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Chapter Text

Vi took a deep breath as she shook her limbs out to dissipate the nervous energy building up inside. Bouncing from her foot to foot she felt the crowds anticipation growing. The stark track lighting illuminated her form as she stood alone in the centre of the vast stadium. Her grip tightened on the handle of her javelin and she took her place at the start of the runaway.

“And to take the gold, Violet Walden lines up her final shot. She started this competition as a lowly rookie janitor fresh from Piltover Academy. The world against her, everyone doubted her- yes even you, the spectator. Now, the dreams of millions of Zaunites rest on her delicious muscular shoulders…”

You could hear a pin drop.

Vi exploded into a quick run that turned into bounding steps. Her body twisted and fell to the ground as the handle left her hold at the perfect moment. Soaring through the air the projectile seemed to hang in perpetual motion. Defying the laws of physics. Finally, it landed. Splashing into the mop bucket marking the two-hundred foot line.

The crowd erupted.

“There you have it folks. With a new world record in the mop javelin throw, Violet Walden takes the gold for the nation of Zaun. Give it up for your new number one janitor of the world!”

“Vi! Vi! Vi!” Chants of her name echoed across the stadium. Vi grinned and bowed to the roaring crowd, basking in the praise and admiration. It was finally worth it. This long hard road, fraught with sacrifice. Bleach, sweat and tears.

The chants grew louder and more agitated in their tone. Vi frowned and lowered her arms from her flexed position. She would recognise hat specific whiny tone anywhere... It sounded a lot like-

“Vi! We’re going to be late. Ugh, you sleep like a log. Wake up!”

“Powder.” Vi groaned as the curtains in her room ripped apart. Exposing her fragile state to the daylight. She hissed and curled under the blanket.

In her state, she wouldn't blame Powder for setting Van Helsing on her demonic hungover self. “Why are you punishing your big sister?” a pitiful lump whined from it's hiding place under thin blankets.

“You’re so dramatic.” Powder loomed over her at the foot of the bed. As much as a person of her sister's five three stature could loom. Cross arms settled on her hips as she surveyed the mess that was her sibling.

Vi aimlessly threw her pillow in the direction of her voice, unsatisfied when she didn’t hear it connect. “Why were you even out so late? You knew we'd both have to be up for this first day assembly.” Powder questioned with a sigh.

“Last hurrah?” Vi answered.

“I don’t think ranting to Loris about the Piltover Lone Star transfers til two in the morning counts as a hurrah.” Powder snarked. Vi did not enjoy the sarcastic tone.

“Oh trust me. It was a hurrah.” Vi waggled her eyebrows.

“Eww gross! Seriously? Not the last drop right? Please tell me you didn’t hook up with one of my professors again!” Powder shuddered and began assaulting Vi with her own pillow.

Vi winced at how weak her sisters was and retreated under her covers. The sordid rumours of her summer love affair with Miss Fortune had spread around years ago. They were leaked whistleblower to the press. By whistleblower she meant a disgruntled Powder.

Her sister hadn't appreciated waking up to enthusiastic sounds coming from Vi's room. By press she meant the Piltover Academy Post. In Vi's defence she thought her sister was sleeping over at Ekko's place.

Also, the story hadn't even been accurate! Fortune came onto her first.

Principal Medirda had rounded up all copies and Ekko was removed from his role as chief editor. A review process had been implemented for future editions of the school newspaper. The subjects of the op-ed had been given warnings.

The English professor was thoroughly embarrassed, by the ordeal. She had avoided Vi ever since. Which was totally fine and didn’t make Vi feel used at all.

“Course not. You think I'm stupid? If you must know. She was a beautiful stranger. Some classy chick from Piltover side, a proper lady.” Vi sighed with a dreamy smile. She recalled her one night stand. “I charmed her.” Vi added smugly, finally emerging from her cocoon and sitting up in bed with a flex of her biceps.

“You disgust me.” Powder responded flatly before tugging the bedsheets away and onto the floor. Leaving Vi to shiver and whine as she walked out of the room to the apartments small kitchen. "Hurry up and shower. I snagged you some of those fancy pastries from the dining hall.” she called from out of view.

“Sweet!” Vi jumped up excitedly. She adored the pecan plaits prepared for the school breakfasts. She missed them over the summer but she couldn't stomach the extortionate prices.

The moustachioed baker in her local had gotten a piece of her mind. 'Extortionate' she had hissed over the counter before being banned for life.

