.” 

Caitlyn took it, raising to her feet. Or tried to. It was bitterly cold and aside from a pair of tights there was very little barrier for her legs. That was probably why, as she tried to stand, she stumbled, shouldering into Vi as she turned to try to avoid hitting her. She braced herself for a hard landing on the frozen ground but it never came. 

Vi was certainly sturdy, Caitlyn would give her that. The woman had barely budged as she reached out to steady Caitlyn for the second time that night. 

Caitlyn straightened, grateful for the low light as she felt her face flush. “I should probably head back. Only a matter of time before mother sends a search party after me.” Caitlyn’s chuckle cut short as she realized that was definitely something her mother could do. 

Vi nodded and offered her arm to Caitlyn again. Warmth radiated off of her and Caitlyn leaned into her maybe a bit more than was appropriate, but Vi didn't seem to notice. Or if she did, she didn't say anything. 

Their walk back was mostly quiet. Vi pointed out a few more places she and Powder used to frequent. An ice cream shop that opened up in the summer. A bridge that spanned the river that they fished off of with their dad, Vander, and another old family friend named Silco.

Soon the country club’s lights began shining in the distance and they slowed. Caitlyn felt bad upon realizing that Vi couldn't go all the way there with her. But then again, bringing her anywhere near Maddie would cause more problems then she wanted to deal with that evening. 

“Thank you, again.” Caitlyn said as she handed Vi her jacket back. “For stepping in with Maddie. That could have ended up going so badly.” 

Pulling on the jacket, Vi shrugged. “Don't mention it. Glad I was there when I was.” 

Before she had a chance to think too much about it, Caitlyn stepped forward and hugged Vi. She regretted it the moment she did it, realizing how strange and juvenile it must have seemed. But as Vi's arms wrapped around her in return, her whole body relaxed. It felt as strong and sure as the handshake she'd been met with the night before. It took everything in Caitlyn’s power not to completely melt into it. Not only was it comforting, but it made Caitlyn realize she couldn't remember the last time she truly had physical contact with another person that wasn’t her father.

Embarrassment flushed through her again and she stepped back, wrapping her arms around herself. She couldn't bring herself to look at Vi so she glanced over her shoulder at the country club instead.

“Thank you. For walking with me and all.”

“Don't mention it.” Vi blew on her hands and shoved them in her pockets. She sure did that a lot, Caitlyn noted. “Go get inside and get warm. See ya around, Cupcake.” 

Caitlyn wrinkled her nose at the appearance of the nonsensical nickname again but chose not to say anything. Instead she gave a small wave and turned back towards the party, steeling herself for whatever she was about to face for disappearing for so long.

Chapter Text

There was so much comfort found in the smell of oil and metal of the auto shop. Vi grew up with it and it was as familiar as the smell of her mom's wildberry pie filling their small kitchen on a warm summer day. Was this how she thought her life would turn out? Working at her surrogate father’s auto shop in the same town she was born and raised in? No. But it was a living and Vander needed her. He certainly wasn’t getting any younger and while Powder was amazing with a wrench, her passions lay elsewhere. Vi was content and that’s all she really needed, right?

Lost in her thoughts she grabbed a rag, wiping the grease off her hands as she heard the front door bell go off. 

“I got it!” She called out when she heard Vander beginning to slide out from underneath the truck he was working on. Walking through the shop door into the front office she smiled at the old man that walked up to the counter. 

The rest of the day went on much the same, like most days did. Customers came and went. Oil changes. Tire chains installed. Windshield wipers replaced. In between each routine job she was working on trying to figure out what happened to Caitlyn’s car. It wasn’t very often they got high-end luxury cars in the shop. It wasn’t that she couldn’t figure it out, it was that she just needed time to make sure she didn’t fuck it up more.

She had a list of possible issues jotted down as she neared the end of the day but barely any of the parts to even begin fixing it. She could at least give her a heads up. Picking up the phone she dialed Cailyn’s number. It rang a few times and prepared herself to leave a voicemail when she picked up.

“Hello, this is Caitlyn Kiramman, may I inquire who I am speaking to?”

Vi almost had to laugh at how formal she sounded. Exactly how she’d expect a Kiramman to answer. She couldn’t let this opportunity pass. Clearing her throat, she readjusted her hold on the office phone.

“Hello Ms. Kiramman, I am calling from The Last Stop Auto Shop regarding your vehicle.” Vi did her best to match the formality but almost started laughing towards the end.

“Vi?” Caitlyn inquired from the other end.

“The one and only.” Vi couldn’t help but smile. “Did I catch you at a bad time?” 

“I have to take this, if you’ll excuse me.” Caitlyn’s voice came through muffled as if she had covered the mouthpiece of the phone to talk to someone else. Then Vi heard the sound of what seemed like a sliding door opening and closing. There was another shuffle of sound then a heavy sigh. “Honestly your timing is impeccable, yet again. We’re hosting an old family friend who I honestly cannot stand and I–sorry. You’re calling for a reason.”

Vi tried so hard not to laugh but couldn’t help it. “It’s okay. Glad to have interrupted then, I guess. I wanted to talk to you about your car. I’ve been working on figuring out what happened but need to go over options before I do anything.”

“Can I come there to discuss it?” Caitlyn’s reply came quickly.

“I mean, sure?” Vi replied, feeling a little caught off guard. “Usually people prefer to go over this sort of stuff on the phone. It’s really boring.”

“I need an excuse to get out of here and, honestly, my car problems are probably the only viable reason my parents will accept right now.” 

“Say less.” She glanced at the clock; it was nearing seven. “We’re open ‘til eight, feel free to come anytime before then.”

“I’ll be right over. See you soon.”

“See ya.”

The call ended and Vi stood there feeling a little overwhelmed. She sure was getting a lot of this woman in her life suddenly. Vi had picked up that Caitlyn was less than pleased about being in town for the holidays, but was she really so miserable that she wanted to come sit around an auto shop going over part options?

“I think I’m going to head out, Vi. You can duck out early if ya want.” Vander entered the room, pulling Vi from her thoughts.

“Oh. A customer is coming by to discuss repair options, but I’ll close up after then?” Vi closed the notebook she’d been jotting down notes in.

Vander shrugged. “Whatever floats your boat. You good, kiddo?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Vi leaned against the counter, arms crossed as she addressed Vander. 

“Dunno, face looks flushed. Make sure yer takin’ care of yerself. Powder won’t forgive you if you miss Christmas because yer sick.” Vander chuckled, ruffling Vi’s hair as he passed by her.

With a groan she ducked into the bathroom, looking herself over in the mirror as she fixed her hair. Her face was a little flushed but she felt perfectly fine.

“Get out of here, old man.” She called out, only to be met with a hearty chuckle followed by the sound of the door’s bell chiming as Vander left. 

She moved back into the shop and went to finish up a small repair that she’d planned on doing after she’d called Caitlyn. It wasn’t until she heard her name being called from the office door that she realized that she’d missed the sound of the front door. Sliding out from underneath a sedan, she stood and saw Caitlyn poking her head into the shop.

“Hey there.” Vi smiled, wiping her hands on the grey coveralls she always wore while working. “Sorry I didn’t hear you.”

“Is it just you here?” Caitlyn opened the door more and stood in the doorway, curiously looking around.

“Yup. You can come in if you want. Your girl is right over here.” Vi pointed to a bay at the end of the garage and Caitlyn’s gaze followed.

Apprehensively, Caitlyn took a step into the shop, her bright blue eyes wide and inquisitive as she looked around. “This place is much larger than it appears on the outside.”

“You should see the back of the shop. Even more space there.” Walking up to where Caitlyn had stopped, VI grabbed her notebook from where she had set it on the sedan’s hood and motioned for Caitlyn to follow.

Once they were at her car, Vi set the notebook gently on the hood – they made good tables – and flipped through the pages. Caitlyn wrapped her arms loosely around herself, leaning close as she looked at the page where Vi’s notes were written. Vi couldn’t help but notice how Caitlyn’s shoulder pressed into her own, nodding along as Vi went over the various possibilities and solutions. Caitlyn was surprisingly quick in picking up exactly why certain things were needed and together they came up with a game plan.

“So you have the parts for this first possibility? The…spark plugs?” Caitlyn pointed at the writing. 

“Yeah, pretty sure. Won’t take long either. I honestly could probably have it done tonight and if it’s the solution, then you can have your car back.”

Caitlyn clapped her hands together. “Then let's do it.”

Vi nodded, heading towards the area of the garage where they kept a small collection of common spare parts. Grabbing a box of spark plugs she flipped open the hood and grabbed the tools she needed.

“Could I be of any help?” Caitlyn was hovering just behind her.

Vi straightened, somewhat surprised a girl like Caitlyn would even consider offering. “Uh, sure?” 

She almost laughed as Caitlyn rolled up the sleeves of her probably extremely expensive sweater and stepped forward. “Okay. What can I do?” 

“Hold these.” Vi handed her the box of spark plugs before turning to the car and started removing the old ones.

At first Caitlyn looked offended, as if having her simply hold something was so mundane and childish, but then Vi began handing her the old, dirty ones and, to Vi’s surprise, she looked almost excited about it. Caitlyn was a strange one, that was for sure.

After they changed them, Vi instructed Caitlyn as to where to dispose of the old ones as she tried to start up the car. Caitlyn was back quickly, just in time for Vi to witness the hope in her smile fade as she watched her try to start the car to no avail. 

Vi sighed as she got out, rapping the top of the car lightly with her knuckles. “No dice. Onto plan B tomorrow then.” 

“It could never be so simple, could it?” Caitlyn looked defeated, but not completely dispirited.

“Rarely.” Vi chuckled, watching as Caitlyn began looking around again.

“What’s that back there?” Without waiting for an answer, Caitlyn drifted towards an area in the back of the shop where the main lights didn’t quite reach. Vi followed, flicking on the lights as she passed them.

That part of the garage was far messier than the rest; old parts were scattered around, various tires leaned up against the walls and a half built engine hung in one of the bays. In one of the other bays was a partially covered vehicle. This area was usually off limits to anyone who wasn’t Vi or Vander. Part of Vi wanted to tell Caitlyn that it wasn’t any of her business, but there was something so pure and innocent about her curiosity that Vi wanted to share everything about it. What would it matter anyways? After the car was fixed she’d probably never see Caitlyn again; it wasn’t like telling her would do anything. 

“It’s a project of sorts.” Reaching up, Vi pulled off the fabric tarp that covered the old, beat up van.

Caitlyn’s nose wrinkled at the strange vehicle. “What is it?” She asked, eyes filled with confusion and curiousity as she stepped forward, fingers brushing the short nose of the van.

Vi couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “It’s a VW Bus. They’re definitely weird looking but there’s a huge market for them.”

“I can’t imagine why.” She replied dryly. “ What sort of people drive these things?”

Vi leaned against the side of the bus, crossing her arms and grinning. “People like my sister. She’s a little weirdo and loves these things. We got one in the shop when she was like eight years old and she’s never stopped talking about them.”

Caitlyn continued to trace her fingers along the metal of the car, stopping just short of where Vi was leaning. “You said it was a project? You’re fixing this up for your sister? Powder, right?”

Vi was surprised Caitlyn remembered her sister’s name. “Yeah. Basically. She usually keeps to the front of the shop and so far has no idea it's back here. Probably my second best kept secret.”

A sly smile crept on Caitlyn’s lips as she crossed her arms and leaned against the van to mirror Vi. “Oh? And what’s your first?” 

“Wouldn’t be much of a secret if I told you, now would it?” Vi smirked, enjoying how amused Caitlyn seemed to be with that reply.

“Touche, Miss Lane.” 

“Now how do you know my last name?” Vi’s eyes narrowed, but her smile didn’t fade. It wasn’t like knowing it was the end of the world, she just knew that it wasn’t posted anywhere in the shop. The thought that Caitlyn had found it made Vi feel some sort of way, and it didn’t feel unpleasant.

“I do my research. Between handling my car and Maddie knowing you exist…just wanted to cover my bases.” Caitlyn straightened and walked over to a shelf. “In my line of work it's smart to cover yourself, just in case. Get the necessary information to make informed decisions based on facts.”

“And what line of work is that?” Vi’s own curiosity was only growing the more she talked to Caitlyn. She’d always assumed people like her were just…simple. Rich assholes who didn’t care about anyone below their paygrade. Maybe there were exceptions. 

Caitlyn’s chin rose ever so slightly, and she gave a small, proud smile.“I’m a detective.”

Vi wasn’t sure what she was expecting. Maybe some sort of high level CEO or paralegal at some fancy firm or something, but not that.

“Like….Batman?” Vi felt stupid the moment it came out of her mouth. 

Caitlyn gave her a deadpan expression. “Yes, Vi. Just like Batman. At night I dress in black and fly through the streets of Piltover thwarting villains like Calendar Man and The Riddler.” 

They stared at each other for a moment, then both burst out laughing. Vi could never imagine Caitlyn in that sort of getup, but it was a hilarious mental image. Wiping tears from her eyes, she motioned for Caitlyn to follow her back into the office. They chatted a bit as she made her a cup of tea and herself a decaf coffee. The conversation returned to Powder and why the VW Bus was her car of choice, but as they were talking, something nagged at the back of Vi’s mind.

“So, not to get all in your business or anything even more than I already have, but you seemed pretty relieved to have a reason to come here and, I’m no detective like you, but.. is everything okay?” As Vi handed Caitlyn a refill of her tea, she stilled. With a sigh, Caitlyn accepted and held it, resting it in her lap and looking down at it before saying anything.

“I was glad to have the excuse. And honestly, it's extremely childish of me to run away like I did. I just–” She let out a heavy sigh. “Remember Maddie?”

“How could I forget? The girl looked like she wanted to take me out on the spot. She still bothering you?” Vi settled in a seat nearby, happy to be off her feet and realizing how achy the day made her.

“Not me, but she has certainly taken an interest in you.” 

“In me?” Vi blinked, confused. “Why?”

“Well as far as Maddie is concerned, you’re the reason why I won’t give her another chance.” Caitlyn took another sip of her tea and Vi couldn’t help but notice how she hadn’t looked at Vi once since the conversation had shifted.

“I–shit.” Vi sat back, dumbfounded.

“Apparently, she mentioned something to my mother and now she’s asking me all sorts of things.” Caitlyn bit at her lip, her brow creasing in frustration. 

Her stomach felt like lead as she realized how her off hand excuse to try to help had actually caused more harm than good. “Sorry, Caitlyn. I didn’t…I guess I wasn’t thinking and I–”

Raising a hand, Caitlyn cut her off with a shake of her head. “No. It was a brilliant move. I just horrifically underestimated Maddie and should have done something to follow up. It was my inaction that caused this.” 

Caitlyn stared down at her cup again, clearly thinking. Vi wanted to say something, to apologize again, but the words stuck in her throat. She had no idea what to do, or how to help Caitlyn out of the mess Vi had put her in. The worry from Caitlyn’s brow suddenly disappeared as her head snapped up, causing Vi to start.

“What’s wrong?” 

Caitlyn looked at Vi, her expression serious but brow set in determination. “I have an idea. Obviously you’d have to be okay with it but I could find a way to make it worth your time.”

Vi looked at her, trying to figure out what she could possibly be talking about. “I don’t follow.”

Setting her tea down Caitlyn sat up straight. She suddenly looked…nervous. “This might be a crazy idea and you absolutely do not have to go for it at all.”

Vi blinked at her, still confused but silent as she waited for an explanation.

“What if, as far as they’re all concerned, you are my girlfriend.” 

Mouth falling open, Vi looked at her, dumbfounded. “What?” 

Caitlyn looked away, her face clearly flushing as she sat back, wrapping her arms around herself. “No. No. You’re right, it's a stupid idea. Forget I said anything.” 

“No, that’s not what I–” Vi sat forward. “I think I need to hear your whole idea before I can actually wrap my head around this.” 

Caitlyn took a long, steadying breath. “It would only need to be for the week I’m here of course, but if I can let them believe that I’m attached, then Maddie would back off and my mother would have one less thing to harp on me about. Granted, they’ll probably want to meet you but I could make an excuse about how you’re busy with your own family things. I might need you to come to at least one function just to save face. In return I can help you with…something.” She paused. “This sounds insane now that I’m saying it out loud.” 

Vi snorted a laugh. “A little bit. But it sounds pretty amusing. Are things really that bad that you came up with this plot of all things?”

Caitlyn slumped, holding her head in her hands. “It was okay at the party but all day I’ve been noticing there were comments being slipped into conversation every chance they could get. My father even seemed a little upset that I hadn’t told him.”

Guilt weighted down on Vi heavily the more Caitlyn explained the situation. Vi had really fucked up and now Caitlyn was paying for it. The idea was crazy, but it was only a week, then they could make up some excuse about breaking up and be on their merry way. Plus it sounded like Caitlyn wasn’t going to let the favor go unpaid.

“If I do this…what’d I get out of it?” Vi hated the way she said it the moment the words left her lips. “That sounded bad.”

“No, it's a fair question. I’m asking a lot of you.” She worried her lip again as she pushed an errant lock out of her face. A moment later her expression lit up. “I can help fund the VW Bus. You said it was a classic and I can imagine parts are hard to find; and expensive. I could help you get ahead on that for your sister.”

Vi’s eyes widened. She’d been working on the car for years, calling and finding parts only to lose them because she couldn’t afford them before someone else snatched them up. She had almost accepted that both her and her sister would be old and grey before she finished, but she could never quite bring herself to abandon the project. If Caitlyn could truly help, then maybe she could get the jump on fixing it she sorely needed.

“That’s…a pretty tempting offer.” Vi chuckled, crossing her arms and contemplating.”It’s just for the rest of the week, yeah?”

“Yes. Then I can tell them we went our separate ways or something once I get home. Maddie will still be an issue but I can deal with her when I’m not also dealing with family obligations… and far away from here.”

Vi’s leg bounced as she considered it. It wasn’t a bad deal, honestly. Vi would be getting far more out of it than Caitlyn would be; it almost seemed unfair. “How about I do two functions? I can’t do anything on Christmas Day but any other day is fine and I’ll send you the list of some of the things I need for the bus.”

Extending her hand, Caitlyn smiled. It was a relieved smile and, as Vi shook her hand, she saw the rigid line of Caitlyn’s shoulders relax for the first time since she’d stepped into the shop. “It’s a deal. Now, let's figure out how we met.” 

Chapter Text

Caitlyn reached out and tried to adjust Vi’s shirt collar again and was promptly batted away with a chuckle.

“You’re not going to have any trouble convincing them we’re together if you keep worrying over the way I look like this.” Vi teased. “I think it looks fine.” 

Retracting her hands, Caitlyn posted her hands on her hips, feeling slightly frustrated. “I just need this to be believable and you’re…”

“Rakish? Rugged? Unexpectedly and strangely charming?” Vi smirked as she crossed her arms and leaned into Caitlyn’s space. She was making fun of her, clearly.

“You’re different.” Caitlyn replied with a huff, thinking about all the ways that Vi would stick out like a sore thumb at any event she attended. “People are going to single you out because of it.” 

Without thinking, Caitlyn reached out to brush a lock of hair that had fallen into Vi’s face but Vi grabbed her wrist lightly and lowered it before she could.

“Cait.” She said with a quiet, breathy laugh. “It’s going to be fine. I can handle your people, I promise.”

A flush began creeping up Caitlyn’s collar and into her cheeks as she tried to think of anything she could say to the contrary. She had done everything she could to prepare Vi and, as far as she could tell, Vi had taken it all in. While she was still worried, if Vi said she could handle it, Caitlyn knew she should trust her.

“Yes. Yes, of course.” Stepping away, Caitlyn went back into Vi’s small restroom to use the mirror, checking over herself one more time as well. Her anxiety was going haywire and she wanted to make sure everything was perfect.  “I’m sorry. I just worry they’re going to see straight through all of this.”

“No kidding.” Grabbing Caitlyn’s hand, Vi pulled her out from the bathroom, taking her shoulders lightly and turning Caitlyn to face her. “Look. I’m sure no matter what happens you probably already have at least three backup plans for it. I’m obviously going to follow your lead. Do you really need to worry this much?”

Opening and closing her mouth a few times she couldn’t help but feel offended. Especially considering, despite the short amount of time they’d known each other, Vi was right. But Caitlyn was good at what she did because she always thought everything through so completely. Vi was correct, she had backup plans for her backup plans. “Are you always this forward with people?”

“Pretty much.” Vi shrugged, rubbing Caitlyn’s arms reassuringly. “Stop worrying so much. We got this. It's a simple dinner with your parents right? This is going to be a cakewalk.”

Caitlyn took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, of course you’re right.”

In every fiber of her being she wanted to believe it. To have the confidence in this whole plan that Vi already seemed to have but for some reason it already felt like everything was falling apart, and it hadn’t even started. Perhaps she was simply catastrophizing because never in her life had she tried to do anything like this. She was always the type to err on the side of caution. Spontaneity was not her strong suit. Even with her work she kept the need to be subversive to a minimum. Why this was the first idea that popped into her head to deal with Maddie and her parents was beyond her.

“Atta girl.” Vi patted her arm before walking away and gathering up their jackets that lay draped over the back of Vi’s couch. “Ready to do this?” 

Letting out a quiet groan, Caitlyn grabbed her jacket from Vi and headed out the door. Truthfully, she wasn’t, but this had been her hairbrained idea. Now it was time to put it in play and hope for the best. 

“She seems…nice.” Caitlyn's mother commented as they got into the car after leaving the restaurant. 

Caitlyn knew her mother far too well to think that was any sort of compliment. Truth be told, the dinner had gone well. Vi played her part perfectly, even if she laid it on a little thick towards the end. But they also had finished a bottle of wine between the two of them, so certain liberties could be forgiven. 

“If you don’t like her, you can just say so, mother.” Caitlyn replied a bit more sharply than she intended. 

“I didn’t say I did not like her.” Caitlyn could see her mothers mind working as she exchanged a look with Tobias. “She’s just not what I’d expected when you said you were seeing someone.” 

“And what did you expect, mother? Another Maddie?” Caitlyn could feel the heat in her face, old anger bubbling to the surface.

Cassandra’s expression did not betray her reaction to what Caitlyn was saying. Perhaps a lifetime of these sorts of arguments made it easy for her to manage.

“I still don’t understand what happened with Maddie. You two were perfect together.” To Cassandra, it probably felt like such a simple statement. On the outside they had the appearance of a perfect match. If only her mother knew how checked-out she had been. How it always felt like Maddie was vying to get Caitlyn to feel things she could never quite feel despite trying. It was a sad sort of desperation on both their parts that made Caitlyn feel guilty beyond all measure. 

At least, that’s how she felt until Maddie started nearly stalking Vi when she found out about her. Caitlyn had no idea what she could be capable of, especially since she knew exactly what type of resources Maddie had access to. What measures would she go to?

An uneasy silence had filled the car, and Caitlyn watched her father look helplessly between them. At least one thing was always consistent. Their family dynamic hadn’t changed all that much despite Caitlyn living so far away from home. For better or worse. 

“You should invite her to come skiing tomorrow.” Tobias offered cheerily. “She seems like the outdoorsy type. Does she ski?” 

Caitlyn blinked a moment, not actually knowing the answer. 

“Of course she does.” She lied. “I’m sure she would love to come.” 

“I will add her to the luncheon after as well then.” Cassandra pulled out her phone and began tapping at the screen.

Caitlyn followed suit, bringing up her text conversation with Vi as her stomach turned to lead.

YOU: Do you know how to ski?

VI: Why?

YOU: There’s an outing tomorrow and my parents want you to come. 

VI: I made that good of an impression huh? 😌

YOU: You certainly made some sort of impression. I honestly think this is a test. 

VI: They put all your girlfriends through this sort of thing?

YOU: No, actually. This is a first. Maybe it is because you’re the first girlfriend I’ve ever had that could down half a bottle of wine over dinner without blinking an eye. Most people don’t drink more than one glass.

VI: WE had half a bottle of wine. 

VI: You’re really getting into this huh? 😏

YOU: Shut up. 

VI: I’m your FAKE girlfriend remember.

YOU: Semantics. We both know that. Please just answer the question. 

VI: If I ski? 

YOU: Yes.

VI: I ski.

VI: Or at least I have. It’s been a while. 

YOU: And you’re free tomorrow afternoon?

VI: That depends.

YOU: On?

VI: Do you want me to come?

‘Of course I want you to come’ is what she wanted to send, but as she typed it out her fingers stilled. Naturally she did want her to come. If it would help convince her parents that this was legitimate, Caitlyn would ask Vi to attend anything they mentioned. But as she thought about the dinner she thought about how much she had enjoyed Vi’s company. They had finished a bottle of wine between the two of them, and it wasn't because of nerves or anything. Caitlyn had simply kept refilling their glasses until it was empty. She had done it without realizing.

As for how Vi had fared, she had been surprisingly good at conversation and navigated Cassandra’s and Tobias’ questions with a grace and ease that had left Caitlyn a little dumbfounded. She had a way of smoothly turning the conversation away from herself, save a few mentions of her sister and a thinly veiled comment of how she enjoyed working with her hands. Caitlyn had been impressed and a little embarrassed as she remembered the small smirk Vi had given her after mentioning the latter. She hoped the scowl that she’d given in return was enough of a warning not to do that again. As far as Caitlyn could tell, her parents hadn’t caught on to Vi's double meaning. Caitlyn didn't allow herself to think too much about it.

Her phone lit up with an incoming call suddenly, causing her to start. Vi’s name flashed up on the screen and she flipped it over in her lap, hoping her parents wouldn’t see. Why was Vi calling?

As Tobias and Cassandra made their way into the house, Caitlyn held back, saying she’d left something behind. After making a show to look around the back seat, she thanked the driver and watched as they left down the long, winding driveway. 

Despite the cold she knew she’d need to call Vi back before she went in and find out what she wanted. Taking a deep breath she clicked Vi’s name in the contact list. It rang and rang, nearly going to voicemail before it was answered.

“And here I thought you were done with me.” Vi’s tone was teasing and Caitlyn felt herself bristle a little bit. Maybe it was the amount of wine she had, or the stress of the whole situation, but her mood was teetering on foul.

“Maybe I should be. Why did you call me out of the blue like that? I was in the car with my parents.” Worried, Caitlyn glanced at the house, as if expecting her mother to be in a window looking down on her.

“You didn’t answer my text.” Vi replied pointedly.

“I was in the car with my parents .” Caitlyn repeated.

“I wanted to know your answer. Besides, as far as they know, we're dating. It wouldn’t be weird for you to answer the phone for your girlfriend, would it?” Vi had her there.

“It might surprise you to know, Vi,” Caitlyn huffed, “that my life doesn’t actually revolve around you and sometimes I need time to answer ridiculous questions.” 

“And as your pretend girlfriend, I’m deeply offended that you'd leave me out to dry like that.” Caitlyn could hear the amusement in Vi’s voice.

Caitlyn clicked her tongue, her frustration waning slightly as she came to realize how easily Vi’s teasing got to her. Not many people could get her worked up so quickly all the while managing to be altogether charming. It almost infuriated her if she didn't find it endearing. Not that she'd ever let Vi know that's how she felt.

“Shall we consider this our first fight, then? Because I think you’re being absolutely ridiculous.”

Vi let out a long hum. “I think I simply want my pretend girlfriend to admit that she actually wants me around.”

“You’re incorrigible.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. 

“That’s not a no.” The amusement was still heavy in her voice, but there was something else there too. 

“I want you to come.” Caitlyn finally admitted in almost a whisper, feeling too flustered and full of wine to come up with a witty comeback. 

“Then I’ll be there.” Vi sounded satisfied at the answer but Caitlyn couldn’t help but detect a softness there too. She could almost perfectly picture an easy, lopsided smile blooming across Vi’s lips, the scar making it look even more uneven. Then she stopped. Caitlyn was far too wine drunk to think about anyone’s lips, let alone Vi’s.

“I’m glad that’s settled then.” She said instead. “I shall see you tomorrow. We usually go up to the lodge around ten in the morning. Can you make it then?” 

“Absolutely. I’m stuck waiting on some parts for your car anyway, so this would be a good way to kill time.”

“See you tomorrow then.”

“Looking forward to it.” There it was again. That softness that just felt a little too genuine. 

Caitlyn felt herself flush and she pressed one of her gloved hands against her face, relishing in the coolness of the fabric. Saying a short goodbye, Caitlyn ended the call and hurried inside. The next day was going to be a real test on how this whole plan would go; she needed to be on top of her game. They were not going to fail, she’d do everything in her power to make sure of it.

The next morning was bitterly cold, but the sky was clear and the snow was perfect for a ski trip. Just as she said, Vi met the Kiramman’s at the lodge Caitlyn had sent the address to. She was sitting in the lobby with her own skis and everything, to Caitlyn’s surprise.

“Don't look so shocked, Cupcake “ Vi murmured as they shared a quick hug around their equipment. 

“I guess I didn't expect you to have all this just…ready to go.” Caitlyn whispered back before they parted. 

Vi’s grin was wide and playful as they parted. “You know me, Cait. Just full of surprises.” 

As they made their way outside Caitlyn and Vi decided on a relatively moderate slope to tackle first. Cassandra and Tobias agreed and went ahead of them after Vi made a comment that she wanted to check the connection on one of Caitlyn’s skis.

While inspecting the ski, Caitlyn noticed how Vi’s focus was divided. Even while working on the ski she was watching Cassandra and Tobias as they disappeared down the hill. From her seat next to Vi, Caitlyn observed her curiously. It was the first time Caitlyn really had a chance to look at her. There was a scar on her upper lip and eyebrow that she almost wanted to ask about, but didn’t. And the tattoo on her cheek was curious. She could only imagine what her mother thought of Vi the first time she saw her, tattoos and piercings and all. Even with all that though, Vi was able to navigate seamlessly and easily brushed off the stares and odd comments that followed them so far that morning.

Letting out a quiet grunt, there was a click from the ski. So it wasn’t just a cover to get away from Caitlyn’s parents, there had been something wrong with her equipment.

When asked about it, Vi shrugged. “Vander likes to say I have a sixth sense for these sorts of things.” 

“I see. How fortunate for me then.” Caitlyn looked down at the ski. It had looked perfectly fine to her; then again, she’d only just been given them. She wasn’t sure if anyone dealt with the maintenance of them in the off season.  

“Shall we?” Vi was already back on her feet, offering a hand to her. 

Glancing over, she could see her parents watching them and nerves started bubbling in her stomach. Taking Vi’s hand she stood, lacing her fingers through Vi’s she reached for her gear and slung it over a shoulder. A scarred eyebrow raised at her and Caitlyn shot a quick look at her parents and back. Smiling, Vi’s grip on her hand tightened as she pulled Caitlyn close. She had to hold back a yelp of surprise as Vi pressed her nose into the side of her cheek.

“They’re really going to be watching us like that the whole time?” Vi asked quietly, half a laugh in her voice.

“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Caitlyn willed herself to relax, to look natural. Couples getting close was a normal thing. All of this was perfectly normal, or at least it would be if it wasn’t entirely fabricated. 

“You’re thinking too loud. Relax, Cupcake. If it makes it any easier on you, you can just follow my lead. I promise I won’t do anything too crazy.” 

“Isn’t that how I ended up with this ridiculous idea?” Caitlyn scoffed, closing her eyes and leaning a bit more into Vi.

Vi let out a soft hum against her cheek. “Sure is. Don’t worry, I’m not going to fuck this up for you. I got something to lose now too.”

Chuckling darkly, Caitlyn pulled away. “I’ll be good for my word, I promise. I don’t plan to–”

Just over Vi’s shoulder the retreat door opened and closed as Maddie walked out, followed by a tall, pale man that Cailtyn didn’t know.

“Shit.” Caitlyn hissed, grabbing Vi’s chin as she tried to follow Caitlyn’s gaze.”Don’t.”

“Woah. Hi.” Vi’s lopsided grin grew as she looked at Caitlyn in surprise, which made Caitlyn let go immediately. “What’s going on?” 

Scowling, Caitlyn shifted her things on her shoulder “Maddie.”

Vi’s smirk turned a little mischievous as she stepped away from Caitlyn to pick up her own things. Still squatting by her stuff she looked up, pretending to see Maddie for the first time as she walked up to them.

“Oh hey. Maddie was it? How’s it goin?” Standing, she reached out a hand to Maddie. Caitlyn almost laughed at the way Maddie tried to cover up a very obvious scowl as she shook it.

“Hello.” Maddie dropped Vi’s hand, looking directly at Caitlyn as her expression softened. “Hi Caitlyn.”

“Good morning, Maddie.” Caitlyn gave her a small wave before shifting her gear and taking Vi’s hand again. “Are you going on the slopes today too?” 

“I wasn’t planning on it.” She motioned to the man next to her. “This is Steb, a coworker of mine. I was just showing him around and getting some breakfast at the Powered Poro. You know this place has the best hot chocolate in town.”

“It’s actually the best hot cocoa. Hot chocolate is not as commonly found in–” Caitlyn began before she could stop herself, only to be cut off when Maddie turned to leave.

“Anyway, we have a reservation. It’s good to see you, Caitlyn. Have fun on the slopes.”

Caitlyn watched in shock as Maddie shot a less than veiled glare at Vi as she and Steb disappeared into the restaurant section of the building. Caitlyn didn’t move until she heard a low whistle from Vi.

“What an astronomical bitch.”

“I think I deserved this one.” Caitlyn sighed. 

“No. You didn’t. That was a bitch move and she knew it.” Vi scowled towards where Maddie had exited. 

Warmth crept into Caitlyn’s cheeks as she let herself enjoy the fact that Vi had been so quick to defend her. She looked so angry and it wasn’t even directed at her.

Letting out a huff of breath, Vi shook her head.  “Let’s get going. And while we’re getting there, finish what you were saying. I thought hot cocoa and hot chocolate were the same thing.”

“You know,” Vi said, as she skidded to a stop next to Caitlyn who had, yet again, found an errant rock and ended up face first in the snow, “I thought you said you did this every year since before you could remember. I expected you to outpace me by miles.”

Caitlyn glared daggers up at Vi from where she sat in the snow. The hair that stuck out from under her beanie was covered in the white powder; it almost reminded Vi of a starry skyscape if it wasn’t accompanied by red cheeks and an endearing, yet childlike scowl.

“Shut up.” Caitlyn huffed, reaching out a hand. “If you can stand there and insult me the least you could do is help me up.” 

Tucking her ski poles under an arm, she shifted in front of Caitlyn and reached out to help her.  What Vi didn’t think to account for was the fact that she was standing downhill from Caitlyn and as Caitlyn got to her feet, her still stuck ski caused her to pitch forward, colliding into Vi and sending them both back into the snow in a spray of white.

Vi couldn’t help but laugh as Caitlyn scrambled to get back up, only managing to unpin Vi and roll off to the side.

“Well I’m glad one of us finds this funny.” Caitlyn glowered. “Help me get out of these damn things.”

“Oh this is hilarious.” Vi reached over and unclipped Caitlyn’s boot. “ Never in a million years did I think I’d see a Kiramman wipe out not once, but twice right in front of me. Call the papers! We got a story–”

Suddenly her face was full of snow as Caitlyn threw a handful at her. Sputtering, she wiped it away. Challenge accepted. “Don’t start a war you’re not ready to finish, Kiramman.”

With a laugh, Caitlyn, now free from her skis, took off. Vi scrambled to unhook herself and booked it after her. Half formed snowballs flew past her as Caitlyn tried to slow her pursuit, but she clearly underestimated Vi. Years of growing up in the snow and chasing down Powder meant they were on her turf. Caitlyn didn’t stand a chance. 

Looking to close the distance, Vi leapt at her waist. Caitlyn cried out in surprise as Vi tackled her down into a nearby snowbank. Snow sprayed everywhere as they sank into it. Vi hadn't counted on Caitlyn being able to fight back. When Caitlyn slid from her grasp and used their momentum to flip Vi onto her back, she succeeded and Vi lay there in shock. That's when Caitlyn really took advantage and delivered a whole handful of snow directly into Vi's face. 

With a surprised laugh, Vi wiped the snow from her eyes, only to see Caitlyn trying to get up but was struggling with the cumbersome ski boots still on.

“Oh, you’re not getting away that easily.” Lurching forward, Vi got her arms around Caitlyn’s waist again, sending all her own weight back. With another poof of powdery snow they sunk into the bank again, making an even larger Caitlyn-and-Vi divot in it.

“You menace! ” Caitlyn cried out, laughing as she clawed at Vi’s hands around her waist with her gloved hands.

“You have no idea how much of a menace I can be.” Vi wasn’t about to surrender, cackling as Caitlyn continued to try get out of her grip. She may have been able to use momentum against Vi before to catch her off guard, but when met strength to strength, very few people had that on Vi. 

Eventually Caitlyn stopped trying to get away. Her back was pressed firmly against Vi's front and she slowly began to relax, tipped her head back into the space over Vi's shoulder to look at her. “You’re the worst. You know that?”

Vi knew she wasn’t serious. The soft, slightly exasperated smile on her face told Vi that much. Chuckling, Vi watched as Caitlyn closed her eyes, head fully lulling back over Vi’s shoulder. It didn’t seem like she was planning on getting up anytime soon. Probably because she was relishing her temporary win by keeping Vi pinned in the snow. Not that Vi couldn’t easily move her  For some reason, though, Vi didn’t really mind. Caitlyn was warm and even with the snow melting beneath her, it felt good to just lie there as they both caught their breath. Vi kept her arms wrapped around Caitlyn’s waist, and eventually she felt Caitlyn’s hands rest lightly over them. Ok. Maybe it had been awhile since she’d had any sort of physical contact with another person. It happens. 

“I’m sorry if any of this goes south.” Caitlyn said suddenly as she rolled off to the side and sat up. Pulling her knees up to her chest she wrapped her arms around them and rested her chin on top, looking out into the snowy landscape. “I really don’t know what I’m doing.”

Propping herself up on her elbows, Vi looked up at her. “Does anyone?” 

Caitlyn was quiet for a moment, the crease between her brows deepening. “I suppose not.” 

Sitting up fully, Vi reached out and pressed a thumb to the crease, rubbing it slightly. “That’s gonna stick if you keep doing that you know.”

Letting out a small, slightly amused huff, Caitlyn’s brow relaxed a little as she continued to watch people ski past below. 

Vi took the moment to really look at her. Sure, Caitlyn was drop dead gorgeous, anyone would have to be blind beyond belief to not see that, but there was really something truly and deeply beautiful about her as a person that Vi had been fortunate enough to see glimpses of over the last few days. She wondered how many people got to see that side of Caitlyn, or if they even noticed. It was easy to imagine Caitlyn had to keep up appearances whenever her parents were around, and the responsibility of what her line of work had to entail…that had to put some sort of pressure on her. When did Caitlyn really get to be Caitlyn?

“Hey,” Vi found herself saying suddenly, “what are you doing this afternoon?” 

That cool blue gaze shifted to Vi, curiosity shining in her eyes. “I’d have to check my mother’s schedule of events, but I actually think this was the only major thing planned today.” 

Vi felt a sudden rush of excitement. “So this might be…kind of dumb but my dad, sister, and I are baking cookies later. Do you wanna come?”

Caitlyn’s eyes went wide as several emotions flashed across her face in quick succession. “I-are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t.” Vi chuckled. “And you don’t have to worry about us pretending to date or anything. Just come as you are. It’s kind of the number one Lane household rule.” 

Her expression shifted to something Vi couldn’t quite read as she looked back out at the skiers below. Even if she wasn’t answering immediately, it at least looked like she was considering it. It wasn’t like Vi even expected that much. 

“I think I’d like to.” Caitlyn finally said. “I just want to ensure that I’m not forgetting anything.”

“No, yeah, of course.” Vi nodded, trying to keep the sudden and unexpected rush of excitement from showing too much on her face. “Just let me know. We’ll leave a spot for you.” 

Nodding, Caitlyn grew quiet again and the two of them sat there a little while longer, watching the people skiing nearby. Vi wouldn’t have minded getting back on the slopes, as it had been a few years since she had gone skiing and she’d been having a lot of fun. Then she heard a quiet chattering next to her and she looked over at Caitlyn.

“Annnd that’s our sign that it’s time to go.” Standing, Vi offered a hand. 

“Go?” Taking the hand, Caitlyn blinked up at her. “Go where?” 

Hoisting Caitlyn to her feet, Vi began leading the way back to their abandoned skis and gathered them up, kneeling to hold Caitlyn’s  so she could snap back in. “Somewhere warm. I don’t know about you but I feel soaked to the bone with this snow.”

Balancing herself by holding on to Vi’s shoulder she got them back on, taking the ski poles and watching Vi as she put on her own  “I suppose you’re right.”

“Besides, didn't you say they had the best hot cocoa in town?” Vi grinned as Caitlyn seemed to light up again. As they took their time to slowly descend the slope, Caitlyn began going into detail about the way they made it.

It was then Vi realized that she could probably listen to Caitlyn talk about anything for as long as she wanted to go on about it. But more than that, Vi was realizing she was quickly and irrefutably falling for her.

Chapter Text

"Caitlyn?" Cassandra's head popped around the corner as Caitlyn pulled her jacket from the coat closet. "Are you going somewhere?"

She had to think fast, otherwise her mother would see right through her and probably try to convince her to stay. Which, truth be told, wouldn't be a hard sell as Caitlyn had already begun second guessing herself about going.

No. She wouldn't do that. She was on holiday and she was going to enjoy herself. It was so rare she ever got a chance to do anything that wasn't a family sanctioned activity and honestly, there was a small part of her looking forward to seeing how normal families spent the holidays.

"Violet invited me over to meet her...sister." It wasn't exactly a lie. Vi had mentioned that her sister would be there.

"Oh? Her family lives here too?" Cassandra crossed her arms loosely in front of her and leaned against the hall's entry way. Caitlyn had to hold back a laugh at the reminder of how similar she was to her mother.

"Her father is a born and bred native I think?"

"Is this your first time meeting him?"

Caitlyn had to be careful; every lie she came up with she'd need to be sure to keep track of or this would well and truly fall apart. There were only a few more days to go, she could do this.

"I have not." The truth was always the safest bet. At that moment she needed to be safe and she needed to get on her way.

"Then you shouldn't go empty handed, dear. One moment." Caitlyn watched, somewhat surprised as her mother exited off into the kitchen and came back moments later with a small gift basket and a bottle of wine. "We've gotten far more of these than your father and I could ever finish and the wine...well, it's from Tormund."

Caitlyn couldn't help but chuckle along with her mother. Half their wine cellar was probably filled with the man's wine, as it was the only thing he ever gifted. It was good wine but there were only so many times every one of them could be given a bottle before it was impossible to keep up.

Gratefully, Caitlyn slid on her jacket and took the basket and bottle. "Thank you, mother."

Reaching out, Cassandra tucked an errant lock of Caitlyn's hair behind her ear. "I know you think I don't approve of her. But Violet does seem...nice."

Caitlyn huffed at the pause. "I know what 'nice' means, mother."

A scowl played across Cassandra's face. "She was just unexpected. I find it strange you didn't say anything about her before all this; or even travel together."

Clenching her jaw, Caitlyn took a breath. She and her mother never talked about this sort of thing, but perhaps that was partly what caused the strain between them. With a sigh, Caitlyn relaxed a little. "I'm trying to take things slow so I don't end up in another situation like I was with Maddie-"

Caitlyn held up a hand as her mother opened her mouth to say something.

"Let me finish, please." Cassandra folded her hands in front of her and looked at Caitlyn expectantly. "I know you really liked Maddie. I thought I did too, but when it came down to it my heart just wasn't in it. She was...fine back then. Now-"

"She seems to be trying to find out anything and everything about your new attachment." Cassandra gave Caitlyn a knowing look, to which Caitlyn stared wide eyed. "I am far more observant than you give me credit for, Caitlyn. I found it odd that Maddie had asked our plans for earlier today only to show up and only speak with you and Violet. It seemed a bit..."

"Desperate?" Caitlyn finished with a huff.

"That's certainly a word for it, I suppose." Cassandra chuckled. "I am sorry things didn’t work out for the two of you because you are correct, I did like Maddie. But if it's not what makes you happy, we both know nothing I could do or say would stop you from making your own decisions on such things."

Caitlyn couldn't help but laugh a little. "I am my mother's daughter."

"You could say that again." Tobias said, coming into the foyer from behind Cassandra.

"Go have a good time." Cassandra stepped forward and adjusted the collar of Caitlyn's jacket. "Give the family our regards and don't be out too late."

As Caitlyn made her way outside to the waiting car and settled in, she couldn't help but ruminate on the entire exchange she had just had. She couldn't remember the last time her mother had tried to extend an olive branch like that, let alone during the holidays. Who knew how long it would last, or when Caitlyn would inevitably end up doing something to send her and her mother at odds again, but for now, she was going to enjoy it. It was a nice feeling.

Hugging the basket close, she watched the passing snow banks out the window. For the first time, she was feeling hopeful for her Christmas holiday and whatever it might entail.

"You pace any more, you're gonna run a trench in my floor." Vander chuckled from his armchair as he watched Vi.

Powder nodded in agreement from the couch, where she was putting red and green chalk streaks in Isha's hair.

Rolling her eyes at the lot of them, Vi went back to the kitchen, rearranging things on the counter for the umpteenth time.

"Oh she totally does." She heard Powder snort a laugh and looked up to see both her and Isha grinning widely.

Vi narrowed her eyes at them. "Shut up."

Powder held up her hands. "Don't look at me. It was Isha who said it."

Isha's grin widened, pointing at Vi and patting her cheeks. Vi knew she wasn't always great at hiding her emotions, and if the heat in her cheeks were any indication, her embarrassment was showing too. Usually, she could keep her cool but when she was with family, it wasn't so easy. They knew every single one of her tells. Even Isha—their newest stray added to the pack—had Vi figured out. She'd hate it if she didn't love them all so fiercely.

"I hate that I have to deal with two of you now." Vi glowered, causing Vander to laugh harder.

"Welcome to my world, kiddo." Jumping up from where she sat with Powder, Isha made her way to Vander, throwing herself into his lap. "You learn to love it."

"Yeah, ok." Rolling her eyes again, Vi pulled out her phone to see if anything had come through. Still no messages from Caitlyn since she had said she was leaving. Vi was kicking herself for not offering to go get her, but she knew Caitlyn was trying to be careful. The less Vi was around the Kirammans the better intact their fake relationship could stay.

The whole situation had become weird for Vi. In the beginning it was so simple. Play a part and get help with the bus in the end. An easy exchange. Playing pretend was Powder's favorite game as a kid. Vi had even played leads in a few stage productions in high school and had enjoyed it well enough. She'd been good at it. So this shouldn't have been so different.

But it was.

She had fully expected Caitlyn to be like all the other privileged rich girls that came through town this time of year. Dolled up women with mommy or daddy's money lining their pockets, finding interest in her because Vi was the rugged, small town, single, lesbian mechanic of their romance novel dreams. Always good for a winter fling, or as arm candy at some party to piss a parent off. Then they parted ways no harm no foul. It wasn't like Vi hated the attention, even if most of the girls were about as deep as the days were long during the winter. It itched a scratch and kept the loneliness at bay for a short time.

Then there was Caitlyn. It was clear she didn't want, nor need, to rely on her parents' fortune. From the tidbits of conversation Vi came to realize that not only was she a detective, but she had put herself through college and handpicked the department she wanted to work for. She wasn't just some fancy asshole cop with a special title. Caitlyn truly wanted to make a difference in the world and made sure it was known who she was and why she was doing it. It was admirable.

The most interesting thing about the whole experience was watching the different sides of Caitlyn come up and down depending on who she was around. Even just knowing her for a few days Vi could clock it. The Caitlyn that was lunch out in the open public was far different then the one at the first dinner Vi had with her and her parents. Then there was the Caitlyn she kept seeing between those times, when it was just the two of them. Vi really liked that version of her and it was becoming a problem. Feelings were never supposed to be part of any of this, and Caitlyn certainly considered this whole situation strictly transactional. A means to an end.

"Hey space case. Your friend is here. Aren't you going to do introductions?" Powder bumped Vi with her hip, nodding her head towards Caitlyn, who was handing Vander her jacket.The basket and wine was already safely sitting on the console table near the door. 

"Right, sorry, hey. Family. This is Caitlyn. Caitlyn, family." Vi had never been great at introductions, but if Caitlyn's laugh when she did them was the same as it was now, she'd make a point never to get good at them.".

"I would guess you're Vander." Caitlyn extended a hand out to Vi's father and he gave a hearty chuckle, taking it and shaking it firmly.

"An accurate deduction, detective." Vander gave a small salute then turned to put her jacket up in the hall closet.

"Someone's been telling their family about me, I see." Caitlyn shot a knowing smirk at Vi and she just chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. Before she could answer, Caitlyn stepped up to Powder. "And you must be the sister I've heard so much about. Powder?"

"That's me!" Taking Caitlyn's hand between both of hers, Powder shook it vigorously. "And this here is Isha."

Isha was tucked half behind Powder's legs, peeking out shyly. Vi watched as Caitlyn kneeled down to her level extending a hand.

"Hi there Isha. I'm Cait. I like the color in your hair. Very festive."

Isha's golden eyes widened and she grabbed Caitlyn's hand, dragging her over to the couch and motioning for her to sit. Caitlyn looked over at Vi helplessly and she just laughed. Caitlyn had mentioned that she wasn’t very good with kids, but seeing her cluelessness in action was nothing if not amusing. "Better do what she asks. It's usually harmless and she gets upset if you don't."

Caitlyn nodded once and sat obediently, following Isha's gentle nudges to keep her head straight before clambering on the back of the couch with the hair chalk in hand. Caitlyn’s head snapped to Vi again, concern on her face.

"Don't worry, Cait." Powder snickered as she curled up in a nearby armchair. "It'll wash out."

Looking at Powder gratefully, Caitlyn sat up straight and held still as Isha began messing with her hair. Vi leaned on the island counter and watched, a warm feeling blooming in her chest as she watched. She was doing great. Caitlyn could really get along with anyone.

By the time Isha was finished, she had roped Powder into the whole ordeal, leaving Caitlyn with two green, red, and natural navy striped braids pinned back in a lopsided halo with a poinsettia hair clip that Vi was pretty sure was a Christmas decoration.

Once Isha gave her the okay, Caitlyn walked up to a mirror and straightened it all out, readjusting the braids and pulling hair that did not go into the braid over her shoulders. She smiled over at Vi and Vi could have sworn her heart skipped a beat. If it wasn’t for the streaky red and green chalk, Vi would have thought Caitlyn had done up her hair for some fancy party. How someone could be so flawlessly beautiful Vi would never understand. 

Trying to cover up any sign that she was struggling, she gave Caitlyn a thumbs up. “Ready for cookie baking, Cupcake?” 

“Oh my god! She gave you a nickname. It’s over, toots.” Powder rolled her eyes, picking up a now dozing Isha and moving her to another room. 

Caitlyn sauntered over to the island in the kitchen opposite Vi and leaned her forearms on it as she inspected the spread of ingredients. “Why do you call me that?” 

“Easy,” Vi pulled the mixing bowl in front of her and began measuring out the sugar, “you’re sweet. Like a cupcake.” 

Baking cookies had been fun, but decorating them devolved into pure chaos. Caitlyn loved every moment of it. The other members of the Lane family either didn’t know who Caitlyn was, or didn’t care. Either way, Caitlyn was fully enjoying herself despite the fact that she most likely had red and green frosting permanently infused with her sweater and she’s probably be finding sprinkles in her hair later that night. Christmas music pumped throughout the house, the fireplace was roaring, and the evergreen tree’s scent mingled with the cookie baking and everything felt perfectly Christmas-y. Powder and Isha had probably eaten just as many cookies as they had decorated so Vander had banished them outside to run off the energy a little. Puffing at his pipe—very classy and old school of him, in Caitlyn's opinion—he leaned back in his armchair with a satisfied groan. 

Caitlyn, however, wasn’t finished. Rolling up her sleeves, she prepared the next treat. Vi stood just over her shoulder, watching as Caitlyn carefully stirred the chopped up chocolate on the stove. 

“You really didn’t need to do this, you know.” She said to Caitlyn softly. 

“I wanted to.” Caitlyn smiled to herself. “And besides, I’ve yet to have my first hot chocolate of the season. This was long overdue.” 

  “The way you talk about this stuff, you’ve set the bar high on how this is gonna be, you know that right?” Vi moved to lean a hip against the counter next to her. 

“Mhum.” Giving a small smirk Caitlyn kept stirring. “And I’m rarely one to disappoint.”

“Is that so?” 

“It is so. Here,” Caitlyn lifted the spoon she was stirring the chocolate with, “try this.” 

“It’s chocolate. I’ve had it before.” 

“Not this chocolate, I’d reckon. Humor me.” Offering the spoon again Vi eyed it, then took a taste. Just as Caitlyn expected, Vi’s blue-grey eyes went wide as she licked a little bit of leftover chocolate off her bottom lip. 

“Holy shit.” 

Letting out a satisfied hum, Caitlyn turned on the burner for the saucepan of milk next. “Told you.” 

After a few more minutes, Caitlyn had enough to serve everyone. While she combined everything, Vi had set up a collection of things to add to the drinks as per Caitlyn’s recommendations of what they had on hand. The presentation was lovely. Vi set out little dishes of cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles, a can of whipped cream and a whole bowlful of marshmallows. Given more time the two of them could have really made a display that would wow and amaze.

Calling everyone in, Powder and Isha rushed in. They adorably delivered one to Vander first, then took their own back outside. Cailtyn insisted Vi go next, despite Vi trying to convince her otherwise. Taking the last bit, Caitlyn added a heaping handful of marshmallows and followed Vi out to the covered porch.

Vi was sitting on a bench swing that hung from the ceiling and was watching Powder and Isha as they seemed to be pretending to have a tea party or something nearby.

“It must be nice.” Caitlyn hummed as she sat next to Vi. 

Vi was halfway through taking a sip when she looked over at Caitlyn. “What’s that?” 

“Powder.” Caitlyn took a sip of her own hot chocolate while she tried to figure out how to put the feeling into words. “Her ability to be like that. I feel like most adults, myself included, forget how to play. I suppose Isha helps her?” 

“Nah,” Vi shook her head, then paused thoughtfully, “Well, I mean yeah Isha does help, but Pow’s always been like that. It's something I never want to see her lose.” 

“You really love her don’t you?” Caitlyn watched as Vi smiled softly, but she noted the small crease still in her brow. Reaching out, Caitlyn smoothed it with a thumb. “That’ll stick if you let it stay like that.”

Vi snorted a laugh. “Stealing my material now, eh Kiramman?” 

With a small, sly smile Caitlyn shrugged and took a sip of her hot chocolate. They fell into a companionable silence, only permeated by the occasional interruption from Power or Isha as they made a pit stop. Isha especially wanted to make sure Caitlyn was watching as she cartwheeled and made snow angels. The two younger Lane girls had settled into making a snowman when Vi stood, motioning to Caitlyn’s empty cup. 

“I’m gonna go clean up the kitchen a bit. I can’t stop thinking about what a mess it is.” Caitlyn had noticed that as Vi had been baking, she’d tried to keep up with cleaning after herself. But with Isha and Powder coming into the picture when it was time to decorate, all hope had been abandoned, leaving a hearty pile of dishes in its wake.

“Would you like any help?” Caitlyn offered, only for Vi to hold up a hand and shake her head. 

“No, you just relax. I’ll get it. Besides,” Vi pointed over towards where Powder and Isha were. The two were waving at Caitlyn. “I think they want you.” 

“Oh. I–” Caitlyn stood, feeling suddenly very nervous, “um, yes. I suppose I’ll go see what they want?”

“Have fun.” Vi chuckled as she went back into the house. 

Caitlyn quickly stepped inside to get her coat before making her way through the snow, nerves bubbling in her stomach as she faced the two younger Lanes. Something about Powder made Caitlyn a little uneasy. No, uneasy wasn’t the word. She just could tell Powder was one of the most important people in Vi’s life and Caitlyn was afraid of causing problems somehow.

“That’s a nice snowman you’ve got there.” She called out as she came up to them. Isha scowled and looked up at Powder, stamping her foot in the snow. 

“We need help. Apparently Isha thinks my ideas are boring. Rude.” Powder interpreted from the few looks and hand motions the younger girl did at her with a scowl.

“Well,” Caitlyn looked at the lumpy pile of snow that constituted the supposed snowman, “a face would be a good place to start. Let’s see what we can find.” 

Isha took off, as it seemed Isha was apt to do. Caitlyn went to another part of the yard and Powder disappeared off into another area. When they reconvened they spread out their finds for assessment. It was mostly a collection of sticks and twigs, along with a few dog toys, a broken pen and the bottom tray of a potted plant that had cracked.

“Nice haul!” Powder high fived Isha, who was beaming ear to ear and looking at Caitlyn expectantly. 

Caitlyn didn’t have much experience with children and had been doing her best to follow Power’s lead, but she wasn’t entirely sure what to do next. When she looked to Powder for help the other girl grinned at her, then focused back on Isha.

“Okay. Eyeballs. He’s gotta have at least one.” Squatting down she shifted through the pile, pulling out a rock and piece of what looked like a tarp maybe. “EYEPATCH!” 

Isha laughed, jumping up and down and holding out a hand like a hook. 

“Yes! Dreaded Pirate Gangplank, the most cold hearted pirate on this side of the Grand Blue.” Powder exclaimed as she lifted Isha up  so she could affix the eye and patch onto the snowman. 

Caitlyn watched, confused and impressed at how quickly Powder had whipped up that whole idea. As they kept working, she wove a whole backstory for their frosty friend. Caitlyn helped Isha put sticks in for arms and soon they had a very strange but oddly charming pirate snowman.

Isha clapped her hands excitedly then ran straight up to the house, slamming the door behind her. Caitlyn watched as Powder looked after her, a satisfied smile on her face.

“That was certainly an experience.” Caitlyn commented, stepping up to the snowman to adjust the flower pot plate that was precariously balanced on top of its head. 

When she looked back over, Powder was looking at her, eyes narrowed and a mischievous smile on her face. Caitlyn let out a soft nervous laugh. “Yes?” 

“I’ve been waiting to get you alone.” Powder began, crossing her arms. “What up with you and Vi?”

Eyes widening, Caitlyn swallowed, focusing back on the snowman. “What do you mean?” 

“Well,” Powder began pacing, taking a long braid in her hand and twirling it around a little. “She doesn’t usually bring people around, especially this time of year.”

“Well, I don’t know then. I had invited her to something earlier today and she is simply returning the favor, I suppose.” Caitlyn wasn’t exactly sure why Vi had asked her to come either, but she wasn’t about to admit that to her sister.

“Uh huh.” Powder paused, giving Caitlyn a once over before shrugging. “Alright. It’s been fun, but man you gotta work on your snowman making skills. It’s like you’ve never made one before.” 

“I haven’t.” Caitlyn admitted, laughing as Powder’s jaw dropped open. 

“ Never?”

“Never.”

"Lemmie guess, same with the cookie decorating?”

Feeling the heat of embarrassment in her cheeks, Caitlyn nodded.

“Geeze. Well that explains a lot.” Powder laughed. It wasn’t a mean laugh or anything, simply one that meant that something Powder had assumed was clicking together. “Well, the drinks were good. So you at least have that going for you.”

Caitlyn chuckled, this girl was really something else. “Thank you…I think.” 

They made their way back inside and found Isha cuddled up with Vander on his armchair and Vi just finishing up with dishes. A movie Caitlyn didn’t know was playing on the TV. Powder had plopped down on a second armchair that sat next to the Christmas tree and was watching the movie while absent-mindedly spinning an ornament on its branch. 

Caitlyn took a moment to walk around the living room admiring the decorations. She loved Christmas decor, and so did the Lanes apparently. Garlands and bows and lights were everywhere. The Christmas tree itself was covered in ornaments from vacations, first Christmases; some had family portraits in them, others looked handmade. The whole scene was altogether charming, along with the warm smell of cookies and hot chocolate and the sound of the Christmas movie playing.

This is what Caitlyn had always imagined a true family Christmas to be like; she could only imagine how wonderful it probably was Christmas Day. Vi had told her about the dinner she’d had planned for the family, only slightly lamenting how it was going to be a smaller crowd in the Lane household that year. Apparently there were a handful of boys that were part of their little pack that were off on a holiday ‘boys cruise’. 

Looking around to find Vi was nowhere to be seen, Caitlyn looked over to Powder. “Can I ask you a question?” 

Powder was lounging on a nearby armchair, her legs slung over an arm. She tipped her head back to look at Caitlyn, her braids sliding down and hitting the ground. “What’s up?”

“Did you do this all together? Or does someone…come decorate for you?” She knew it was a strange question and that her life was very atypical from people like the Lanes, but she was struggling to find the right way to word what she was trying to figure out. 

Powder snorted a laugh. “Why pay someone when we can do it ourselves? That’s the best part of it.” She sighed. “We all did the tree but most of this was Vi. She usually does it every year; it makes her happy.” 

“I see.” Caitlyn looked back at the garland that was put up on the mantle, framing the stockings that hung there. She happened to be in front of Vi’s. It was a green and red plaid stocking and it looked very old. Her name was embroidered in gold thread and it looked like it had been repaired a few times. Running her fingers over the threads she wondered if one of Vi’s parents had done it. 

Powder returned to watching the movie as Caitlyn continued to admire the decor. So much care was put into it. It made her wonder why Vi’s home was so absent of it. It didn’t seem like Vi disliked the Christmas season or anything.

She was craning her neck to look inside a little cobbler shop in the holiday village that was set up when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked over to see nothing but the air beside her, then heard a snort of a laugh from the other side. Whipping her head around she scowled playfully at a snickering Vi.

“It’s pretty cool huh?” Vi nodded to the village. 

“It’s beautiful. There’s so many details. It looks like the perfect place to live if you love Christmas.” Her gaze drifted to a scene of a couple skating on an icy pool. 

“It was our parents’.” Vi said, reaching out and picking up a small dog that had fallen. “Mom loved decorating for Christmas. This was her favorite part and Dad would get her new pieces for it every year. Putting it up was an all hands on deck affair too, once we were old enough to be trusted with it. Powder only got to a few years of it with them before they…died.”

Caitlyn felt a tightening in her chest. She had a feeling that something had happened, with the way Vi talked about her family and her odd mention about Vander. She had a feeling that something had happened but it had never felt like her place to ask.

“I’m so sorry. You must miss them terribly this time of year.”

Vi shrugged. “It was a long time ago. The best we can do is keep things like this going, right?”

“I think it's a lovely reason.” Caitlyn could see the pain in Vi’s face. When her guard was down, Caitlyn noticed that Vi wasn’t very good at hiding how she felt. There was a sudden compulsion to do something, to reach out and offer comfort, but Caitlyn had no idea what would be appropriate.

“Hey,” Vi smiled suddenly at Caitlyn, “let's go watch that movie yeah? You ever seen The Santa Clause?”

“I don’t believe I have.” Caitlyn studied Vi’s expression, trying to find that same vulnerability she’d just shown but it was already gone.

“Well that’s criminal. C’mon.” Taking her hand, Vi led Caitlyn to the couch and they sat, joining the others to watch. 

As the movie ended, Vi looked over to ask Caitlyn what she thought of it but instead found Caitlyn fast asleep. Vander had taken Isha to bed and probably retired to his own room. Powder was nowhere to be found either. Vi stood, stretching her arms over her head as she glanced around the room. Pulling the blanket from Powder’s armchair, she draped it carefully over Caitlyn, pausing only slightly as Caitlyn shifted, muttering something incomprehensible before settling again.  It wouldn’t hurt to let her rest a little bit; she always looked so tired and if she was comfortable enough to fall asleep, far be it for Vi to disrupt that. She’d wake her up in a little while. 

Grabbing another blanket she slid her feet into a pair of slippers and made her way out to the covered porch, taking her usual spot on the swing. The front door opened and Vi didn’t even need to turn around to know who’s footsteps were approaching. Powder slid into the spot next to Vi, grabbing part of the blanket and snuggling in close to her sister. Vi wrapped an arm around her shoulders and rested her cheek on top of Powder’s head. 

“What’s up Powpow?” 

Powder let out a hum, shrugging a little. “Just glad you’re home, sis. This place doesn’t feel the same without you.”

“Yeah it probably feels like two of you here, with Isha in the picture.” Vi chuckled, then winced as sharp fingers jabbed into her ribs. 

“Shut up.” 

Powder settled again and they sat in companionable silence. Vi had to admit, she really missed this. The last few months had not been her best, she’d lost herself in work and going out to bars and clubs around town to try to fill a void of something she could never quite put a name to. It wasn’t the healthiest collection of coping mechanisms, she knew that, and she knew it made Powder and Vander worry. Mylo, Claggor, and Ekko too. But she’d be fine. It was just a rough patch. They happen right?

“You fallin’ asleep, Pow?” Vi asked softly, feeling the weight of her sister’s head get heavier. 

“No.” Powder replied with a slight shake of her head. “Just thinking.”

“Yeah? That’s dangerous.” That got her another jab to the ribs, but she couldn’t help but laugh. 

Powder sat up, tucking a leg to her chest and wrapping her arms around it. She turned to look at Vi, those bright blue eyes inquisitive and shining with a curious mischief that made Vi a little nervous. Vi knew that look all too well.

Vi sighed. “What?” 

Powder pursed her lips for a second. “What's up with your girlfriend in there?” 

Vi’s breath caught, causing her to choke a little on her own saliva. When she finally caught her breath her head snapped to Powder. “She’s not my girlfr–”

“Bullshit.” Powder interrupted, eyes narrowing. “Something’s going on and you’re leaving me in the dark. That red headed girl showed up in the shop again asking questions. Spill it, sis. What’s going on?”

Vi let out a long, pensive sigh, running a hand across her face then through her hair as she sat back. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she told Powder what was going on. If Caitlyn knew her, she’d understand. Vi hadn’t told Caitlyn how Maddie, in the few short days since all this started, had found more than a few excuses to come by the shop and be a literal thorn in Vi’s side. She was polite enough, and never asked any real, direct questions. On the outside it almost seemed like Maddie was interested in Vi. But Vi knew that Maddie was trying to figure out what was going on with her and Caitlyn. There was a good chance she could tell that Vi and Caitlyn were up to something, especially if she was keeping tabs of where they were. Which was kind of creepy and a huge invasion of privacy, but maybe that’s just how things were for the rich and famous. Vi just happened to get tangled up in it all. 

Craning her neck to peek through the front window, Vi confirmed that Caitlyn was still asleep then turned to Powder. The explanation didn’t take very long, and the only part Vi left out was the whole part about Caitlyn helping with the VW Bus since it was a surprise for Powder. She’d kept it secret for too long to reveal it now. Luckily Powder seemed to be far more interested in the plot itself then what Vi was getting out of it. 

“Oh my god.” Powder laughed when Vi finished. “This sounds like one of those cheesy lesbian romance novels you used to read.”

“How did you know I–” 

“So, that’s where you keep disappearing off to? Fancy dinners and ski resorts? I have to give it to you, that’s brilliant. I bet the food is amazing.” 

Vi glanced over at the window again, nervous that Powder’s cackling would wake up Caitlyn. “Yeah it’s fine, I guess.”

That was a lie. The meals she’d had so far with the Kirammans had been some of the best she’d ever had. Before she decided to go all in helping with the shop, it was the type of food she’d dreamed of cooking for people someday. 

“So. Fake relationship with that hottie? I don’t know how you make it believable but I gotta admit you are pretty convincing.” Powder leveled her with a look that said way more than what was coming out of her mouth. 

Vi furrowed her brow at her sister. “What?” 

“Without even trying. Watching the two of you in the kitchen was,” she pretended to gag, then stilled, a sly smile splitting across her face. “You’re actually sweet on her, aren’t you?” 

“What are you talking about?” Vi looked away without realizing, knowing that that in itself was more telling than anything she could say. 

Powder began chuckling again. “Oh my god. Only you, sis. Only you.” 

“It doesn’t matter.” Vi took a deep breath. “This whole thing is done next week and she’s gonna go back home. I’ll get over it.” 

“Okay, heart eyes.” Powder rolled her eyes as she leaned a shoulder into Vi’s. “Don’t let us lose you again when this ends, okay?”

Vi felt her heart clench. She knew it was hard on Powder when she pulled away. It happened every time things got rough, and Vi couldn’t help it. She’d been trying to be better about it, if for nothing else than for Powder’s sake. 

“I’ll be fine. This will pass.” 

“And if it doesn’t?” Dammit Powder. 

“It will. It has to.” Vi hated it as she was saying it, and it made her realize all that much more the trouble she was in. 

Chapter Text

The evening with Vi’s family had been far more therapeutic than Caitlyn had expected. Despite her nerves about it, she’d had a lot of fun. She could definitely see why Vi was the way she was. There was a lot of love in that house.

When she returned home she found her parents in the main living room having their evening tea. Sneaking by, she went up to her room and put on her most comfortable pajamas, mentally preparing herself for the inevitability of her parent’s questions about how things went as she headed back down. Her father greeted her with a warm smile as her mother handed her a cup of peppermint tea.

Tucking her feet underneath her she took a long, deep breath of the blend and sipped at it, waiting. 

“How did it go?” Tobias asked.

“It was fine. They’re a lovely family.” Caitlyn replied simply. She really didn’t want to say too much.

"Has the shop been in touch with any updates about your vehicle?" Cassandra asked, sliding over a silver container of peppermint sticks.

Caitlyn took one and began stirring her tea with it, enjoying the cooling fragrance that rose from her cup. Normally she’d be irritated that her mother immediately jumped to business, but the less she had to lie to them about the relationship she was faking, the easier the end of all of this would be. Their discussion before Caitlyn left must have been enough to satisfy her.  "They're still trying to figure things out. We have a game plan and they hope to have it figured out before I have to leave."

"Ghastly that it's going to take so long." Tobias shook his head with disdain. "They're supposed to be one of the best shops in town."

Caitlyn prickled defensively. "They are doing what they can. It's winter and the week of Christmas. They can only order parts so fast."

"And if they're not done before the end of the week?" Cassandra inquired.

She hadn't thought of that. She could always get a flight home, but it would still mean her car was stuck. "I'll stay here a bit longer then, if that wouldn't be too much of an imposition."

With a click of her tongue Cassandra waved her off. "Of course it wouldn't be. It's just an awfully big house for one person. Unfortunately we are due back to the city the day after Christmas."

"Well, Jayce did say he was going to make it out this year once the Academy no longer needed him. Perhaps I can give him a call and see if he’d be up for an extended holiday." Tobias suggested, looking at Caitlyn hopefully.

Oh no. She had completely forgotten that Jayce might make it out, and he'd see right through her the minute he got there. It was fine. She'd just tell him the truth and maybe he'd be able to keep his mouth shut. Maybe. She made a mental note to give him a call before it got too much later.

To cover her panic, Caitlyn took a sip of tea.

"Jayce has met this girlfriend of yours, hasn't he?" Cassandra asked, causing Caitlyn to choke on her tea.

After the coughing fit abated, Caitlyn shook her head. "Only once or twice. We've both been busy." Which was a lie. She had even called him while on her drive to the Estate. As far as her life was concerned, the only person who knew more about what was going on than him was Mel.  "When is he supposed to be in?"

Her parents exchanged a coy look and Caitlyn's stomach fell.

"Geeze, Sprout. Don't make it sound like you're excited I'm coming or anything." A familiar voice said from the doorway.

Whipping around, Caitlyn turned to see none other than the broad form of Jayce Talis standing in the archway that led into the living room. He looked much the same as he always had, save the facial hair he had apparently decided to sport this season. He was just taking his mothers winter coat and handing it off to an attendant when Caitlyn rose to her feet and made it over to him.

"Of course I'm happy to see you. I'm just surprised." Caitlyn gave both him and his mother a brief hug, then watched as Mrs. Talis went to sit with her own parents.

"Well," a new, also familiar voice piped up, "it's much easier to convince the Academy’s board to give one of their best professors a little extra holiday when you have a friend on the said board."

Mel Medarda stepped out from behind Jayce and Caitlyn nearly cried out, stepping around Jayce to throw her arms around her other best friend.

"Not both of you." Caitlyn could cry with how happy she was to have not just one but two of her best friends there with her. 

While the Academy was in the same city she lived and worked in, it kept both of them very busy. At any time either of them would fly off for a research project or outreach program. Caitlyn didn’t see them nearly as much as she would like.

"How about you kids go up to the study. I'll get tea and a light snack sent up so you can relax and catch up." Tobias offered, as a nearby attendant nodded and left the room.

"I think that's a wonderful idea." Caitlyn agreed, flashing her father a grateful smile. She then looked at her friends with what she hoped was an expression of 'I need to talk to both of you'. They exchanged a look, then looked at her, telling her all she needed to know. Caitlyn took their arms and flashed a smile over her shoulder. "Mrs. Talis, it was lovely seeing you. I'm sure we'll have time to catch up later."

"You as well, dear." Jayce's mother smiled kindly at her as Caitlyn began leading Jayce and Mel out of the room.

"Woah, where's the fire, Cait?" Jayce asked as they got to the stairs.

"Study first. I can't risk them hearing." Caitlyn glanced back at the living room and almost laughed as Jayce and Mel exchanged another look, eyebrows raised in confusion.

Once in the study, Caitlyn led small talk until the attendant showed up and set down a tea and coffee service and a small plate of pastries. Simple questions like how their flights were and how work had been going. She waited until the door was completely shut before letting out a long breath.

"Caitlyn, what in the world is going on?" Mel asked, her expression full of concern.

"I know you were trying to surprise me, but I wish I had known you were coming. I might have...done something." She looked between her friends, pushing her hair back out of her face as she prepared herself to fill them in on her plan. Starting from spinning out just off the highway and ending at her evening with the Lanes, she filled them in on everything.

Jayce straight up laughed. Mel tried not to, but she didn’t attempt to hide her amused smile behind her hand very well.

"I thought you two were my friends." Caitlyn huffed, crossing her arms tightly across her chest and sinking into the couch.

"Oh. We are.” Jayce chuckled again, scratching at his jawline. “You just haven't come up with this much of a hairbrained scheme since you tried to sneak Buster and Brutus into the Academy dormitories." 

"I never did care much for Maddie," Mel mused, crossing one long leg over the other and leaning back with her cup of coffee. "Was it really that bad?"

"It's been two years since I ended things. I thought everything was fine but the minute we’re in the same town…” Caitlyn sighed, massaging her temples, "I had to do something ."

"I think it's kinda adorable." Jayce was grinning from ear to ear, completely amused. It just made Caitlyn glower more. "But is this Vi person someone you think you can really trust?"

"You said she's your...mechanic?" Mel inquired, giving Jayce a look.

"Yes." Caitlyn was realizing just how foolish the whole idea really was. “Look, it’s not like she doesn’t have motivation to see this through with me. It’s a week. It’s not like it's the first time I’ve had to do something less than honest to get the results I need.” 

“You’re taking workaholic to new heights, Sprout.” Jayce crossed his arms loosely. “You know we’re going to have to meet her.” 

“You will. I just need to talk to her about the next event she’ll be free for.” Caitlyn was feeling stubborn. She was surprised they weren’t trying to talk her out of this, but they were still being very obtuse about it.

Mel reached out, taking her hand gently. “Cait, we need to meet her and make sure our stories are straight too. By telling us all this we’ve become accomplices in your little scheme together. It’s only fair that Vi is made aware of it too.”

She knew Mel was right. Then again, Mel was almost always right. With a defeated sigh, Caitlyn folded forward, holding her head in her hands. “This is going to be a disaster, isn’t it?”

All she wanted to have was a week of peace. No ex chasing after her, no parents asking probing questions about her personal life.

Jayce settled on the opposite side of Caitlyn, rubbing her back reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine. You have both of us to help keep you on the straight and narrow.”

“Jayce,” Mel looked over at the man, “that does not sound as reassuring as you might think.” 

Never in her life had she been so nervous about a phone call, but here Caitlyn was, staring down at her phone with Vi’s number on the screen. Before she had the chance to press the call button, her phone lit up. She nearly dropped it as Vi’s name popped up on the screen.

Before she could think too much, she answered it, taking a breath to try to keep cool and level; something that should be easy for her considering her line of work.

“Uh…Caitlyn?” Vi’s voice came through the headset and Caitlyn realized she’d answered the phone and had failed to say anything.

“Yes. Hi, sorry. How are you?” Smooth Caitlyn , she thought.

“I’m…good. Is this a good time or am I interrupting something?”

“No. I mean yes. I mean…I was actually just about to call you, so I was caught off guard.” She was doing great. Totally calm and level.

There was a beat of silence. “You were going to call me?” 

Caitlyn looked at her open bedroom door, moving quickly to close it just in case her parents came down the hall. “I wanted to talk to you about our…arrangement.”

“Okay?” She sounded uneasy, which surprised Caitlyn. “Is everything okay?”

“I know it’s still early but…can we meet up?”

They settled on a local coffee shop Caitlyn wasn’t sure she’d ever been to. It was quaint and surprisingly intimate. Little coves in the walls offered a little privacy from the rest of the shop. Caitlyn had beelined for one of them while Vi ordered drinks. She showed up with that and a few pastries that honestly smelled amazing. 

“Okay, so. What's up?” Vi looked worried and Caitlyn felt incredibly guilty. 

Taking a steadying breath she told Vi about Jayce and Mel’s arrival and that she had filled them in about everything.

“Everything?” Vi asked.

“Everything.” Caitlyn affirmed, feeling her face flush in shame.

“Okay.” Vi sighed after a moment of processing. “Tell me what you want to do. This is your play and they’re your friends. We can just call this off–”

“No.” Caitlyn said it faster than she meant to. “I mean, just because there here doesn’t mean Maddie will back off or anything.” 

“Then we continue as planned. No harm no foul. I should probably meet them though.”

Sighing, Caitlyn massaged her temples. “That’s what they said too. My schedule is packed, I have no idea when that’d even be possible.”

“Are they going to be at any of the stuff your mom has scheduled?” Vi asked.

“I’d imagine so.”

“Then I’ll be there too.” 

Caitlyn stared at her, confused. “What?”

“Well, the way I see it, these two are your best friends, right? If we’ve been together for a few months then I probably would have already met them at least a few times. Like you said with Jayce. It would be more believable if people see us all together as a group, wouldn’t it?”

Caitlyn’s elbows hit the table as she held her head in her hands. “That’s so much more than we agreed upon. I couldn’t possibly ask more of you than I already am.” 

“Hey,” Vi’s voice was soft as she reached over to place a hand on Caitlyn’s arm, “you’re not asking, I’m offering. You can always say no, but I really don’t mind.”

Caitlyn looked up at her, feeling her eyes water from sheer gratitude. Vi didn’t have to do any of this, but she seemed all in. Caitlyn would have to make sure to make all of this worth it to her. She’d even fund the entirety of the bus remodel at this point to make up for how much Vi was doing for her. 

“I want to say no, but somehow I don’t think that would be enough to convince you.” Caitlyn rested her hand over Vi’s and gave it a squeeze.

Vi laughed, smiling fully. “Yanno, you’re probably right.” 

“You’re impossible.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes, picking up the cardboard cup that held the drink Vi had gotten her. 

“Yeah. I’ve been told that before.” Vi retracted her hand taking a sip of her own drink with a mischievous glint in her eye. 

Rolling her eyes, Caitlyn took a sip, the tea with milk and sugar hitting her tongue and surprising her. It was exactly how she made it. Maybe Vi was more observant than she gave her credit for. 

Chapter Text

Caitlyn was nervous; a feeling that was becoming all too common and more than a little frustrating. She sat inside the small, heated igloo they had rented on the edge of the skating rink with Mel and Jayce. This had ultimately been Mel’s idea after finding out skating was nowhere on Cassandra’s agenda. It also provided the perfect opportunity to introduce Vi to the two of them and on the same day she had told Vi about them. Time was of the essence.

Vi had actually seemed genuinely excited about the idea and was texting Caitlyn, apologizing profusely for running late. Apparently there had been a shop emergency that held her up. 

While Caitlyn didn’t mind, she really wanted to get this over with. Not the get together, but the first meeting and the solidifying of their history. It was going to make everything more complicated, but this was her fault after all, wasn’t it? She should have just made an excuse that Vi had never met either of them because they were so busy or something. But no. She made her bed and now she had to lie in it. At least her friends were supportive. 

“I’m here!” The flaps of the transparent igloo tent opened with a burst of cold air as Vi stepped in, turning to close them quickly. “Sorry about being late.”

“No problem at all.” Jayce smiled widely, an excited glint in his eyes. Jayce was always an outgoing man, and there were so many ways she could see him and Vi getting along. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not, knowing Jayce. She didn’t know Vi quite well enough to gauge properly. 

“It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’m Mel.” Rising, Mel extended a hand to Vi, who took it. Caitlyn almost laughed at the look at Vi’s face. She couldn’t blame her though, her own reaction to Mel the first time they met was similar. Mel Madarda was ethereally beautiful in a way that was unfair to women everywhere. While Caitlyn’s usual type was a little more rugged, she remembered having a small crush on her friend when they were first starting to get to know each other. 

“A pleasure, Mel.” Vi’s lopsided smile was ever present and Caitlyn felt her stomach twist ever so slightly.

“I’m Jayce.” The man stepped up and extended his hand out to Vi. 

“Heya.” Vi gave him a firm handshake, the doe-eyed look from Mel completely gone. “Good to meet you. I’d say Cait’s said so much about you, but honestly it’s only been passing comments.”

“I kept things on a need to know basis.” Caitlyn straightened in her seat. “I didn’t know the two of you would be coming.” 

“Which,” Mel smiled, sliding into the seat next to Caitlyn as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a slight squeeze, “was entirely the point. We wanted to surprise you. Little did we know the trouble you’d find yourself in.”

Caitlyn half glared at Mel as the woman looked over at Vi. There was mischief in her eyes that did little to quell Caitlyn’s growing nervousness.

“Shall we get down to business?” Jayce clapped his hands together and settled into the other couch.

Vi sat on the other side of Caitlyn, stretching her arms along the back of the couch. She smelled like cologne and oil and metal, a combination that wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

They sat in the igloo for a good thirty minutes trying to get their story straight. Caitlyn and Vi had already established that Vi lived in the city and the two of them had met through a coworker of Caitlyn’s. The friend-of-a-friend pipeline was always pretty reliable and vague enough to make it work. From there it was easy. Caitlyn introduced Vi to Mel and Jayce at an Academy event that none of them really remembered — it wasn’t uncommon for the champagne to flow pretty freely amongst the faculty at them – and that was that. They’d met a few times, but not enough to become best friends or anything, which suited getting through the week perfectly. After that, the conversation shifted to Mel and Jayce asking questions about Vi. Where she was actually from and what kind of work she did. They were surprised to find out she was a local and laughed as Vi recounted her side of the night she and Caitlyn had met. Caitlyn didn’t have much to add and she found herself feeling very relaxed by time the conversation moved onto when they’d go skating. 

“You skate, right?” Jayce asked Vi, who nodded confidently. 

“Not to brag or anything but I was one of the best hockey players at the local high school. No one could catch me. Or…usually.” Caitlyn perked up a little, watching Jayce’s smile widen. 

“No shit? I played too, high school and college. It’s how I got my scholarship for Uni.” 

“That explains so much.” Mel clicked her tongue with a shake of her head as she looked at Jayce. Caitlyn couldn’t help but laugh. Jayce was a brilliant professor but sometimes she did wonder if his senses were at least somewhat gone. A few pucks to the head would be a good explanation. 

As they got up to go get their skates, Jayce and Vi walked ahead talking about favorite hockey teams and the best fights they got into. 

Mel slid her arm through Caitlyn’s. “Well they’re certainly getting along famously.” 

“Should we be worried?” Caitlyn chuckled. 

“Incredibly.” Mel replied, completely deadpan as Caitlyn laughed harder. 

Getting on the ice felt like freedom. She much preferred it over skiing. The wind on her face, the ice under her feet, even the sound of her skates brought immediate joy to her, a warm feeling in her chest. It was luckily not too busy that evening so there was plenty of space to move around. She’d taken ice skating lessons when she was younger and while she wasn’t nearly as nimble as she was back then, her muscle memory kicked in as she glided and spun. Part of her ached with the loss that she didn’t pursue skating past high school. Instead, she had fallen in love with detective work, so much so it consumed her every goal. Skating just didn’t fit into that picture. 

Gaining speed, she did a small sequence she remembered, ending in an axel jump that led to applause from a few of the people nearby, Vi included. Caitlyn flushed at the fact that she’d gotten wrapped up in memories and made her way over to where Vi was leaning back against the half-wall that surrounded the rink, her arms crossed, ungloved hands tucked in.

“That was some fancy footwork there, Cupcake.” Vi was grinning, her nose and cheeks were red from the cold and it made her freckles stand out. 

“I’m surprised I even remember how to do that.” Turning to rest her forearms on the wall. “My knees are going to feel it tomorrow.” 

“Well, if it's any consolation, you looked pretty cool doing it. I could never do anything like that.”

“I thought you said you skated?”  

“Yeah. Hockey. We don’t do fancy tricks like that. My feet usually stayed firmly on the ice.” Vi drove the toe of her skate into the ice in front of her. 

Caitlyn turned to Vi. “Want to learn?” 

Vi eyed her hand, then looked back up at her with an uneasy expression. “Not particularly.”

Narrowing her eyes, Caitlyn pushed off the wall, turning around so she was facing Vi. Raising an eyebrow and giving Vi a challenging smirk, she extended her hand. “Afraid you can’t do it?”

“Pfft,” Vi huffed, rolling her eyes. “I’m not afraid of anything.” 

“Then prove it.” Caitlyn extended her hand a little closer to Vi.

Vi looked down at the hand then back up at Caitlyn. Her smirk mirrored Caitlyn’s as she clasped her hand. “You’re a little devil, you know that?

Caitlyn gripped Vi’s hand tightly and began pulling her away from the wall. “Better the devil you know…” 

The next hour was probably the most hilarious and wholesome hour Caitlyn had experienced in awhile. Vi knew how to skate, she could give her that. Grace however, was something Vi deeply lacked. 

“You can’t brute force into it.” Caitlyn had said on more than one occasion as Vi crashed into a wall or landed hard, losing her balance and falling onto the ice.

“I’m trying, okay?” Vi would huff, taking Caitlyn’s hand and getting back to her feet. 

By the end of it, Vi managed a few moves. Crossovers were easy, though Caitlyn suspected some form of those were probably used in hockey. Vi also managed a toe jump and a pretty good set of mohawks. Unable to stop herself, Caitlyn had Vi try a few, simple partner moves, which seemed to come a little easier to Vi than the solo ones. White Vi seemed to have a blast with the waltz jump, Caitlyn found she enjoyed the spiral the most. Maybe it was the support on her back from Vi’s hand, or the tandem crossovers to gather speed, but there was something incredibly satisfying about the synchronization they attained.  

(A/N you can find the moves here its the 2nd and 3rd ones)

Eventually, they retired back to the igloo to find Mel and Jayce already back, skate-free and chatting over warm drinks. Caitlyn did notice them scooting away from each other a little as she and Vi entered and filed that away to ask about later. However, she was soon distracted by conversation as she and Vi pulled off their skates. She found out quickly that the drinks Mel and Jayce had brought were hot toddies. Caitlyn hadn’t planned on drinking that evening, but she was in a good mood and the atmosphere was cozy. She took up her drink and sipped at it, the liquor of choice seemed to be bourbon rather than the usual whiskey. Mel’s choice, Cailtyn would guess, but she was grateful nonetheless. She always had preferred bourbon over whiskey herself. 

“Holy shit this is good.” Vi exclaimed, examining her glass with awe. 

“Family recipe.” Mel hummed, taking another sip of her own and glancing down at a bag of ingredients by her feet. “I’m just grateful this place provided the hot water.” 

Conversation shifted as they talked about their favorite drinks, then moved onto experiences at night clubs which Caitlyn didn’t really have any input into. She never was the type of girl to go out to nightclubs and bars. School had kept her far too busy and then once she got on with the department, work consumed her life.

Eventually Jayce and Vi started talking hockey again, passing phones back and forth as they shared videos of their favorite plays or fights. Caitlyn continued sippingher drink, agreeing to a second round when they were close to finished. A warmth rushed over her as she finished off the second one, and she tucked her feet underneath her as she watched her friends talking to Vi. It had been seamless, especially Vi and Jayce. They got on like they’d known each other their whole lives. Cracking jokes and sharing videos back and forth, ridiculous audios that made no sense to Caitlyn filling the space.

Mel was ever the conversationalist and she and Vi somehow got into the topic of charities. Caitlyn listened with interest as Vi talked about a program in town that helped kids in the foster system. She was surprised to find out that Isha had been a foster that Powder had taken to while volunteering with Vi. So much so that Vander had signed the adoption papers to make her an official Lane.

Tears welled up in Caitlyn’s eyes and she quickly wiped them away, trying to pass it off as tiredness. Leaning her shoulder into Vi she finished off the last of her drink. 

“I think one of the luncheons we did last year was for that organization.” Caitlyn mused as she finally recalled why the name was familiar. 

“Yeah?” Vi looked at her, eyebrows creasing. “Oh wait, yeah. I remember. I worked that event last year. Not sure I saw you though, I feel like I’d remember.” 

“Oh,” Caitlyn let out a quiet laugh, “I played sick to get out of it. Which I feel terrible for now, knowing what it was for. I did send a donation and some toys along with my parents though.”

“Well, on behalf of the organization, I thank you.” Vi chuckled, pressing a hand to her heart and bowing her head.

“To think that the two of you could have met last year.” Jayce said in awe. “How crazy would that have been?”

“Two ships passing in the night, only to be reunited because of an icy road and an errant animal the following year.” Mel added dreamily. 

Caitlyn rolled her eyes the same moment Vi scoffed. They looked at each other for a beat, then both burst out laughing. Jayce and Mel joined in and it was the most beautiful sound Catilyn had ever heard. Warm and happy and in good company. It’s all she ever wanted during the holiday season, and maybe even beyond. 

Conversation turned to other things again and Caitlyn quietly settled back to observe once more. She was very good at observing. She loved people watching even in her off time, noticing little ticks and microexpressions. Watching Jayce and Me was particularly interesting. She wasn’t sure if it was something new or just something she hadn’t noticed before, but they found reasons to make contact a lot. A touch on the arm or a brush of legs against each other. As the evening wore on they seemed to move closer and closer together.

Then there was Vi, who was so animated and alive. She talked with her hands a lot, and laughed with her whole chest. Her smile was always lopsided, the scar pulling one uneven lip to the side. She had a lovely profile too, despite the locks of hair falling in her face. Caitlyn felt the compulsion to reach out and push them back, but Vi also did that a lot. Fingers running through her pink locks, brushing them back only for them to fall forward moments later. 

“Hey, you good?” Vi asked, looking at her. Caitlyn realized that she’d been staring and looked away quickly.

“Oh yes, more than good. A little tipsy maybe.” Caitlyn looked at the table and noticed Vi hadn’t finished her second drink. Even her first one was only half gone. Both had to be completely cold at that point with how long they’d all been sitting around talking. “I’m a little tired, I’ll admit.” 

“Me too actually.” Jayce chimed in, yawning and stretching his arms out. 

“Maybe this would be a good time to call it a night. I think we’ve gotten our money's worth from this place.” Mel looked around the cozy little igloo with a satisfied smile. 

“You ordered a car to get here right? I can give you all a ride back to the Estate if you want. Took Vander’s van ‘cause my heat’s busted. I can fit everyone.” Vi offered. 

“Oh you don’t have to–” Caitlyn began, only to be cut off by Mel. 

“That would be lovely , Vi. A good display of comradery and solidarity if we make a proper show of it. Don’t you think so, Caitlyn?” Mel gave her a look that she was all too familiar with. Medarda determination was almost impossible to defeat and Caitlyn was far too tipsy and tired to even make an attempt.

So Caitlyn conceded. “Yes. Lovely indeed.” 

As they made their way to the van, Mel flashed Caitlyn a smile and a wink, whispering something to Jayce before opening the van’s side door and slipping into the back seat. 

“Guess you got shotgun. If you want, I mean. There’s another row of seats if you want.” Vi said, standing next to the passenger door. 

“Shotgun?” Caitlyn chuckled. “I suppose that’s fine but what a ridiculous thing to call it.” 

The drive home was quiet but not unpleasant. Soft Christmas music flowed from the car speakers and there were low, quiet voices coming from the back seat. Caitlyn strained to hear anything Mel or Jayce were saying. Unfortunately, there was just enough noise to keep it well and truly veiled from prying ears, so she just focused on the Christmas music instead. 

An acoustic version of The Christmas Song began playing. Caitlyn was watching the white woods pass by at first but then she heard quiet singing. She turned just enough to catch Vi in her periphery. Clearly unaware Caitlyn was paying attention, Vi gaze stayed forward, fingers tapping on the steering wheel while she sang softly. 

Caitlyn allowed herself to turn fully towards Vi. “So you can sing?” 

Glancing over at Caitlyn, a sheepish smile on her face, Vi shrugged. “I like Christmas music. The occasional karaoke.” 

“What's your favorite?” Caitlyn found herself suddenly curious. 

“Christmas song?” Vi asked, to which Caitlyn nodded. Letting out a thoughtful hum, Vi’s brow crinkled then relaxed. “Winter Wonderland. But the one sung by Frank Sinatra. Love his voice. What about you?” 

“Blue Christmas.” Caitlyn answered after thinking about it for a moment.

“The Elvis one?” Caitlyn nodded. “Isn’t that a pretty depressing song?” 

Caitlyn shook her head. “I think it's incredibly romantic. We don’t know if the person he’s singing for is actually gone. Just that he won’t have them with him for Christmas. And no one sings it like him. There’s a beautiful sense of heartache in it and I think that's what I love about it. I suppose it is a little depressing but it’s also so beautiful to love and miss someone so deeply at Christmastime you write a song about it.” She gave a little shrug. “I guess it is a weird favorite.”

“Nah. I get it. I’ll have to remember this the next time I hear it.” Vi smiled at her and she smiled back, trying to ignore the soft flutter in her stomach.

She turned back to the window, resting her chin in her hand. Maybe it was the hot toddies or general good company but that night had been one of the nicest she had in a while. Even if she was going to be sore the next day from skating, it couldn't be any worse than how she felt after skiing. Either way, she smiled to herself as Winter Wonderland began playing on the radio, softly singing along as she tried not to think about the days ahead and simply allow herself to enjoy the moment. 

Pulling up to Vander’s place, Vi put the van in park but didn’t shut it off. Gripping the top of the steering wheel, she rested her forehead against her hands and took a deep, steadying breath. She was fine with Mel and Jayce knowing about everything; if anything having more trustworthy people meant it would be easier to corroborate their story. 

The problem was she liked Mel and Jayce. It wasn’t that she was unfriendly but she never had the best luck making friends and that evening had been so perfectly idealistic. Then there was Caitlyn. Every interaction Vi learned new things about her, things she didn’t think Caitlyn got to reveal to people very often and damn if it wasn’t making all of this more confusing and difficult. 

Grinding her teeth, she let out a frustrated groan. Part of her wondered if she could just back out, save herself the trouble of the inevitable heartbreak she’d experience when this was all over. It was all clearly one sided; maybe if she came clean to Caitlyn she’d realize that Vi was not the right person for this job. Let her go on her merry way.

But then that would leave Caitlyn at the mercy of Maddie. If Caitlyn only knew the lengths that woman had gone to try to suss all this out through Vi and her family. She wouldn’t put it past the woman to harass Caitlyn even more with Vi out of the picture. She couldn’t, in good conscience, do that. Not to Caitlyn.

Slamming her hands on the steering wheel, she sat back, tipping her head back and looking at the ceiling.

“Get it together, you fucking idiot.” She murmured to herself, turning off the engine and slinging open the door. 

Stomping into the house she threw her jacket over the arm of the couch and began taking off her boots. 

“Woah, stormy weather ahead.” Powder commented from the kitchen, to which Vi shot her a glare. Eyes going wide in surprise, Powder held up her hands defensively. “Touchy, touchy. What happened?”

Feeling a pang of guilt, Vi sat back, running a hand across her face. “Sorry. Nothing. I mean…tonight was great.”

“I’d hate to see what you’re like when things aren’t good.” Powder gave a weak chuckle as she came to sit besides Vi. 

“Ha ha.” Vi let out a humorless huff. “No. I had fun. We’ve got more people to help with this whole thing I’ve gotten myself into it’s just–” 

“Getting hard cuz you’re all goo goo over miss perfect?” 

“I hate you.” 

“Because I’m right.” Powder’s smug smile was just asking to be wiped off by a pillow to the face but Vi just didn't have the energy. 

“I’m going to take a shower.” Vi stood.

“Try a cold one!” Powder called after her, her cackling cut off as Vi slammed the bathroom door shut. 

Chapter Text

“Knock knock!” Caitlyn called out into the shop, poking her head through the door that led into the garage.

Vi peeked out from under the hood of Caitlyn’s car, surprised. “Cait! What are you doing here?” 

Stepping into the shop, Caitlyn wrapped her arms around herself, giving a small shrug as she looked around. “Just wanted to check in. Powder said you were back here.” 

“Well,” Vi held out her arms, “you found me.” 

It was only a few hours into the morning but Vi seemed to have been hard at work already. The top of her grease-covered grey coveralls was undone, the sleeves wrapped around her waist to reveal a white tank top that was also already covered in grease and car dust. Caitlyn grabbed a paper towel from a nearby cart and walked over to Vi.

“You have a little something on your face.” She grinned as Vi took it and wiped away the streak that was slashed across her cheek.

“What can I say? I like to really get into my work.” Pulling a towel from her back pocket she wiped her hands. “And let me tell you, your girl is putting me to work.”

Caitlyn winced, looking down at her vehicle. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, don’t be. I love a challenge.” Shifting her weight to her heels, Vi posted her hands on her hips as she looked down at the engine. “I just wish I could figure this out for you. We’re kind of running out of time, but I’m not giving up.”

“I appreciate it. Take all the time you need and let me know if there’s anything I can–”

The door from the office slammed open as Powder stomped into the shop. She took one look at Caitlyn and Vi, her eyes wide.

“You need to hide her. Now.” Powder rushed over to Caitlyn pulling her away from where Vi stood towards the back of the shop.

Caitlyn followed, sputtering a protest, looking at Powder confused. Her head whipped around when she felt another hand grasp her other wrist.

“Woah, hold up. Both of you.” Vi said sternly. Powder slowed but didn’t let go of Caitlyn. Neither did Vi.” What’s going on, Pow?”

“Ginger bitch is back.”

“Ginger what?” Caitlyn looked between Vi and Powder before she caught a glimpse of an all too familiar redhead with her back to them in the main part of the shop. With a gasp she ducked down behind the nearest car, her heart hammering in her chest.

Vi opened the hood as if making it look like she was working on it. “Why is she here?” 

Powder leaned in, handing a wrench to Vi that seemingly came out of nowhere. “Who knows. She was going on about air fresheners and windshield wipers. She’s asking for you again.” 

“Tell her I’m busy.” 

“I mean clearly you are.” Powder looked down at Caitlyn and smiled with an expression she didn’t fully understand. 

“Yes. I’m with a customer. ” Vi glowered. “Get rid of her.”

“You think I didn’t try?” Powder snapped back. “This is your problem, sis. Not mine.” 

With a groan, Vi slammed the car hood closed and pocketed the wrench. “Cait, stay here and out of sight. I’ll take care of this.” 

Caitlyn felt ridiculous kneeling behind a car trying to actively hide from her ex, but if Maddie saw Caitlyn there it could raise more questions then she was willing to figure out lies for. She honestly wasn’t even sure why she was there. A call would have sufficed.

“That’s one hell of an ex you got there, Caitycat.” Powder said, leaning against the front of the car.

“She’s a determined one, truly.” Caitlyn felt a pressure headache coming on which did not bode well for the rest of the day.

Powder pushed off the car. “Vi’s coming back. Looks like the coast is clear.” 

Without another word, Powder skipped off, only stopping to chat with Vi a moment before going back into the office. 

Caitlyn stood, brushing off the garage dirt from her slacks. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah. It’s getting easier to get her to leave.”

“Easier? This has happened before?” Caitlyn’s brow creased. 

Vi ran a hand through her hair. “A few times.”

“How many times, Vi?” Caitlyn asked sternly.

Vi gave a nonchalant shrug. “Maybe four or five. Look, it’s not a big deal we deal with her and–”

“And you don’t think this was something I should have known about?” Caitlyn asked sharply.

Vi frowned. “We handled it.”

Caitlyn felt herself bristle; she wasn’t entirely sure why this made her so angry, but she was. “Clearly you haven’t if she keeps showing up. You should have told me.” 

“You were dealing with enough. She can come back all she wants but no one’s going to let her know anything.”

“And if she had seen me? What then?”

“But she didn’t. It’s fine, Cait. Why are you so mad about this?” 

“I can deal with more than you think I’m capable of. It’s not your place to do things for my sake without letting me know.” She adjusted her purse as it began to slide off her shoulder, her watch beeping with a reminder of a luncheon she needed to get to. “I have to go. I’ll…see you tonight.” 

“Yeah, sure.” Vi’s gaze was fixed to the car in front of her as Caitlyn made her way out of the shop.

As she made her way to a nearby cafe to wait for a car to pick her up she couldn’t help the hurt she felt. This had been happening for days and Vi didn’t think Caitlyn could handle knowing? She could handle multiple things at once; her whole career was nothing but multitasking. It disappointed her that Vi would think so little of her abilities. 

When she returned home, her parents were luckily nowhere to be seen so she used that opportunity to head straight to her room to prepare for the luncheon. Amara was attending, which meant Maddie was as well. It was time Caitlyn got a chance to handle Maddie herself for once. 

“You look nice.” Maddie said as she approached Caitlyn.

Letting out a hum, she absentmindedly smoothed out the front of her cream colored trousers. Coupled with the cream sweater with red snowflakes knitted in, she had to agree. This was one of her favorite outfits for the more casual events on the agenda.

“Thank you.” Caitlyn replied curtly. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Just as much as I can on the clock. How are you?”

“Fine.” Caitlyn took a few steps towards a table with finger foods and small sandwiches. 

“How are things with Vi?” There it was.

Unable to stop herself, she whirled around, staring Maddie down. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“Sorry, I was just making conversation and I–”

Caitlyn held up a hand, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. “I’m going to stop you right there. That’s a lie and we both know it. Would you please give this up already? You and I happen ed . Past tense. We’re done. I have no intention of ever being with you again, Vi or not. So, please. Just give me some peace and move on. ” 

Maddie’s grey-blue eyes went wide, then her expression hardened. “I see. Have a good day then.” 

Before Caitlyn could say another word, Maddie turned heel and walked away, her shoulders rigid. It left Caitlyn with a feeling that she had accomplished very little to deter her. Turning back to the table she grabbed a plate and started filling it aggressively with whatever was closest. She needed to get herself under control before anyone came up to talk to her. 

“Hey, Cait.” Jayce’s hand rested lightly on her shoulder and she almost whipped around but realized her plate of food would go flying. “You okay?” 

Her shoulders slumped and she looked up at him. His stern concern softened into worry and without another word he looped his harm in hers and began leading them out to the balcony. Once outside, he shut the french doors and took her plate, setting it down on a small patio table nearby. She was so grateful she could cry. Walking to the edge of the balcony she gripped the hand rails and let out a frustrated groan, dropping her head a moment to take a deep breath.

“I can’t stand her, Jayce.” She admitted, her voice cracking. “If I had known this was the type of person she could be…I never would have dated her in the first place.” 

Stepping up next to her, Jayce rubbed her back supportively. “I know. None of us knew. When you first started bringing her around I thought she was fun. I can’t say I know what she’s been up to but I can only imagine.” 

“She’s been harassing Vi and her family at the shop for days. I only found out this morning.” She sighed, guilt washing over her. “I got…angry at Vi for not telling me about it.”

“Aw, you had your first fight?” Jayce teased, grinning. 

“It was just…a disagreement in how she handled it.” Caitlyn straightened a little. “Nothing more. This whole thing is fake, you know that Jayce. We’re allowed to have disagreement in how things are handled without it being a couples argument.”

“I never said it was.” Jayce’s teasing smile was still there, just softer, and something about it made her uneasy.

Caitlyn straightened, crossing her arms tightly. “Can we not do this?”

Jayce looked at her innocently. “Do what?”

“Whatever it is you’re trying to insinuate.”

Jayce held up his hands defensively. “I’m not insinuating anything. You’re the one getting defensive.” 

Caitlyn gave him a long, hard stare before letting out another frustrated groan as she turned to go back inside. With a quick sweep of the room she found her father, making her way to him and looping her arm through his.

“I think I’m feeling a little under the weather,” she whispered to him the moment she got the chance, “tell mother I’m going to retire to my room to rest so I’m alright for the party tonight?”

Tobias looked at her with concern on his face and he lifted a hand to feel her forehead,immediately making Caitlyn feel guilty for lying. He didn’t need to know that it was her temper flaring that was making her unwell. “Of course, dear. Get some rest and let me know if you need anything.”

Giving him a small, grateful smile she unlaced her arm from his and went up to her room. Maybe she just needed a nap; the stress of everything going on had made sleep difficult. Everything would be fine when she awoke.

Caitlyn jolted up in slight panic, realizing she hadn’t set an alarm before falling asleep. Despite her increasingly shitty day, however, she still had plenty of time before Amara’s party. 

JAYCE: Sorry about earlier. I hope you’re okay.

She stared down at the message. Jayce hadn’t deserved her outburst in the least. He’d just shown up at the wrong time. Pulling on a robe, she padded quietly down the hall to the guest room he was staying in. It sounded like the luncheon was over which was a relief.

Knocking lightly on the door she waited to no reply. She then knocked a second time a bit louder.

“One minute!” Jayce called out, a shuffling sound on the other side of the door before it opened.

“Cait. Hey.”

“Hi.” Caitlyn looked down, and took a breath. “Can we talk?” 

“Of course. Come in.” Opening the door wider Caitlyn would say she was surprised at the mess of the room, but she also knew Jayce. Papers littered the small desk and clothes hung on furniture.

“You certainly made yourself at home quickly.” She chuckled softly. 

“Yeah, sorry. We’ve been jumping from one thing to the next and there’s a work proposal I'm trying to help one of the other professors with. Haven’t had much time for upkeep.”

Caitlyn put a hand on his arm, and gave him a reassuring smile. “This is your home. I’m just teasing you.” 

“Heh. Right.” He gave her hand a pat. “Have a seat? Want me to get us some tea or something?” 

Shaking her head, Caitlyn made her way to the small sitting area, her gaze landing on a familiar jacket that was most certainly not Jayce’s. He noticed what she was looking at and hurried over, picking it up and folding it a little.

“Sorry. She came to wind down with me last night and–”

“You’re seeing each other.” Caitlyn looked at him sternly, everything falling into place. “Aren’t you?” 

Jayce gave a soft chuckle and rubbed at the back of his neck, his cheeks reddening a little. “Nothing gets past you, huh?” 

“I questioned it at first, but I’ve had my suspicions for a while.”

“Sorry we didn’t tell you. There’s just been so much going on and we didn’t want to add to everything you have going on and-”

“Jayce.” Caitlyn smiled. “You don’t have to defend yourself. I understand. When the two of you got here I wrapped you up into my problems so quickly and fully I didn’t stop for a moment to ask either of you what you’ve been up to. I’m happy for you. Honestly I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.” 

Jayce lowered into the nearby armchair, eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

“New Years last year?” Caitlyn smirked. “Don’t think for a second I didn’t notice the two of you canoodling–”

“We were not canoodling.”

The door opened and Mel stepped in, looking at the two of them. “Who was canoodling?” 

Caitlyn burst out laughing, to which Mel looked questioningly at Jayce who just groaned and sunk further in his seat. 

“I fear I missed something.” Mel stepped further into the room, noticing her coat and picking it up. 

“She figured it out, Mel.” Jayce said with a sigh, to which Mel chuckled, walking over to him and settling on the arm of the chair.

“It was bound to happen eventually. Hard to hide anything from such a great detective.” Mel smiled at Caitlyn who smirked and wrinkled her nose at her.

“Don’t try ingratiating yourself with me, Mel.” She replied teasingly.

They all chuckled at that, the tension that Caitlyn had been feeling before coming into the room all but melting away. “Jayce, the reason I’m even here… I want to apologize for earlier. You didn’t deserve that.”

Jayce had wrapped a hand around Mel’s waist and she was leaning into him. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I know how having to deal with Maddie makes you upset.”

Mel went to say something, then hesitated, exchanging a look with Jayce. “This might be a bad time to tell you, but she was poking around your parents at the luncheon after you disappeared.”

Caitlyn massaged her temples. “Of course she was.” 

“But,” Mel held out a hand, “I think we intercepted her enough that she didn’t get to say too much.”

“Good. Hopefully we can continue that through the party tonight.” Caitlyn looked between them hopefully. “You both are coming, yes?”

“Yeah. We’ll be there.” Jayce chuckled. “What better chance to really sell all this than for everyone to see us all schmoozing and partying together?” 

“It’ll be great.” Mel smiled at Caitlyn, then looked at Jayce. They exchanged a look that Caitlyn couldn’t quite figure out, and she couldn’t help but worry a little bit. At the end of the day she trusted them with her life. There was a reason they were her best friends. 

(A/N this is Cait's dress btw just longer) 

Caitlyn hadn’t heard from Vi all afternoon which left her more than a little worried that she wouldn’t show up to the party at all. But when Vi stepped into the room – dressed in the same black vest and trousers from the party before, this time paired with a deep maroon button down and gold tie – Caitlyn gave a sigh of relief that immediately led to a nervous coil in her stomach. She had another apology to make.

Lifting her skirt—more out of habit than need as the black dress’ hem fell just before her ankles to show off her favorite pair of gold heels—she wove through the growing crowd to get to her. Their gazes met as Caitlyn slowed just a few feet away from Vi. It almost looked like she was going to smile but it stilled, her eyebrows knitting before looking away.

Vi was upset with her, and she had every reason to be. Caitlyn had made a complete ass of herself in the shop, letting her frustrations about Maddie cloud her judgement. She came to a slow stop in front of Vi, folding her hands in front of her.

“I’m glad you came.” She said, offering a small smile.

“I made a promise didn’t I?” Vi replied back, scanning the room.

“Can we go somewhere to talk? Just for a moment, I need to apolog–” she was cut off as Vi stepped up next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and leaning in. 

“Maddie’s watching. Try not to look so much like a kicked puppy.” Vi said quietly.

“I do not look like a kicked puppy.” Caitlyn wrinkled her nose in offense.

Vi let out a chuckle. “You kinda do. Lets go talk; got a place in mind?”

Pouting a little, Caitlyn pointed to a door off to the left side of the room. “There’s a sitting room in there. It should provide some privacy.”

“Lead the way, Princess.” Vi smiled, squeezing Caitlyn’s waist.

Feeling an embarrassed flush to her face as a few people turned to look at them, she led Vi through the crowd into the room. As soon as they got inside Vi let go of her and Caitlyn slid the door shut. Still facing the door, Caitlyn took a breath, preparing herself for whatever was to come.

Turning, she looked at Vi, who was messing with a globe that stood nearby. 

“I owe you an apology.” Caitlyn tried again, pausing for only a moment to see if Vi would stop her before continuing. “For my behavior earlier today. You didn’t deserve that.”

Vi didn’t answer, just the sounds from the party on the other side of the door muffled wafting through the cracks.

“You were right, though.” Vi didn’t look at her as she spun the globe, stopping it with a finger. “I should have told you. She’s your ex. It wasn’t right leaving you in the dark about it.”

“I–” Caitlyn hadn’t counted on Vi apologizing, leaving her a little bewildered. “I suppose we’re even then.” 

“Sure, Cupcake.” Vi gave her a weak smile, focusing back on the globe. “So, what's the game plan for tonight?”

“Well, considering the interaction I had with Maddie at the luncheon–” 

Vi head snapped to her, eyes wide. “Oh no.”

“Ah, yes. I may have…told her off a little bit.” Caitlyn quickly recounted her encounter with Maddie and how she had also snapped at Jayce, Vi let out a chuckle of disbelief.

“Man, you’ve been busy haven’t you?”

Caitlyn groaned, sinking into the couch as she put her head in her hands. “Busy making a mess of everything.” 

“Hey,” Vi sat next to her, taking her wrists gently. Caitlyn looked up as Vi reached out to push back a lock of hair that had fallen from her loose french twist updo. “We all make mistakes. Now we just gotta fix it right? Do something to make a statement.”

“But what?” Caitlyn wracked her brain to figure out how they could be more convincing. 

“I dunno,” Vi shrugged, “I’m sure something will present itself.” 

“You seem so confident.” Caitlyn narrowed her eyes at Vi, trying to figure out if there was a plan behind the words. 

Vi shrugged. “Things have a way of working out. Though we should probably get back out there before people start thinking we’re up to something in here.” 

Caitlyn looked at the door, then at Vi, realizing what she meant. Standing quickly she went to the door, Vi chuckling behind her. As they stepped out Caitlyn clocked Maddie halfway across the room. She wasn’t paying attention at the moment but Caitlyn knew her well enough. It was probably only a matter of time before she tried to stir up trouble. 

“Look at you, Miss Kiramman. Ever a delight.” Amara’s voice came from behind her. Caitlyn turned, looping her arm in Vi’s. Amara stopped in front of them, her own emerald dress, something vintage from the twenties. Caitlyn could only guess but she admired how it shined in the soft lights of the room. Maddie was standing, ram-rod straight behind her boss, arms folded behind her. Amara smiled. “What a lovely dress, Caitlyn.”

Caitlyn smiled politely. The high necked, long sleeved black velvet dress was a specific choice. It kept her from feeling too exposed while she was feeling so vulnerable earlier that day.

“I have to agree, Mrs. Blanc. She really is a vision, isn’t she?” Vi gave a soft smirk, stepping a little closer to Caitlyn. 

“Oh hello. I do not think we’ve been formally introduced.” Amara extended a hand, smiling at Vi. There was a mischievous glint in her eye as she looked between them.

“Mrs. Blanc, this is Violet, my partner.” Caitlyn introduced, noticing Maddie’s slight wince from behind Amara.

“Oh, she is a handsome one isn’t she, Caitlyn dear.” Amara winked at Caitlyn as Vi chuckled, her face flushing slightly in Caitlyn’s periphery.

“She certainly is.” Vi’s arm snaked around her waist and she leaned into it, placing a hand on Vi’s lapel. “I’m very fortunate.”

“Indeed. Well, I have other introductions to make. Have a good time, kids. You’re only young once.” Chuckling Amara moved on, Maddie following obediently and not giving Vi or Cait a second glance as she passed back. 

She turned to look at Vi and as soon as their gazes met they both started laughing quietly.

“You could feel the rage coming off that girl, damn.” Vi breathed with a shake of her head.

“Tonight's going to be lovely. She’s going to be staring daggers at us every chance she gets.” Caitlyn looked over her shoulder, catching Maddie looking away just as she found her in the crowd. 

“Let her.” Vi shrugged. “Jayce and Mel around? I’d like to say hi to them.” 

“Oh,” Caitlyn laughed, “do I have something to tell you.” 

The rest of the evening went fairly well. Vi and Caitlyn spent most of their time chatting with Mel and Jayce. Vi hadn’t been surprised when Caitlyn told her they were together. Apparently they had given off a ‘vibe’ at the rink the night before, as Vi put it. They all kept tabs on Maddie’s whereabouts throughout the night. It was a little sad to Caitlyn how she always seemed to either be nearby or keeping an eye on them. It was as if she was searching for any inkling that there was something going on. Granted, there was, and in a way Caitlyn felt bad about that, too. But this was all because of Maddie, so the feeling didn’t go far. 

After some time, Caitlyn got bored of talking to people, so she began to wander around. Amara had really outdone herself with decor. She had gone for a very classic red and green with a little bit of gold mixed into it. Not unlike her parents’ estate, there were very few surfaces that didn’t have garland or lights or something affixed to it. On the mantle she spotted a Christmas village. Not as expansive as the one at Vander’s house but one nonetheless.

“Vi, look!” She said excitedly, taking Vi’s hand and all but dragging her over to it. 

“Oh wow.” Vi stepped up next to her, looking over the set up. “This one’s completely different from ours. Is that a ferris wheel?” 

There was a sudden gleeful laugh and a clap of the hands as Amara bustled up to them. “Oh of course you two would wander over here, you darlings.”

“Your village is lovely, Mrs. Blanc.” Caitlyn motioned to the mantle.

“Oh thank you dear. It was a gift, but dears…” With a mischievous smile Amara pointed a long, manicured finger towards the ceiling and Caitlyn and Vi both looked up slowly. 

Hanging above them was an unmistakable and very large bushel of mistletoe tied together with a gold bow. 

Amara clapped her hands together with glee. “I’ve been waiting all night to see who’d be the first to wander beneath it. This is lovely. Just lovely.” 

Caitlyn looked at Vi, and Vi looked at Caitlyn with a matched expression of panic on her face.

“Ya do know what that means, don’t ya?” Maddie asked from behind Amara, a cold smile on her face. As if this was the moment she was going to prove to everyone that the two of them were faking it. 

Caitlyn didn’t know what to do. She hadn’t even thought of this as a possibility, which she felt silly for because she knew this was a thing Amara liked to do. She’d been distracted. Looking at Vi, she tried to get a read, but Vi just looked over and smiled at Maddie.

“Yes. I know what mistletoe means, thank you.” She wrapped an arm around Caitlyn’s waist and pulled her in. “If my lady would be so inclined?”

Caitlyn swallowed; Vi was saying one thing but there was a question in her eye, searching Caitlyn’s face for some indication of what to do. Then Caitlyn realized this was her call. Looking around at the surrounding people who were now all watching them, she let out a small, nervous laugh. Her eyes locked with Maddie for a moment and she could see the triumphant curve on the woman’s lips. It sent Caitlyn into an immediate rage. She would not let her have the satisfaction of figuring them out. If this is what it took to convince her, then so be it. It at least seemed like Vi was willing, as insane as the whole situation was. 

Caitlyn turned back to Vi, smirking as she took Vi’s lapels and pulled her closer. If they wanted a show, she would give it to them.

“Make this count.” Caitlyn whispered, just loud enough for Vi to hear. Their eyes met once more and Caitlyn gave her a small nod. 

Vi pulled her in, her hand curling along the back of Caitlyn’s neck as their lips met. Vi’s lips were softer than Caitlyn expected, not unpleasant. Letting go of Vi’s lapels, her hands slipped to  hold Vi’s face, pulling her closer. A sudden rush of adrenaline hit her and she found herself parting her lips, giving Vi the okay to deepen the kiss. She didn’t want anyone doubting them. There were a few whoops and hollers, which sounded suspiciously like Jayce, and she even heard Tormund sigh dreamily.

“Ah, to be young and in love.” He commented. 

They parted then, both laughing a little breathlessly. Caitlyn pressed a hand to the back of her mouth, the taste of cinnamon and champagne lingering on her lips. She looked over at Vi and snorted a laugh, reaching out to wipe away the errant lipstick she’d left behind. 

Amara clapped her hands gleefully. “Adorable! Okay, who’s next? Cassandra, Toby, don’t you dare let your daughter one-up the two of you. I remember back in the day…”

Her voice faded as she wandered into the crowd to find Caitlyn’s parents, but Caitlyn couldn’t focus on that. She looked at Vi to make sure she was okay. They hadn’t had a chance to talk about this as a possibility, but Vi hadn’t let go or backed away in disgust. Her arm was still firmly around Caitlyn’s waist as they turned and stepped away from the spot. Caitlyn only gave Maddie a passing glance as they walked by her. The ginger’s mouth was slightly agape and her expression was nothing less than shocked. The rush of triumph she felt was worth every minute.

Caitlyn couldn’t really recall what had happened the rest of the night. They’d had a few more drinks and she was sure she’d talked to a few more people. The whole time Vi was by her side, arm wrapped around her and going tête-à-tête with anyone that stopped to talk to them. It was fascinating to watch and Caitlyn found herself lost in it.

The night ended and she said her goodbyes, unfortunately unable to say much to Vi with the sheer number of people around. Jayce and Mel disappeared before she could say goodnight, but it was fine. They had survived the night, and massively pissed off Maddie. Caitlyn would call that a win.

After showering, she flopped on her bed with a heavy sigh. She couldn’t help but keep thinking about the scene they made under the mistletoe. Brushing her lips with her fingers she recalled how it felt. It had been, arguably, a couple of years since someone had kissed her. And even longer since someone had kissed her like that…. If ever. Vi was good, she had to give her that.

Picking up her phone she flipped to their messages, opening the one with Vi and 

YOU: I’m sorry about earlier. I hope it was alright.

VI: You talking about the mistletoe?

YOU: Yes

VI: Don’t sweat it, Cupcake. 

YOU: You think we finally convinced her?

VI: Did you see her face?

VI: Yeah. We convinced her. I thought her head was gonna pop off lmao

YOU: I am sorry it got to that point though and I’m sorry if I took it too far. 

There was a pause before the reply popped up. Caitlyn was almost afraid to read it.

VI: Seriously, it's okay. It was fun.

Caitlyn snorted a laugh and shook her head as she replied.

YOU: If you say so. 

YOU: Hopefully we won't have to do anything like that again. One more party to go.

The pause this time was longer, Caitlyn set her phone down to go grab a hair tie so she could braid her hair for bed. When she returned there was a reply.

Vi: Yeah.

VI: One more. 

VI: Night Cupcake.

Caitlyn chuckled and set her phone aside to charge. She’d honestly miss Vi when this was all said and done, that was for sure. At least she could say hello when she was back next year. 

Settling under the covers she reached to turn her light off, her phone lighting up with a message in her group chat with Mel and Jayce. Opening it, there was a picture of her and Vi under the mistletoe from Mel. She could feel the blush creeping into her cheeks. 

JAYCE: I think it's safe to say the two of you were PRETTY convincing tonight 😏

YOU: Shut up.

JAYCE: 🤣

MEL: 😘

Caitlyn set her phone down, covering her face in embarrassment. Why would they take a picture of it? They were never going to let her forget this. After a few minutes of wallowing in her own embarrassment she lifted the phone again, looking closer at the photo. Zooming in she started picking it apart, but there wasn’t much. It really did look genuine. Caitlyn brushed her lips with her fingers again, still able to feel a ghost of the kiss against them. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy it, and she wouldn’t exactly be upset if they had to do something like that again. But it was all an act. That’s all it could be.

She swallowed, a slight realization dawning on her. Why was she even considering what could or couldn’t be when she knew this was all just a ploy? Unless…

No. Caitlyn could not let herself entertain it, not even for a moment. She liked Vi, truly. Not just the fact that she was so willing to go along with this asinine plan, but Caitlyn genuinely loved her company. She couldn’t remember the last time she spent time with someone that could not only keep up with her but understand her.

She felt a tightening in her chest. There was one day left until the Christmas Eve party, she just had to keep herself in check until then, then a clean break. Maybe they could keep in touch as friends, but anything else would be out of the question. 

Steeling herself, she clicked away from the picture, setting her phone away for good and turning around to sleep. A few more days and all of this would be behind her. She could do it.

Chapter Text

YOU: Can I ask you a potentially personal question? 

VI: What do you want to know 🤨

In her restlessness, Caitlyn had woken up with the sunrise and had been unable to get back to sleep. That led to her wandering around the Kiramman estate with no real goal in mind aside from keeping herself—and her mind—occupied. The night before was fresh in her memories and she still wasn't quite fully able to sort out how she was feeling about it. Her wanderings led her down into the basement, pretty sure she'd only been down in once or twice her whole life. It was certainly an interesting place full of shelves and storage bins holding all manner of curiosities.

YOU: Your sister said you are the one that typically decorates most of the Lane house?

VI: Yup. The auto shop too. It's kind of my thing. 

VI: What’s the question?

YOU: Is there a reason you don’t decorate your own home?

She stared down at the screen waiting for a reply, hoping against all hope she hadn't just overstepped. When no reply came, she sighed, lifting a green bin off a shelf and sliding the top off. Inside was a collection of gold, red, and white Christmas decorations. Slowly but surely she discovered where their color coordinated decor went when they were out of rotation. 

The quiet of the basement was suddenly cut with buzzing as her phone began ringing. Of course it was Vi. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Caitlyn answered, putting the phone on speaker. 

“And here I was afraid I revealed the Grinch in you.” Caitlyn teased, giving a small, slightly nervous laugh. 

“I mean I respect the man and all but a cave liar is a little too drafty for me.” Vi chuckled weakly, which made Caitlyn all the more nervous. 

“I'm sorry if what I asked was–”      “Sorry I called instead of–”

They both stopped, their replies overlapping and nearly indistinguishable. 

“Go ahead.” Caitlyn offered. “You called me.” 

“Yeah. I was gonna say, it's easier to explain this way I guess.” 

“You don't owe me an explanation if you're not comfortable. I was just curious and sometimes I get a little ahead of myself in what's actually appropriate to ask someone.” Caitlyn meant it too. 

Snorting a laugh, there was a shuffle on Vi's side of the line. “I mean you already asked me to be your fake girlfriend, I think ‘appropriate’ went out the window a week ago.” 

Caitlyn sat down heavily on a stool she pulled over from a nearby tool bench. “I suppose you got me there.” 

“Hey. Don't sweat it. Honestly, it's not all that deep. Shit, hold on–” There was a shuffle and Vi's voice came out muffled as if she was covering her phone's microphone. “Yes we're closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.” A pause. “Well ma'am, Vander is a very family oriented man and says family time is important, especially during the holidays. If you have an issue with that, I welcome you to take it up with him.” Another pause. “Merry Christmas to you too, ma'am.” 

Caitlyn covered her mouth trying to hold back the chuckle that bubbled up. Vi had really managed to tell that woman off in the most polite way possible. That had to be a learned skill. 

There was a shuffle again as Vi sighed. “Sorry. At the shop for another hour so of course everyone and their uncle is deciding to come in and cause all sorts of problems. Where was I?” 

“Your lack of decor in your home ‘not being all that deep’?” Caitlyn offered. 

“Right, yeah, so I guess it kind of comes down to the point of it? It's always been a family thing. Either for the family or by the family. My place is just me and that doesn't feel as…in the spirit I guess? It sounds dumb but mom used to talk about how our family and community are what makes the holidays. So if I'm not doing it for someone, what's the point?” Vi grew silent for a moment. “Does that make sense?” 

“I think I understand.” And it truly did make sense to Caitlyn, to a degree. Her gaze drifted to the bins she'd pulled out and rummaged through, an idea forming. “You said you're at work for another hour?” 

“Yup. Nothing’s come in for any of the jobs here so Vander told me to close up early. What's up?” 

“Mind if I come over? Mother relieved me of the dinner with Hoskel tonight so my schedule opened up. Maybe you can show me another Christmas movie I've inevitably never seen” 

“Seriously?” Vi sounded almost dumbfounded at the suggestion. “I mean sure. Yeah. Have you eaten? I could cook?”

A warm feeling bloomed in Caitlyn's chest at Vi’s poorly suppressed excitement and she could only smile wider, hoping her plan was going to be equally well received. 

“I have not. That sounds lovely.” 

“Great. Do I need to come get you or…?”

“I'll find a way there. Finish, decompress, and I'll let you know when I'm on my way.” 

“Can't wait! I mean… Yeah, cool, sounds good. See ya then.” 

“See you soon.” 

Caitlyn disconnected the call, smiling to herself as she looked over the bins; decades worth of decor. She had some choices to make. 

Stepping out of the shower, it took Vi a solid twenty minutes of standing in front of her dresser in her boxers to figure out what to wear. Things with Caitlyn were so much more complicated after the party the night before. Or rather, things for Vi were more complicated. She had a passing thought early on that kissing might be a bridge they'd have to cross, but she'd gotten so caught up in the whole thing she had completely forgotten. Until they were faced with a choice that if either of them said no to, it could start unraveling everything.

Part of Vi wished it had been a bad kiss. It would be easier to compartmentalize if it was, but Vi was learning quickly that Caitlyn Kiramman never half-assed anything. The woman went in and Vi had loved every minute of it.

Vi rubbed a hand over her mouth, trying her best not to think too much about it. The fact she was knocked so off kilter by a single kiss did not bode well for the next few days. However, she made an agreement and she was going to be good for her word.

Grinding her teeth together and trying to calm herself down, Vi grabbed a green shirt that said ‘Merry Christmas ya filthy animals’ across the front in a whimsical font and then pulled on a pair of plaid lounge pants. Good enough for hanging out and cooking in. 

As she was going to check her phone she heard a knock on the door. Opening it, she fully expected Caitlyn's smiling face, but instead she was met by a stack of…red and green plastic containers?

There was a shuffle and Caitlyn’s head popped out from behind them as she turned, trying to keep them balanced in her arms. “Oh, hi. It's me. I'm here!”

Vi peeked around Caitlyn to see several more bins sitting on the porch. “What's all this?” 

“Well,” Caitlyn started as Vi grabbed the top bin so it wouldn't fall, “I came across all this at the estate and you said the only reason you haven't decorated is because you have no one to decorate for.” 

“That's right.” Vi eyed her suspiciously as she took the other bin from Caitlyn. 

“Well,” she continued breathlessly, blowing an errant lock of hair out of her face as she set down the other bins and posted her hands on her hips. “I'm here. And I've never experienced what it's like to decorate a home for the holidays, so I was hoping that perhaps an expert like you could show me the ropes.” 

Vi stared at Caitlyn, trying to process what she had just said. “Hold on, you've never …what ?” 

Shrugging a shoulder, Caitlyn looked away as if hiding a blush. “Well, mother and father always hire people to come decorate the estate. And I don't spend the holidays at my flat in the city so I've just never quite had the opportunity to.” 

Vi’s brain was going a million miles a minute with everything she was trying to wrap her head around. Caitlyn showed up with a bunch of bins to decorate with her because her house was bare and Caitlyn had never decorated for Christmas before. Vi could not fully comprehend the idea. 

“Wait a minute,” Vi held up a hand in complete disbelief, “you’ve never decorated before?” 

“That is what I said.” Caitlyn looked at her with a slight sense of unease, to which Vi took a breath. She knew she could get extreme sometimes and the last thing she wanted to do was overwhelm Caitlyn.

“So that probably means you’ve never gone Christmas tree shopping?” 

“Christmas tree…shopping?” 

Vi let out a noise she wasn’t sure was a groan or a laugh as she ran a hand across her face. She reached for a bin and moved it behind her into the house.

“Okay. Let's get these inside then I’m grabbing my truck and we’re going on a field trip.” She grabbed another bin, almost laughing again at the confused expression on Caitlyn’s face. 

“Very well.” 

It only took a minute to get the bins in; there were several more in the car that Caitlyn dropped off, and then Vi quickly changed into something warmer, grabbed her coat and hat and led the way outside again. Starting up the truck, Vi prayed to whatever deities might be out there that her fix for the heat had worked and opened the passenger door for Caitlyn.

“Hop in. I gotta go grab something.” 

“Alright.” Vi could tell Caitlyn was nervous and it made her feel bad. She, despite this, was excited. 

Jogging over to the snow-covered stump near her lumber pile she pulled the axe out of it and inspected it. It probably would be in better shape if she hadn’t left it outside but it looked like it would get the job done. Tossing it into the truck bed she got in the driver's seat, rubbing her hands together in front of a vent to warm them. Blessedly, hot air blew steadily, quickly warming up the cab of the truck. 

“And off we go.” Vi smiled at Caitlyn, who offered a small smile back. “Don’t worry. This will be fun.” 

“I believe you.” Caitlyn shook her head as if to ward off whatever nerves she was feeling. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this entails considering you brought your axe.” 

“Just you wait. It’s pretty cool.” Vi grinned, stepping on the gas to get them there faster. 

It was the day before Christmas Eve and Vi was worried about the state of the Christmas tree farm. Most people got their trees earlier in the month, so who knew what Charlie Brown Christmas type of trees were left over. She was determined though. There had to be something still around. 

As they pulled through Shimmer Farm’s wooden arch that had a “Sevika’s Christmas Tree Farm” banner hanging beneath it, Vi started feeling hopeful, crowns of decently tall evergreens peeking out over the horizon. They pulled up to the small cabin labeled ‘Customers Pay Here’ and Vi stepped out, telling Caitlyn to wait a second while she made sure they were open. 

“Well, well, well.” A familiar raspy voice chuckled darkly as a tall, tanned woman came around the corner, finishing off the last of a hand rolled cigarette before making it to where Vi stood. “Look what the cat dragged in.” 

“Looking shitty as ever, Sevika.” Vi chuckled, reaching her hand out.

Sevika reached out to clasp VI’s forearm in a quick shake before adjusting her coat over her mechanical arm. “What’s go you all the way the fuck out here right before Christmas? I figured you’d be out doing rounds singin’ Christmas carols with the kids or something like that.”

Vi rolled her eyes. “Well, unfortunately for the both of us, I need a tree.”

“Fresh out.” Sevika smiled teasingly. “Better luck next time.” 

“Ah damn,” Vi clicked her tongue, letting out an overly dramatic sigh. “And here I was willing to pay double for something good. See ya, I guess.” 

Half turning around, Vi paused, glancing at Sevika for a moment before they both burst out laughing.

“You’re still the biggest little shit I know, short of that sister of yours.” Sevika walked to the cashier window and opened it, grabbing a piece of paper from inside.

“Someone’s gotta keep you on your toes, old bag.” Taking the paper from Sevika she gave her a small salute. “Thanks. You got anything good left?” 

“Yeah, got a few if you’re willin’ to walk for it. You can use one of the sleds out back if you need.” Leaning against the building, Sevika pulled out another cigarette and lit it.

“Cool. See ya in a bit.” 

Vi hurried back to the truck and laughed at the perplexed expression on Caitlyn’s face. “What?” 

“I couldn’t tell if you were old friends or heated enemies. That was…quite the exchange.” 

“It’s kind of a little of both. We can only be around each other in small doses before fists start flying.” Vi gave a shrug. “But she runs the best tree farm in town, so it's worth it.” 

Moving the truck into the main parking lot, Vi had Caitlyn grab the axe while she got one of the sleds. Seeing Caitlyn Kiramman with an axe was truly a sight to behold, and not a bad one either. 

“Woah there killer, watch where you’re swinging that thing.” Vi jokingly dodged out of the way, despite being more than far enough away from Caitlyn’s swing. 

“It’s heavier than I expected. No wonder your arms are as big as they are.” For a split second Caitlyn’s eyes went wide and a slight flush spread along her cheeks. “I mean–you’re in good shape and wood cutting is known for–I’m sure you work out too..and the shop.” 

Vi couldn’t help but laugh over how Caitlyn was stumbling over herself. She almost felt bad as Caitlyn looked away, holding out the axe to her. Taking it, Vi rested it over her shoulder as she wrapped the sled rope in her other hand to make it more secure.

“Yeah, it’s a good workout.” She began walking, motioning with her head as she passed Caitlyn. “C’mon, Sevika said there were some left this way.” 

As they walked, Vi told Caitlyn about the annual Lane family tradition of coming out here the first day of December to grab a tree. They’d done it every year since before Vi could remember. The tree standing in Vander’s living room was the one they picked up that year. There was a special kind of excitement being able to do it again, especially with someone who hadn’t before. 

By the time they got to the cluster of remaining trees that looked even remotely decent, Caitlyn was laughing and asking Vi questions about her various family traditions. Vi watched as Caitlyn walked up to a tree and leaned forward, taking a deep breath. 

“It’s the most lovely scent isn’t it?” Caitlyn asked, closing her eyes and taking another deep breath in.

Vi followed suit, her senses filling with the fresh, piney scent of the surrounding evergreens. “Sure is. Wait ‘til you see how fast it fills my cabin.”

“I can only imagine.” Caitlyn straightened, posting her hands on her hips as she surveyed the area. “So, Christmas Expert, how do we pick one and then what do we do ?”

Vi grinned at the title. “Well, we gotta make sure it’s healthy enough to go; not infested with anything. Check for any nests or other inhabitants that might get upset if we take their home away. Then, we chop and drag it back.”

Caitlyn looked around, eyeing a tree that was about a head taller than she was. “What about that one?” 

It took them an hour to finally find a tree that was up to their standards. Granted, Vi’s standards were far higher than Caitlyn’s apparently were and Caitlyn made little effort to hide her amusement in it.

“It really doesn’t have to be so particular. Wouldn’t any of them be fine, especially since Christmas is so close.” 

“No, Cait.” Vi gave an exasperated sigh. “If this is the first time you’re doing this, it's gotta be good. What kind of Christmas Expert would I be if I got you shit tree? We’re not recreating A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

“Oh!” Caitlyn exclaimed, turning to Vi excitedly. “Now that’s one I have seen. It’s my father’s favorite.” 

Vi gasped dramatically, clutching at her chest. “She’s seen a Christmas movie. A miracle, truly!” 

Caitlyn scowled playfully at Vi, wrinkling her nose as they walked up to the tree Vi had been eyeing. After a thorough inspection, Vi officially declared it the perfect last minute tree and got to work. 

As she swung the axe she could feel small, cold flakes hitting her face, her hands and knuckles turning red in the bitter cold.

After she got a few solid swings in she stopped, turning to Caitlyn. “You wanna give it a go?” 

“Give what a go?” Caitlyn blinked at Vi as if she’d been zoned out.

“Cutting down the tree. Just a few swings unless you decide you enjoy it and want to do the rest.” Vi offered the axe to her. 

Looking down at it uneasily, Caitlyn stepped forward, wrapping her gloved hand around the handle. “Sure, though I can’t say I know how.” 

“Here, I’ll show you.” 

Vi quickly showed her the basics; swinging an axe wasn't rocket science. She showed Caitlyn how to hold it, how to brace and swing. Part of her wanted to pull the whole ‘stand behind the person and show them as an excuse to get closer’ but to Vi it felt…wrong. If this had just been some girl she’d been on a flirty little date with and wanted to fluster then, sure, because it was a great move. With Caitlyn, however, despite how she was feeling, it felt like overstepping. Instead she just showed what to do herself and had Caitlyn copy her. 

“But aiming and hitting the right spot every time, now that's where the skill comes in.” Vi finished, readying herself to jump in if Caitlyn needed help. 

Much to Vi's surprise, Caitlyn hit the previous cut mark perfectly. Since it seemed like Caitlyn had a handle on it, Vi stepped back to observe. While Caitlyn had the bullseye precision, she lacked the power to really make any real progress, but she looked so determined and proud of herself Vi couldn't bring herself to say anything. Plus, Vi had to admit, Caitlyn looked good doing it. The snow was still falling lightly and they both were covered in white specks, but every so often, some would fall off Caitlyn's hair or sleeves when she went to take a swing. It was a captivating sight.

There suddenly was a loud kerthunk as the axe embedded in the tree again, the impact echoing through the quiet woods. Caitlyn went to pull it back but let out a groan of effort as it stuck fast. Vi waited and watched, curious to see if she could get it out. 

With a frustrated huff, Caitlyn stepped back with her hands on her hips as she scowled down at the troublesome tool. 

“I believe this is where I stop.” She declared breathlessly, throwing her hands out in defeat.

“Oh, so you get it stuck and expect me to fix it, huh?” Vi crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow playfully. 

“Well, considering you are more physically adept and suited for this sort of activity…” She looked over her shoulder at Vi, “an admission of your own making, I do believe, yes. I would like your assistance.” 

She had Vi there. Chuckling, she stepped around Caitlyn and took the axe in both hands, bracing her feet as best she could as she pulled the axe free. Quite easily. She almost wanted to say something snarky about it, but she didn't. Instead, she positioned herself and got to work quickly. The snow continued to fall steadily and she didn't want to have to deal with a completely soaking wet tree in her house. Rearing back, she swung one last time. The resulting crack echoed as it was joined by another, then another, until, with a loud thud , the tree hit the ground. Snow flew out in every direction, causing Caitlyn to cry out in surprise as she jumped away from the spray. 

Her cry settled into a soft laugh of wonder. Vi looked over at her, smiling as Caitlyn looked around in wonder, as if seeking out the very sound itself as it faded.

Vi scratched at her chin and chuckled. “Guess I shoulda said ‘timber’, huh?”

Caitlyn’s focus returned to Vi, the smile staying. “Perhaps. Does it always echo like that?” 

Vi thought back, trying to recall if it did. “Usually not that much, but there’s usually a lot more people here so it's kind of hard to tell I guess. Ready to haul this back and get to the fun part?” 

“You mean you weren’t enjoying yourself?” Caitlyn smirked. “I certainly was.” 

Vi narrowed her eyes at the woman with her own lopsided smile. That almost seemed like flirting, but it could just be an earnest statement. Vi wanted it to be flirting, but there was no way. Was there? The more Vi got to know Caitlyn, the more confusing the woman became.

“A blast.” Vi replied, tossing the axe onto the sled. “Help me out, would ya? Since you’re enjoying yourself so much.” 

A set look of determination took over as Caitlyn stepped forward to help. Vi could have told her that moving the sled closer would make it easier, but this was far more amusing, even if it meant more work for her as well.

Eventually they got the tree to the sled and began the trek back, Vi taking the lead on pulling. It took them far less time to return to the small cottage at the front, and Sevika was there waiting for them.

“Took you long enough. Let’s get this done so we can all get to warmer places.” Sevika said, relatively good heartedly. Maybe it was the last minute sale, or the fact that Christmas was right around the corner, but it was strange to see Sevika being nice, especially to Vi. 

When it came to paying, Caitlyn stepped forward, not taking no for an answer despite the agreement to a higher price. Then again, she was a Kiramman, and successful in her own right. Condos in the city weren’t cheap so it was probably a drop in the bucket for people like her. 

Sevika helped Vi load the tree in the truck after they removed the excess snow and she bid them both farewell and even said ‘Happy Christmas’. Weird.

Getting the tree into Vi’s small cabin was a whole other ordeal entirely. While it wasn’t a particularly large tree, it was also not so small as to be an easy task. After a little living room rearranging and some strategic bin stacking they got the tree settled perfectly in front of Vi’s two large front windows.

“Okay!” Caitlyn clapped her hands together and walked over to the bins. “What’s next?” 

Vi smiled at the palpable excitement coming from Caitlyn and surveyed the bins. “Lights first. Then ornaments.” 

“Then the topper?” Caitlyn guessed, looking to Vi for confirmation. 

“You got it.” 

“Wonderful. Okay.” She stepped back. “Lights…lights? Which one are you?”

Vi chuckled softly as the woman began muttering to herself as she looked through the bins. Sure, this was another situation where VI could have helped her, but there was something about letting Caitlyn take the lead a little in this that felt right. She’d be there to help guide her but Caitlyn definitely seemed the hands-on type, and she could respect that. 

Putting the lights on the tree with Caitlyn was a much smoother experience than Vi had ever had with Powder. Caitlyn was borderline overly meticulous, finding the spots that looked bare immediately and helping guide the strands where they needed to go. She was very much the same with the ornaments. Christmas music was playing and the room smelled like pine and basement dust, which wasn’t a far cry from when her family did this together. This though, was a bit different from the chaos than Vander’s house. She didn’t hate it. 

Caitlyn let out a short, satisfied huff as she stepped back, hands posted on her hips as she surveyed their work.

“So? Does it pass inspection?” Vi teased, stepping back next to her. 

“Almost. We need the topper.” Caitlyn turned to the bins again, fishing out a gorgeous Capiz star tree topper . “Here we go.”

She handed it over to Vi, who looked down at it in awe. It was heavier than she expected, but also somehow lighter. It had to have been made of real shell and metal, versus the plastic versions she’d seen at the store in the past. 

“This feels real.” Vi commented, holding it to the light and admiring how the shell diffused the glow.

“Because it is.” Caitlyn smiled. “It’s one of the few pieces that I believe is from the family. It’s made of the shell of the windowpane oyster, or placuna placenta. They’re very common on the shores of Ionia–where my father is from. I believe this one belonged to my great-great….great grandmother I think? ”

“Cait, this is…” Vi began handing it back, “this is a waste on this tree. I’m the only one who’s gonna see it.  It should be used at your place.”

Shaking her head, Caitlyn softly pressed the topper back into Vi’s hands. “No, because if it was back at the estate it would continue to sit in a box for at least another–” she eyed the tree, calculating, “–three years. If I have the color rotation schedule correct.  I want to use it here, if that’s permissible with you.” 

“I, uh, sure.” Vi looked at it again, suddenly afraid it would fall out of her hands and shatter everywhere. “But you get to put it on. Not only is it a family heirloom, but you’re the first-timer.”

This time Caitlyn conceded in taking the topper from Vi when she handed it over. Vi only let her struggle for a few minutes to try to put it on top–because it was funny seeing how far the woman’s determination would take her–before stepping in to offer help. 

“I’m gonna lift you up okay?”

“You’re what?” Caitlyn turned, suddenly alarmed.

“Lift you up?” Vi looked at her confused. “So you can put the star on top.”

“Oh.” Caitlyn looked at Vi, then up at the tree, her expression still perplexed, but she gave a nod. “Yes. Of course.”

Snorting a laugh, Vi shook her head. Positioning herself behind Caitlyn she squatted down, wrapping her arms around Caitlyn’s legs and lifting her up in one fell swoop. Easy.

Caitlyn let out a small cry of surprise, and steadied as soon as she realized sitting on Vi’s shoulder was perfectly safe and secure. Vi felt a rush of satisfaction and amusement as the other woman settled.

“You good, Cupcake?” Vi asked, looking up slightly.

“Mhum, yup. I’m fine.” Her focus was now laser-fixed on the tree. “Shall we?” 

“Okay, moving.” Vi took a step towards the tree, grounding her feet to make sure neither of them would fall. After a few minutes the star was perfectly placed and Caitlyn’s feet were planted firmly back on the ground.

Vi stepped back to admire their handiwork. “Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.” 

“Not too shabby?” Caitlyn looked over her shoulder from where she was adjusting some ornaments. “It’s very nearly perfect.” 

Vi watched as Caitlyn meticulously moved around a few more ornaments, muttering to herself or clicking her tongue before stepping in to adjust again. Chuckling, Vi stepped in to intervene, taking Caitlyn lightly by the arm and pulling her back.

“What are you–” She started as Vi took her by the arms and gently turned her towards the tree.

“Look at it, Cait. It is perfect. Just take a minute and look at it as a whole.”

“But it’s-”

Vi leveled her gaze with the hard-headed woman, trying her best to not to smile from sheer amusement. “Cait.” 

With a heavy sigh Caitlyn closed her eyes, then turned towards the tree, her back to Vi. She stilled, no noise but the music in the background to be heard. It almost sounded like Caitlyn had stopped breathing, then after a moment she let out a long breath, confirming that she had.

“You were right.” She finally said, bringing a palm to her cheek as if wiping something away. “It’s perfect.” 

“Are you…crying?” Vi asked, peering around Caitlyn with a teasing grin. 

“N-no.”

“You’re totally crying.” 

“I am not. ” She scowled, but Vi could see the smallest smile curve on the corner of her lips. Lips which Vi looked at a moment longer than she probably should have, forcing herself to turn away and hope that Caitlyn didn’t notice. 

“I am nawt. ” Vi mimicked teasingly as she walked into the kitchen.

Caitlyn clicked her tongue as she scowled at her. “Oh, real funny Vi.” 

Opening the fridge, Vi shrugged. “I thought so.”

Caitlyn’s eye roll was nearly audible and Vi couldn’t help but snicker as she began pulling out what she needed to make dinner.

Caitlyn was in charge of figuring out what movie they’d watch, since Vi had probably seen every Christmas movie in existence and Caitlyn had seen, maybe, four. Since this whole thing had been so last minute, Vi decided to keep the meal simple with some walleye fillets from fish Vander caught in a local lake, with seasoned asparagus and herbed rice. Caitlyn had found and set up the TV trays Vi had tucked away and was focused on the screen when Vi set her plate down.

“Oh!” Caitlyn jumped a little, looking down at the plate, then up at Vi. “Done already? It smells divine. I promise, I’ll find something soon.” 

“Got any choices?” 

Letting out a hum, Caitlyn looked at the TV again. “I see The Santa Clause has sequels, but there is also one called Home Alone? Which also has a sequel that has very high ratings. There’s so many choices. There’s also some classics on here that seem intriguing.” 

“Oh, what about White Christmas? That’s like the classic of all classics.” Vi pointed to the movie’s cover on the screen. “That one right there.” 

Growing quiet for a moment, Caitlyn read the description. “Ah yes. That sounds perfect.” 

“Perfect. Let me grab a little something for us to drink, go ahead and start it.” 

Ducking back into the kitchen, Vi fished out a bottle of wine that she’d had tucked away and grabbed two glasses. 

Caitlyn took the bottle from Vi and read the label, pausing the movie for a moment to inform her that the bottle was actually quite rare and pretty expensive. Vi didn’t care. It wasn’t like she was going to drink it any other time. After another minute of assuring Caitlyn it was fine, two glasses were poured and the movie was back on. 

The rest of the evening went by pleasantly. Caitlyn had such a light and warmth about her that was nearly infectious. It was like being around someone you’d known for a long time, that special sort of comfort that only comes from familiarity. It was strange, though, considering Vi had only known Caitlyn for a handful of days. That first meeting felt like a lifetime ago. 

As the movie ended and the food was finished, Caitlyn stretched out her legs and let out a long sigh. 

“I should probably head back to the Estate. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day.”

“The big finale already, huh? Anything I should know?” Vi stood, collecting the plates and empty wine glasses and making her way to the kitchen.

Caitlyn stood and followed, leaning against the counter next to where Vi was at the sink. “Nothing I don’t think you haven’t already had to deal with. It’s going to be a bit busier than Amara’s party since it’s the last one of the season. There’s a white elephant exchange but you don’t have to participate if you don’t wish to.” 

“Alright.” Vi nodded, mentally going through the people she had met at Amara Blanc’s shindig. “Do you know what color you’re going to wear?” 

“What color I’m–” Caitlyn looked at her, confused. “Why would that matter?”

“Well, we’re supposed to be together, right? Don’t you think we’d coordinate for the party your parents are hosting?” 

Letting out a thoughtful hum, Caitlyn nodded. “No, you’re correct. Red? Well, no… more a bright maroon? Jewel toned, perhaps is the best word? And velvet. Does that help?” 

“Yeah, I can work with that.” Vi smiled. 

Caitlyn hung around until Vi finished the dishes then they said their goodbyes. Vi leaned against the frame of her open front door as she watched the taillights of the car Caitlyn ordered disappear down the street. Vi felt conflicted. She was looking forward to the party the next day, but the fact that they were nearly at the end of all this left her feeling a sense of loss that she never would have expected.

This was her fault though; if she hadn’t let her feelings get the better of her she’d be perfectly fine. She would just deal with this like she dealt with anything else, head down and the best she could. That’s all she could do. 

Chapter Text

“There we go.” Mel said softly as she carefully let the curled section of hair drop to frame Caitlyn’s face. “A vision.” 

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “No different than any other event we’ve been to.” She leaned into the mirror. “But I suppose a far cry from the sweats and tank tops from our early days as roommates.”

Mel chuckled softly. “Those were good times. I do miss them.” 

“Me too. Everything felt…” Caitlyn trailed off, trying to find the right sentiment. 

“Simpler?” Mel offered, fishing out a deep red lipstick and handing it to Caitlyn.

“I suppose.” She took it and leaned into the mirror to apply it. 

“And what, pray tell, makes your life so complicated now? You have a steady job you love and a nice condo with a perfectly beautiful view, and two friends who adore you. It seems you have been doing well for yourself.” 

Caitlyn paused, looking at Mel in the mirror. “I am. It’s just–”

Mel didn’t say anything for a moment, simply waiting for Caitlyn to finish as if it was going to be some sort of groundbreaking epiphany.

“It’s just what?” She inquired, realizing Caitlyn wasn’t going to say more. 

Honestly, Caitlyn wasn’t sure. Her life just felt endlessly complicated in a way she couldn’t explain. There wasn’t any particular reason she could pinpoint at that exact moment. “It just is. Adulthood is complicated.” 

Caitlyn braced for more of Mel’s prodding but was blessedly saved as Jayce knocked on the door, peeking his head in. “You ladies decent?” 

“Enough.” Mel smiled softly as the man walked in. 

Caitlyn watched as Mel and Jayce’s eyes met and for a moment it felt as if she was intruding on something very private. Feeling embarrassed, she looked away and continued the last touches on her makeup. 

“Your mother is looking for you.” Jayce said, now standing right next to Caitlyn. 

“Of course she is.” She sighed, looking up at him. “Has Vi arrived yet?” 

“As promised.” Vi’s head popped into the room and Caitlyn couldn’t help but smile as she rose to greet her.

Caitlyn had to admit, she was impressed. The green suit jacket Vi was wearing was a modern fit that suited her figure well, and the black satin lapels added a touch of class that felt unexpected. Her white collared shirt was crisp and the maroon tie she paired it with was the exact color of Caitlyn’s own dress. Vi had finished off the look with a pair of black tuxedo pants and a pair of very expensive looking black shoes that were shined to perfection. Her pink hair was slicked back save a single errant lock that fell back into her face. Unable to help herself, Caitlyn stepped forward, smoothing it back and taking a look at Vi’s attire. 

“Well don’t you look dashing.” Mel stepped up next to Caitlyn, nodding at Vi approvingly. “What a vision the two of you will be walking into that room. This will certainly drive Maddie toward insanity.”

Caitlyn frowned at the mention of her ex as she looked over at Mel, brow furrowing before she realized. Yes, of course. That was the whole reason for all of this, wasn’t it? 

“Correct. But also, there’s no reason for us not to enjoy ourselves too considering this is the last day of this whole silly charade anyway.” Caitlyn said as she took Vi’s sleeve to adjust the shirt to jacket ratio at her wrist. 

“Yeah,” Vi chimed in, not batting an eye at Caitlyn’s fussing, “so let’s eat, drink, and be merry or whatever you do at these shindigs.” 

As Caitlyn finished, Mel reached out and adjusted a few curls to Caitlyn’s partial up-do. “Jayce and I will go ahead so you two can make your entrance. I’m sure your mother and father would like you to come in with a bit of a dramatic flair considering the gathered company.” 

“Ah, right. Of course.” Jayce cleared his throat, offering his arm to Mel. “Shall we?”

Mel took it and smiled at Caitlyn and Vi. “See you soon.” 

Once they left an almost oppressive quiet filled the room, only punctuated by the very faint sounds of the party below.

“You look stunning, by the way.” Vi said, breaking the silence. “That dress is…something else.” 

Caitlyn looked down at the long, deep red velvet dress she had saved for the event. It had been something she’d picked up earlier in the year from a designer sale she’d stumbled across. Smoothing her hands over the fabric she let out a hum. “I hope it's not too much.”

She turned to the mirror and ran her fingers along the neckline, the sleeves; short and off the shoulder, came to v at center which gave a open backdrop for the pearl necklace her mother had given her the year before. It was still relatively modest, even if it left her shoulders quite bare. Her focus shifted as Vi stepped into the mirror’s frame as well and she shifted to give her a little space. 

She took their reflections in and her breath caught a little. It truly did look like they had coordinated; Vi’s color instincts had been perfect. Something about it made her feel lightheaded and a little nervous.

“I think you look perfect, Cait.” Straightening her jacket, Vi smiled a bit wider. “I didn’t do too bad either.”

“For a scruffy mechanic, I’d say you clean up nicely.” Caitlyn teased, hoping it would calm the nerves in her stomach. 

“I’d take that as an insult if I wasn’t proud to be a scruffy mechanic.” Vi lifted her chin, and smoothed her lapels. 

Caitlyn just rolled her eyes, stepping away from the mirror and holding out a hand. “One last time?”

“Sure.” Vi offered her arm. “Anything off limits?” 

Caitlyn thought for a moment. “Not tonight. We need to continue being convincing for just a bit longer, might as well do our best and leave no room for question.” 

“Sounds good to me, Princess.” 

Rolling her eyes again, Caitlyn began moving them to the door. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Vi took a breath, then took the lead down the hall towards the party.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Vi wasn’t sure how she was going to make it through the night without losing her mind. Maybe she could make an appearance for a little while, then disappear on some family obligation. But that would mean cutting her time short with Caitlyn, which she didn’t want to do, either. If this was the last night before Caitlyn went back to her life in the city and got back to her fancy life, Vi wanted to make it count, as selfish as that felt. 

The next day everything would go back to normal; she’d be back in the shop the day after that and she could put all this behind her. It wasn’t real, so why was she acting like it was? Caitlyn had already caught her zoning out a few times with a look of concern already. Vi needed to hold it together. 

Rolling her shoulders back she refocused back on the conversation at hand. Despite clearly growing weary already from it, Caitlyn was still making polite talk with various patrons that Vi had to assume were important. This one was some fancy looking twink that reeked of overly sweet perfume. Salo, Vi remembered vaguely, not caring to recall his last name. He had the tight assed, mousey sort of face that just asked to be punched, and he all but ignored Vi’s presence the whole time they’d been standing there.

So instead of contributing anything to the conversation, Vi surveyed the rest of the room, gaze falling on the small array of people gliding across the marble dance floor. As the quartet playing shifted to the next song , Vi couldn’t help but smile at the irony. She also saw the out she knew they were both waiting for. Leaning in close to Caitlyn’s ear, she brushed aside a few locks of hair and whispered quietly. “Are you ready for a rescue?” 

“Yes, please.” She breathed back. 

“Salo my man, it's been great,” Vi looked at the man and smiled, “but I do believe this song is one that Miss Kiramman and I love dearly and I’d like to dance with her if you don’t mind.” 

Salo looked down his nose between the two of them, then waved a dismissive hand. “Fine, sure, off you go.” 

Wrapping an arm around her waist, Vi pulled Caitlyn gently away and onto the dance floor. They stumbled a little at first as Vi tried to recall the dances that Vander had drilled into her for whatever reason when she was a teen. Caitlyn, of course, followed perfectly and with unending grace. 

“You dance well.” She said, not trying very hard to mask the amusement and surprise in her voice.

“You sound shocked.” Vi shook her head as she spun Caitlyn out and back to her. “I know how to do a lot of things you wouldn’t expect, once I brush off the cobwebs.” 

“I’m finding that out.” Caitlyn chuckled, her expression suddenly falling as her gaze fell over Vi’s shoulder. 

“What’s–” Vi started turning her head, but Caitlyn took her face in her hands and stopped her. “Cait?”\

“Don’t look. It’s Maddie. She’s glaring daggers right now and I–”

Vi realized they’d stopped dancing and moved to start again so they didn’t look conspicuous, but Caitlyn stopped her. “Cait, what are you–”

Caitlyn looked back at Vi, her eyes wide. “Kiss me.”

“What?” Vi blinked as she felt heat rising in her chest, her mind and heart beginning a battle she was hoping to keep at bay just a little while longer.

“If you’re okay with it. Just to get her to stop staring. Maybe she’ll–”

Vi surged forwards, pressing her lips to Caitlyn’s and feeling the other woman relax into it immediately. She didn't stay for long, only allowing herself a moment before pulling back. Caitlyn stumbled forward a little bit, her hands dropping to Vi’s lapels to steady herself. 

“Sorry. “ Caitlyn breathed, her gaze dropping to where her hands pressed against Vi’s collar. “I panicked.” 

“It’s fine.” Vi chuckled, feeling a tightening in her chest. “You know I’m happy to oblige when necessary.”

“Right.” Caitlyn nodded. “Of course.” 

Vi studied Caitlyn’s face trying to get an idea of what could possibly be going on in her mind. She wasn’t looking at Vi, her gaze instead still focused on where her hands laid on Vi’s lapels. She looked suddenly so pale, a rush of worry surged through Vi. Taking Caitlyn’s face in her hands she lifted Caitlyn’s gaze to her own.

“What’s wrong?” 

Caitlyn looked at her, seemingly dazed before shaking her head. “Nothing. I’m fine, I think…can we get some air?” 

“Of course.” 

Before Vi had fully answered, Caitlyn had already turned and began making her way through the crowd. Vi hurried after her, catching Jayce and Mel’s curious gaze as they looked between her and Caitlyn. ‘Maddie.’ Vi mouthed to them, motioning with her head in the direction of the redhead. Mel nodded and she and Jayce exchanged a look before Vi continued after Caitlyn. 

When she arrived on the balcony, Caitlyn was at the railing, gripping it tightly with her back to Vi. It pained Vi to see her like this and she couldn’t help but think it was somehow her fault. Caitlyn had been fine until that point of the evening. Had seeing Maddie really triggered her that much?

“Cait?” Vi took a tentative step towards her, not wanting to crowd her. 

“I’m fine.” Caitlyn said, not turning and her grip tightening. Her head drooped and Vi watched as her back expanded and contracted as she took a deep breath, only barely noting the slight shudder at the exhale. “This was a terrible idea.” 

Vi swallowed, wanting to ask but afraid to know. She let a few moments pass to see if Caitlyn was going to say anything else, but she didn’t. 

“Hey.” Vi stepped up next to her, leaning against the railing and leaning to try to get a look at her face. “I agreed to this, didn't I? I knew what I was getting into and after tonight…we’re done, right?”

She hated it the moment it left her lips, but it was the truth and it did get Caitlyn to look at her. Her eyes were slightly red as if she had been crying, but any sign of tears were already long gone.  

“You’re right.” Caitlyn straightened and took another breath, the cool air fanning in between them. “I feel so selfish having asked you to do any of this. I feel like I’m taking advantage–” 

Vi reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly. “You’re not, Cait. I know we’ve only known each other for a bit but you know I’d walk away if I ever thought this was too much.” 

Caitlyn looked at her then, a strange, slightly perplexed expression on her face that quickly melted into a sort of bemusement. “Has it really only been a few days? It feels like it's been a lifetime. The stress has added years to my life I suppose.”

She let out a quiet, humorless chuckle as she looked out at the estate grounds. Vi couldn’t help but watch her. It wasn’t easy to admit but Vi couldn’t deny that despite the short time they'd known each other, it had felt like a lifetime to her too. One that she never wanted to end. Vi turned away, letting out a huff of air as she tried to shake off the feeling of heartbreak that was already creeping over her. 

“Well then, let’s go inside and just enjoy ourselves despite her.” Vi suggested. “Girls like her…they want the attention. They thrive on it, so if we don’t give it to her she’ll go insane and eventually she’ll break or give up. Either way, you’re going to be free from her before the end of the night, I promise.” 

Caitlyn stared out a little while longer before nodding. “Can I get a few moments to recollect myself?”

“Sure, do you want me to stay with you or…” 

Shaking her head Caitlyn gave Vi a small smile. “No, go inside and get warmed up. I’ll be in shortly. I just need a minute.”

Vi gave her hand another squeeze. “Sure thing. I’ll be close by.” 

“Thank you, Vi.” 

Vi smiled, patting Caitlyn’s hand before turning and making her way back to the party. As she made her way to one of the buffet tables she was stopped short as Maddie stepped right in her path. \

“Can I help you?” Vi raised an eyebrow as she looked down at the small, ginger woman. She looked cold and angry, not nearly the sweet faced, curious girl that had been in her shop day in and day out.

“What’s your deal Violet Lane?” Her grey eyes were narrowed, and her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she stood at her full height, which was still at least half a head shorter than Vi.

“Well,” Vi shoved her hands in her pants pockets and looked around, “I was having a great night until I almost ran over a ruddy little chipmunk.” 

Grinding her teeth together, Maddie’s glare deepened. “Why you ?” 

Vi shrugged. “Beats me. But it is. So, if you got a problem with that then I suggest you deal with it. She doesn’t want anything to do with you. Pretty sure she’s told you as much.”

“You’re nothing but a two-bit mechanic from this backwater town. What could you possibly offer to someone like her?” Maddie hissed quietly. “Unless it’s her money you’re after, which is the only reason I could imagine someone like you would even dream of taking a shot with someone like her.”

Vi let out a bark of a laugh, startling an older man nearby who glared and shuffled away. “Oh man, Mads. You got me,” Vi shrugged, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m a regular ol’ gold digger. Guess she likes that type ‘cuz last I checked,” Vi looked over her shoulder to see Caitlyn walking in, “she comes into a room looking for me.” 

Maddie’s gaze followed Vi’s and something on her face suddenly changed. Her anger evaporated and something incredibly sad replaced it. Vi braced herself for the return of the bite, but it never came.

“Do ya’ love her?” Maddie asked suddenly, her gaze still focused on Caitlyn. 

Vi was glad Maddie wasn’t looking at her too, because the question hit her like a freight train. Swallowing the lump that formed in her throat she tried to focus on the opportunity in front of her, even if it was also a death sentence for her own heart. As she spoke she could hear the thickness of emotion in her own voice and it terrified her. “Yes. I-I think I do.” 

Maddie nodded and looked at Vi sternly. “Be sure of it, then, and don’t fuck it up. She’s led a lonely life and she’s a great woman. I had hoped I’d be able to help rectify that but…”

“So you’ll leave her alone now?” Vi needed to focus on something other than the weight in her chest. “For good?” 

“I’m done. I’m tired of trying to fight and I’m tired of…” Maddie trailed off, her gaze shifting in a different direction before her eyes widened and she looked back to Vi. “Yes. Good luck, Vi.”

Before Vi could reply, Maddie turned and disappeared into the crowd. Confused, Vi looked over her shoulder in the direction Maddie had been looking and for a moment Vi caught Mel and Jayce’s gaze. They both smiled at her and Vi realized they must have done or said something before Maddie had confronted her. Perhaps even goading the girl into talking to Vi. She wasn’t sure, but whatever they’d done had worked and that’s all that mattered. All that was left was to let Caitlyn know.

An arm slid into the crook of Vi’s elbow, pulling her from her theories, and she turned to meet cerulean eyes and a soft smile that made her heart suddenly begin to ache. 

“Is everything alright?” Caitlyn asked, her brow furrowing at whatever expression was on Vi’s face. 

Rolling her shoulders back, Vi tightened her grip on Caitlyn’s arm and smiled widely at her. “Peachy. Maddie just confronted me and let’s just say she’s finally convinced to move on.” 

Caitlyn’s eyes went wide. “What? How? What did you say to her?” 

“Don’t worry about it, Cupcake.” Vi patted Caitlyn’s linked arm with her free hand. “Let’s get a drink and go find Mel and Jayce.” 

Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion, clearly not wanting to let it go. After a beat, she gave a sigh of resignation. “If you say so..” 

Once the party ended, Caitlyn had walked Vi out to bid her a good night and to get a moment to thank her properly for whatever she did to make Maddie truly bugger off for the first time all week. As she walked back in she began pulling pins from her updo, errant snow falling from her hair as she shook her head, hair curtain over her cold, bare shoulders. The guests had all gone and her parents, Mel, and Jayce had long retired back to their rooms. It was so quiet in the estate now, the clicking of her heels on the marble floor echoing and mixing with the sounds of sweeping and cleaning from the few remaining employees.

She felt both entirely restless and completely exhausted. She had spent the whole night trying to keep handle on a hurricane of emotions that Caitlyn really knew what to do with. It had, in the end, been a perfectly lovely night, especially after Vi had assured her that her worries with Maddie were over. After a quick word with her friends, she learned that Mel and Jayce had threatened her with legal action for stalking, which led her to confront Vi and whatever Vi had said to her had done the trick to put a cap on it. 

Vi had continued to be obtuse about the conversation she’d had with Maddie but asked that Caitlyn have trust in her that it was handled. So she did. It truly was over, but she didn’t understand why she didn’t feel more relief. Perhaps it was the stress of it all. Sometimes, after a particularly hard case, she’d still feel the weight of it for days, even weeks after. Once she was home she’d book a spa day or something to see if she could get the residual edge off. Some true rest and relaxation is all she needed to get realigned. 

“Is everything alright, Miss Kiramman?” One of their newer employees, a girl that looked no older than eighteen, paused in her cleaning with a look of concern.

“Oh I’m fine, just tired. It’s been a long night. I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced, Miss…?” Caitlyn felt guilty as she failed to recall the girl’s name. 

“Annie, ma’am.” She smiled kindly, not seeming to take offense. “If you don’t mind me saying, you look exhausted. You should go get some rest. We have all this handled. I could get some tea sent up for you?” 

“That would be love–” Caitlyn paused, “No, that will be alright. You should be home with your family. It’s getting so late.” 

“Ah, it’s fine, Miss. I knew what I was signing up for tonight. Double pay and a half, too.” Her smile was so sweet and genuine. “Oh! I do have a package for you. One of the couriers left it earlier this evening, but you seemed otherwise preoccupied. I didn't want to be a bother.”

Caitlyn’s eyes widened, she’d completely forgotten. “Oh, yes, can you please have it sent up to my room.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The girl curtseyed. “I will send some tea with it.”

“If you insist.” Caitlyn let out a soft chuckle. “Thank you. Please make sure you take some of the sweets and desserts home from the party. There is far more left over then we will ever finish. As much as you’d like.” 

Annie’s eyes went wide as they flicked to the table and back to Caitlyn. “Are you sure?” 

“This time I insist.”

The girl smiled widely, giving Caitlyn a salute. “As you wish, ma’am. Thank you.” 

“No, Annie. Thank you. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Miss Kiramman.” 

The next morning came far sooner than Caitlyn had hoped. Even with all her alarms turned off she found herself awake with the sunrise. Opening the curtains to her private balcony she was greeted by the type of scene one only dreams of on Christmas morning.The world was still and quiet, a fresh blanket of white snow glittering like diamonds in the early morning sun. It filled her with the same sense of wonder she’d always felt as a child. Christmas really did hold a special kind of magic that people took for granted. 

Making her way quietly downstairs, the smell of cinnamon filled her senses as she arrived at the landing. Following the scent to the kitchen she found her mother sitting at the island counter, teacup in hand and her father pulling cinnamon rolls from the oven.

“Merry Christmas.” Caitlyn tightened the tie on her silk robe as she stepped up next to her father and pulled the bowl of orange icing closer. “I’m glad to see this hasn’t gone by the wayside.”

“Such a precious tradition?” Her father scoffed, with a wave of his hand. “Never.”

“Tea, dear?” Cassandra asked her, picking up the tea pot.

“Yes please. Have Jayce and Mel awoken yet?” Grabbing a nearby spoon she began spreading the icing across the warm cinnamon rolls, the sweet and citrus scents mingling and making her stomach growl. 

Cassandra slid Caitlyn’s tea to her. “They were for a short time and decided to go for a morning run before breakfast.” 

“Mad, both of them. It's as cold as can be out there.” Tobias shook his head as he passed out plates.

Caitlyn couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s a very them thing to do. We’ll just have to make sure to have hot coffee on for them when they return. It is quite beautiful out today.” 

Moving to the coffee machine Caitlyn began preparations so her friends had something warm when they returned. It was one of her favorite parts about Christmas mornings. Her parents dismissed the staff for the day so it was up to them to do everything, which Caitlyn knew was a strange thing to be excited about. She knew the privileged life she’d led and it was one of many reasons she moved to the city to gain her own independence. And independent she’d become. Growing up, though, her parents had always been so busy and able to hire those to do the day to day things there just wasn’t time for. On Christmas though? They always made sure that the morning was like this for as long as Caitlyn could remember.

Mel and Jayce joined them not long after the cinnamon rolls had begun to cool and they truly started their Christmas Day.

After a simple gift exchange and a wonderful, and far too large Christmas lunch, her parents excused themselves to go nap. Mel and Jayce had planned to go visit a friend of Mel’s that lived not too far out of town which left Caitlyn entirely to herself and endlessly bored.

Pulling out her phone she flipped to her messages, feeling only slightly guilty bothering Vi on Christmas day. She was sure that Vi was busy spending time with her family, but she wanted to see her one more time.

YOU: Merry Christmas. Would you happen to have a few moments free today? I have a gift for you.

VI: Merry Christmas!! 🎄🎄🎄

VI: A gift? I didn’t know we were doing gifts?\

YOU: It’s nothing big. Just a token of thanks. Are you free at all today?

VI: I mean Vander’s asleep in his armchair and Pow and Isha disappeared an hour ago 

VI: I was actually thinking of heading home. Want me to stop by on my way? 

YOU: I”ll meet you at your place, if that’s alright?

VI: Sounds good. See you there.

Caitlyn smiled down at her phone, feeling a little sad suddenly, but there was no time for that. Shaking it off, she dressed and grabbed the keys to her parents’ rental car. They wouldn’t mind.

It didn’t take her very long to get to Vi’s cabin. As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed the tree’s lights sparkling in the window. It looked like a scene from a Hallmark movie and she couldn’t help but pause to snap a picture. 

Gathering up the wrapped box that lay in her passenger seat, she made her way up to the door, knocking lightly. It opened after a moment and she couldn’t help but smile. Vi was wearing what had to be one of the most insane Christmas sweaters Caitlyn had ever seen. It was in the style of the dogs playing poker art piece, but it seemed to be all of Santa’s reindeer. She couldn’t help but laugh. 

“What? You don’t like my sweater?” Vi feigned shock. “I’ll have you know this is a famous Lane family tradition and I’ve won four years running.” 

“Oh, I’m talking to some sort of ugly sweater champion, am I?” Caitlyn teased, giving Vi a dramatic once over.

“King, actually. As crowned by Lady Isha herself this year, I’ll have you know.”

“Oh, a truly honored title indeed.” Caitlyn couldn’t keep from laughing as she thought warmly to the small girl. “It sounds like you had a nice Christmas.” 

“It was. How about you?” Vi leaned in the doorway, crossing her arms loosely. 

“It was far less exciting but still nice.” Caitlyn held the box out. “This is for you. Just a token of thanks for everything. I still intend to hold to my word for the vehicle but…this too.” 

Vi looked down at the box, reaching for it with a slight hesitation. “I feel bad I didn’t get you anything. I didn’t know that you were getting me anything.” 

Caitlyn shook her head, motioning to the tree. “Then consider that your gift to me. It was a great experience.” 

“If you say so…” Vi looked at the tree then back to the box. “Do you want to come in?”

“I can’t stay long, I just wanted to drop this off.” She also needed to say goodbye, but she didn’t feel quite ready yet.

“Should I open this now or should I wait?” 

“Whatever you wish. It’s really not anything too special.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Vi grinned, pulling the lid off the box. Peeling away the tissue paper she let out a laugh, holding up a pair of gloves. “You noticed.”

Caitlyn smiled proudly. “I did. It doesn’t actually take a detective to realize someone who’s too busy to bother and makes do, despite how bitterly cold this winter has been.”

Vi scratched at the back of her head. “You got me there.”

“I wasn’t sure exactly what kind you needed so there’s several in there. Some should be good for work, others for outside, and some for just everyday wear. They’re good quality so they should last you awhile.”

“Cait, this is too much.” Vi's eyes looked a little misty but Caitlyn was sure it was just her imagination.

“Not at all. You gave up so much of your time for me this last week, it was the least I could do.” Vi looked at the gloves for a moment longer before smiling up at Caitlyn, an almost sorry look on her face.

“It was nothing. I’m sorry that I didn’t get your car done in time. I haven’t gotten to the bottom of it and the holiday really held everything up.”

“It’s alright. I…” Caitlyn suddenly felt nerves in her stomach bubble up. “I might just cut my losses and get something new when I return home.” 

“What? Are you sure? I’m pretty sure I know what’s wrong with it. The parts just got stuck.” 

Caitlyn shook her head. “Fix it and I’ll sell it, then you can use that money for Powder’s bus. I’m sure it would fetch more than enough, and if not I can always send more. I fully intend to uphold my end of the bargain.” 

Vi looked at her for a long hard moment. “When do you leave?” 

Caitlyn was taken aback at the directness of Vi’s question. She’d half expected Vi to push back again, but perhaps Vi was learning that once Caitlyn made up her mind about something, she was hard pressed to change it.

“Tomorrow, actually.” Caitlyn said, strangely unable to meet Vi’s gaze, instead looking at the tree. “My parents are flying out and I decided to go with them. So, I suppose this was also me coming to say goodbye as well.” 

“Right.” Vi was quiet for a beat, then set the box inside her cabin and stepped back into the doorway. Her expression was hard to read but she didn’t seem as cheery as she had been a moment before.

Unable to help herself, Caitlyn stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Vi’s neck and hugging her. Vi froze for a moment, before she returned the hug. She smelled like pine and cookies and a million other things that Caitlyn recognized from the places she’d been with Vi the past week, it nearly made her cry. She smelled like Christmas.

“Thank you for everything, Vi. I asked far more from you then I should have and you didn’t hesitate to help. I will forever be in your debt.”

“Don’t mention it.” Vi’s arms tightened around her, her head heavy against Caitlyn’s shoulder. 

When they parted, Vi smiled. “There’s always next year too. You’ll be coming back down, yeah?”

Caitlyn nodded, she could feel the tears gathering in her eyes, but her own stubbornness stilled them. “I’ve never missed a Kiramman Christmas and I have no plans to in the future.”

“Then, it’s been real, Cupcake. Don’t be a stranger.” Vi smiled. 

Caitlyn tried to smile back, hoping that it was sufficient enough despite the heavy feeling in her chest. “I won’t.” 

“Merry Christmas Cait.” 

“Merry Christmas, Vi.” 

Chapter Text

While she didn’t mind flying all that much, Caitlyn  truly loathed airports. Whatever convinced her to fly home the day after Christmas was far beyond her. It was loud and extremely crowded; any sort of good cheer was more or less gone and everyone was more concerned for their own well-being than anyone else around them. 

As she sat in the terminal waiting to board she slid on her headphones, her Christmas music playlist picking up from where she’d left it off the day before. Despite being more than ready to be home, she couldn’t help but feel sad to be leaving. After she’d left Vi’s house, she’d realized they’d never discussed the nature of the public ending of their fake relationship. She hadn’t wanted to bother Vi with such a negative conversation on Christmas, so she had decided when she got home that evening she’d message her and work out the details. Then she would break the news to her parents.

As boarding started, Caitlyn rose with her parents, getting quickly settled in First Class. Caitlyn had half a mind just to let herself drift off to sleep when she caught Cassandra motioning for her to take her headphones off.

“Yes?” Caitlyn realized both her parents were looking at her. “What? Did I forget something?”

“Are you sure you want to go home today?” Cassandra asked plainly.

“What?” Her brow furrowed in confusion. “Of course. I’m ready for my bed, and I should be getting back to the office, too. Just because I take Christmas off, doesn’t mean my cases do.”

“What about Violet, dear?”

Caitlyn stilled, guilt sinking in her stomach. “What about her?” 

“Well,” Cassandra and Tobias exchanged a look, “it’s just strange you aren’t traveling home together.” 

The guilt doubled, and suddenly Caitlyn felt the need to come clean about everything. The way her parents were looking at her so hopefully. Surely they’d understand if she explained the whole situation. 

“Mother, I–” she took a breath, looking between them. “My relationship with Violet. It’s not real.” 

Tobias leaned forward to look at Caitlyn, an eyebrow raised. “Come again?”

Caitlyn stumbled into a very messy but short explanation of Maddie’s insistence and the opportunity Vi’s one-time joke presented. By the end of it she felt like she could cry, and she was embarrassed at the stares she was getting from nearby people. She couldn’t even look at her parents, hanging her head as her hair fell around her face. 

Cassandra laughed softly, reaching over and tucking Caitlyn’s hair behind an ear. “Oh, Caitlyn.” 

When Caitlyn looked up both her parents were smiling at her, leaving her positively baffled. She looked between them, sure that her confusion was clear on her face as they exchanged a knowing look.

Tobias smiled. “We’ve known.” 

Brow furrowing, Caitlyn looked from her mother to her father, who simply nodded. “What? How?”

“When we had that first dinner you invited her to.” Tobias chuckled. “I remembered her from the catering employees last year.  One of the other servers was giving another employee a hard time and she stepped in. It was commendable. Someone like that makes a statement wherever she goes.” 

Caitlyn was still trying to wrap her head around it all. None of it made sense. Her parents should be furious at her. “But, if you knew…why didn’t you say anything? You knew I was lying to you the whole time?”

Cassandra sat back, folding her hands in her lap, “At first we were very confused, and I’ll admit I was a little upset. Then your father talked some sense into me. You are an adult, and we needed to trust you knew what you were doing and that there was a logical reason for it all.”

“I–” Caitlyn felt completely taken aback. Never in a million years would she have expected her parents to find her out and not immediately interfere. 

“Real shame that the whole thing was a ruse.” Tobias commented, settling back in his seat. “I actually quite liked her.”

“You both certainly had everyone fooled.” Cassandra smiled softly. “We very nearly second guessed it ourselves.”

“Especially after that mistletoe stunt.” Tobias leaned forwards again with a mischievous glint in his eye. “That was positively brilliant, by the way. Just like my girl.” 

Unable to do anything but gawk at her parents, Caitlyn could feel her face reddening, and her chest tightening. The moment the mistletoe kiss was mentioned she was brought back to that very moment. She could feel the warmth of Vi’s lips on hers, the tightness of the grip around her waist. She could smell her, taste her. The rush she had felt and the way she’d truly forgotten that they had been in a room full of people then filled her with a warmth that she found herself suddenly craving. After that kiss, despite every attempt to keep it from happening, Vi had taken up residence in a corner of her mind. A place she still resided. As Vi’s face filled Caitlyn’s mind she felt a deep ache in her chest as tears welled up in her eyes. 

“Oh.” Caitlyn breathed the word and both her parents' smiles widened every so slightly, as if they were in on a joke before Caitlyn realized the punchline. She felt a lump in her throat and looked out the window of the plane, a sudden panic rising in her. 

Cassandra’s hand reached out and squeezed her arm, her momentary joy turning to worry. “Caitlyn, dear? Are you alright?” 

Caitlyn’s head whipped to her mother. “I have to get off this plane. I can’t… I made a mistake. I have to go.” 

Unbuckling, she stood and pulled her bag out from under the seat in front of her. When she turned to ask to get by her parents they were both already unbuckled and tucked out of the way. 

Cassandra held Caitlyn’s gaze for a moment, giving her a nod. She hugged them both quickly and tightly before thanking them and hurrying off the plane, much to the flight attendants’ surprise.

“I’m sorry.” She called out to the confused workers as she hurried out of the terminal and through the airport. Reaching for her phone to call a car she realized that in her panic she must have dropped it on the plane. Rushing back to the terminal she watched as the aircraft pulled away from the terminal and began making its way down the tarmac.

Cursing to herself she turned and made her way through the airport and out the doors, flagging down the nearest taxi she could find. She had no idea where she’d find Vi and decided to check the shop first. 

As she entered, the bell of the door chimed. Powder was behind the counter, eyes wide as she saw Caitlyn. 

Powder’s eyes then narrowed slightly, and Caitlyn couldn’t help but feel that there was a slight air of animosity coming from the otherwise cheerful girl. “What are you doing here?”

Caitlyn steeled herself. “I’m looking for Vi. Do you know where she is?” 

“Not here.” Powder replied shortly. “What do you want with her?” 

Caitlyn paused, unsure of how to answer. “I..I need to talk to her.” 

“I thought your deal was done. Go home.” 

“I can’t.” 

“And why not?” Powder challenged, clearly not letting Caitlyn know anything else until she was satisfied. 

“Powder, please,” Caitlyn pleaded, “I need to talk to her and what I have to say is for her. I mean no offense I just–”

With a roll of her eyes Powder flopped back into her chair, grabbing the magazine she’d been reading. “She’s at home. Needed an extra day off or something. Can’t promise she’ll see you though. She barely talked to me when I stopped by.” 

“Thank you, Powder.” Caitlyn felt worry bubbling in her stomach as she hopped back into the taxi, grateful that he had waited. She did her best to remember Vi’s address, giving the driver enough information that he seemed to understand the area she needed.

“That one. Right there with the tree and…” She smiled as she saw Vi’s truck parked alongside the house. She barely waited for the car to stop before handing him a fist full of cash and stumbling out of the car. 

She felt a rush of adrenaline as she hurried up the unshoveled driveway. The snow was deeper than she anticipated and she was breathless by the time she made it to the stairs of Vi’s porch. That’s when the apprehension hit. Powder had seemed awfully defensive with Caitlyn, and she hadn’t taken a moment to think of why. Perhaps Vi was mad at her, after all. It had been such a ridiculous thing to ask of a person, and Caitlyn knew her goodbye had been hardly adequate. Vi was just the sort of person to try to stay nice about something to someone's face then suffer in silence once alone.

Caitlyn couldn’t let that stop her though. Even if Vi was upset with her, even if Vi never wanted to see her again, she had to talk to her. Sucking in a breath, she stomped up the stairs and knocked on the door. No answer. Fear began creeping in as she knocked again, desperation taking over as she began knocking a third time, but before her knuckles landed, the door opened.

Vi was in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, her hair sticking up in all angles as if she’d just woken up. Deep bags hung under her eyes as if she’d hadn’t slept and they were so red. Almost as if she’d been…crying? 

“Cait? What are you doing here?” Vi straightened, running a hand through her hair. “I thought you were going home.”

Caitlyn tried to speak several times, but each time the words died on her lips. Vi looked at her expectantly, but clearly confused. Turning away, Caitlyn pressed her palms to her eyes, taking a deep breath and trying to gather her wits. She just needed to say the first thing that came to mind, no overthinking, no stumbling over her words. After a moment she turned back to Vi.

“I made a mistake.” She said, holding up a hand as Vi opened her mouth to say something, “Please let me say this, then you can say whatever you need to and you will never have to see me again.” 

Vi closed her mouth, leaning against the doorway and crossing her arms. 

Caitlyn took one last steadying breath, then looked directly at Vi. “I want to apologize to you for my behaviour. I was a fool and I was selfish. This whole time I was thinking I was solely doing this to get Maddie off my back, but at some point that was nothing more than an excuse. Truth be told the only time Maddie ever crossed my mind with you were the parties when she showed up. Outside of that, the ski trip, the skating rink, the tree…” she took a breath, finally allowing the truth to come to the surface, not only for Vi, but for herself, “I wanted to spend that time with you , because when I’m with you I feel like I can be myself. When I said that I feel like I’ve known you far longer than we actually have, I was being sincere. I didn’t realize what it meant when I said it, but as I was sitting on that plane…my parents. They knew. Nearly this whole time they knew who you were and what we were doing and–” 

Vi was just staring at her, mouth agape slightly. 

“–no one knows me better than them. And they realized something before I did and I’m sorry. I never intended for any of this to happen and I feel so stupid for not realizing my feelings until now. Maybe I should have stayed on the plane and left because of how incredibly unfair this is to you and the position it puts you in. I just…needed to tell you in person how I feel. I feel like I owe you at least that and I–”

“Cait.” Vi said firmly as she stepped out of the doorway towards her. “What are you saying?” 

Caitlyn met Vi’s gaze, her heart hammering in her chest as those blue grey eyes bore into her. She swallowed, feeling tears well in her eyes. “I don’t know how to describe it, because I’ve never felt like this way about anyone before. I understand if you don’t feel the sam–”

She hadn't been able to look at Vi as she spoke so when warm hands found her face and soft lips pressed against hers, she froze. It only took a moment longer for the rest of her body to catch up to what was going on and she immediately allowed herself to melt into it, [parting her lips to let Vi in. Her whole body grew hot as the kiss deepend. It felt like the mistletoe kiss, but so much more, because this was without pretenses or for show. There was nothing to prove to anyone at that moment. It then dawned on Caitlyn… Vi was kissing her . She poured her heart out to the woman she’d asked to be in a fake relationship with, the woman she’d inadvertently fallen for despite having no intention of it. Did this mean what she thought? 

Vi pulled away slightly, her forehead pressed into Caitlyn’s as she chuckled breathlessly. 

“You think so loudly you know that?” She said, a thumb stroking across Caitlyn’s cheek. 

“I–” Caitlyn licked her lips, trying to figure out what to say, “You kissed me.” 

Vi pulled back a bit further. “Yeah. And?” 

“Does that mean…” Caitlyn’s brow furrowed. “How long?” 

Vi’s hands dropped from Caitlyn’s face as she ran one through her hair. “Longer than I think I want to admit.”

Caitlyn reached out and took Vi’s hand. “Tell me. Please.” 

Glancing down at their hands, Vi ran a hand over her face and leaned back against her door frame. “Probably around the ski trip. At least the start of it.” 

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Too risky. Plus I never thought…I mean…you’re you . We’re so different. Oil and water.” 

“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” Caitlyn laughed at the absurdity of the analogy.

“It sounded better in my head.” Vi let out a sheepish laugh. “So, what does all this mean…exactly?”

“Well.” Caitlyn sighed. “I missed my plane, and flights are pretty booked up this time of year. I probably won’t be able to find something worthwhile until later this week. And, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but my car is in the shop, still undriveable.”

“Sounds like you’re in a tight spot.” Vi smirked.

“A bit. Jayce and Mel are still at the estate but I think they were looking forward to the privacy.” Caitlyn took a step towards Vi, a newfound confidence taking over. 

Vi smiled up at her. “Definitely sounds like you might need somewhere to go. Sad to say, most hotels in town are full this time of year.” 

Caitlyn crossed her arms. “What’s a girl to do?”

“Well,” Vi glanced behind her. “It’s not very big, but I could spare some room for you again if you needed.”

Caitlyn stepped close to Vi, placing her hands against her collarbone as she leaned in, desperately wanting to kiss her again. “If it wouldn't be an imposition.”

Vi’s arms snaked around her waist, her lips close enough to Caitlyn’s that she could feel her smile. “I insist.” 

Caitlyn smiled back, closing the distance as she pressed her lips against Vi’s as Vi pulled her into the house, the door swinging closed behind them. There was nowhere else Caitlyn would rather be. 

“I’m cursed.” Caitlyn cried out into the snow covered roadside as she threw her hands in the air.

“It’s okay, babe. It’s just a flat tire, I’ll have it changed in no time.” Vi walked around to the trunk and started moving their luggage aside to get to the spare. “Plus, this didn’t happen last year so maybe it's just an every other year curse.” 

Caitlyn let out a huff, arms crossed tightly as she looked witheringly at her partner. “Thank you, dearest, that makes me feel so much more at ease.” 

Chuckling, Vi set the tire and tire iron down, taking Caitlyn’s face in her hands and turning to meet her gaze. “I’m joking, Cait. We have plenty of time ‘til we have to be there. I promise this isn’t going to hold us up too long.” 

Relaxing under the warmth of Vi’s hands Caitlyn leaned forwards and pressed a soft kiss to Vi’s lips. “My hero.” 

Vi let out a laugh as she got back to work. “You know it.” 

As promised, VI had the tire replaced and then back on the road in no time. As they pulled into the driveway, the Kiramman estate came into view in all its majestic glory. A warmth filled Caitlyn’s chest as she saw her parents’ usual rental car, along with a VW bus and Vander’s van parked out front. 

The front door opened and Isha came tumbling out, closely followed by Powder. The minute Vi was out of the car they descended on her, sending all three of them into the snow. Caitlyn couldn’t help but watch and laugh fondly at the sisters in front of her. She knew it had been a hard decision for Vi to move to the city to be with Caitlyn, but, to Caitlyn’s surprise, no one had supported the decision more than Powder.

Caitlyn gasped in surprise as arms wrapped around her legs, nearly knocking her off balance. She looked down to see Isha smiling up at her. “My, you’ve grown this year haven’t you? Hello.” 

Isha smiled widely, showing off a recently lost baby tooth, and nodded.

“Oi, kid! Make yourself useful,” Powder interrupted, pulling a suitcase out of the trunk and pointedly looking at Isha.

The girl giggled and ran over to help Powder.  Caitlyn joined Vi and grabbed the collection of presents sitting in their back seat that they’d bought for everyone. Once inside, they were greeted by Caitlyn’s parents and Vander. She could hear the other boys in the living room –they had foregone the ‘boys cruise’ that year–  as well as Jayce’s voice yelling over theirs. She could hear the sounds of video games beneath it all, meaning she was going to give it some time before saying her hellos there.

Once they were settled in Caitlyn’s room, she flopped onto the bed, trying to kick off her shoes but utterly failing. Vi chuckled and leaned next to the bed to help her get them off.

As she unzipped the ankle boots and tossed them to the side, she gently massaged Caitlyn’s calf, which felt blessedly good after the long car ride. “You good?” 

Caitlyn hummed, motioning for Vi to join her as she stretched out on the bed. Vi climbed up onto it, looming over her. Snaking her arms under Vi’s she pulled her in for a kiss, smiling against it contentedly. 

“I’m perfect. You know I’ve been looking forward to this all year.” 

Vi kissed her back, flopping to her side and pulling Caitlyn in close. “Last year's test run was a success.”

“And this year is going to be even better.” Caitlyn smiled, nuzzling against Vi’s cheek.

“Oh yeah?” 

“Without a doubt.” Carding her fingers through the hair on the back of Vi’s head she pulled her in, kissing her deeply. She smiled against the kiss in spite of herself as she thought about the small box tucked away inside her spare pair of gloves in her purse. 

It was going to be the best Christmas by far, Vi just didn’t know it yet.