Luckily the academy provided the treats for free. They needn’t know that Powders fair share was instead going to a human garbage disposal. Vi had tried to convince powder to pick up some weights to ensure they had a tight cover story. No one would believe her sister's lithe frame was packing away pastries at this rate.

Vi tripped her way to the shower, hissing as she stubbed her toe on an errant dumbbell. A stack of old novels fell from her nightstand as she stumbled, which she decided was a problem for later.

Eventually she made the hop to the kitchen in once piece. Freshly showered and dressed in her work overalls. Powder was leaning against the counter munching on a piece of dry toast. She was ready to go, having dressed while Vi was in the shower.

Vi could see Powder eyeing her uniform disdainfully. She ignored her and instead focused in on the two pastries. She wrapped one in cling film and stuffed it in her pocket for later. Then went to town on the other.

As she ate she got a good look at the state of her sister’s uniform.

“Dress code,” She pointed at the royal blue and gold tie that hung around Powders neck. It was a loose interpretation of a knot. “Dress code,” Her finger moved to gesture at the sleeves of her matching blue blazer. Rolled to bunch above her elbows. “And dress code.” She finished, waving her hand around the twenty or so pins that Powder had on her person.

Powder ignored her.

“So, when are you seeing her again? Your classy angel lady.” Powder asked after a long pause. She observed Vi devouring her breakfast with morbid curiosity. Vi opened her mouth to respond but paused when Powder raised her palm in a stopping motion. “Swallow first.” She snapped. Vi's mouth shut with a glare.

“Probably not. Didn’t get a number.” Vi shrugged after swallowing. She sighed dreamily as she thought back to the perfect woman.

“Did you even ask for it?” Powder questioned in that knowing tone. She was giving her that look again. The one she always gave her when she was ramping up for her ‘You should want more out of life- blah blah’ speech. Vi groaned around her flaky pastry.

“Oh, look at the time! We better get going before we’re both late we going to be late.” Vi changed the subject. She quickly scarfed down the rest of the snack and wiped her face with a paper towl. She then balled it up and tossed it into the trash can across the room. She grinned and pointed at Powder expectantly. Used to this behaviour she simply rolled her eyes and obliged her sister with a slow clap.

“It’s not that far a throw.” Powder muttered and thankfully dropped the subject. She snatched her school satchel and marched out the door. Vi scrambled to grab her keys from the counter and quickly followed.

Powder was already speed walking ahead. Forcing Vi to break into a light jog to catch up until she was walking side by side with her sister.

“So, how you feeling for your last year. Nervous?” Vi teased, dragging out the last word. She nudged her sister with her elbow as they strolled down the gravel path. Her academy residence fading into the background. It was a plain block of apartments around a ten minute walk from the main teaching building.

Most of the on-site staff stayed in the same building, free housing was hard to deny. The professors were all and tended to stay in fancier lodgings, right next to the main building. During the school term at least. They'd then return to their fancy summer houses slash mansions.

“About what? I’m seventeen Vi, I don’t get nervous for my first day of school.” Powder hitched her bag up her shoulder and with a surly frown. She sidestepped Vi’s elbow the second time with a huff.

“Oh my bad. You big bad teenagers are all so brave. Must be puberty. All that testosterone coursing through your veins.”

“You’re so dumb.” Vi grinned as she managed to get Powder to crack a smile. No small feat on a Monday morning.

“I remember when you were this big.” Vi pinched her fingers creating the smallest gap known to man. She pushed her hand into her sister’s face. Bothering was her love language.

Powder slapped her hand away, “Are you being extra annoying today so I won't miss you when I move back into my dorm?” she asked.

Vi narrowed her eyes at her sister and shoved her hands deep in her overalls pockets. Her keys jingled loudly as she fiddled with them out of view. They neared the familiar site of the main building. It was as grand and pretentious as you would imagine a Piltover boarding school to be, down to the finest detail.

Piltover influenced pilasters lined the supporting corners of the structure. Round-arched arcades decorated the face of the building. As much as Vi loathed to admit, it really was beautiful. It was like the building jumped straight out of one of the Jacobean period novels she enjoyed in secret.

The gathering of students out front was already growing fast and she could hear a lot of crying. Piltover Academy boarding school with a strict policy on visitation days during term. Unlike Powder, the majority of the kids wouldn’t be seeing their families until the winter break.

“Is it working?”

“Nope.” Powder responded as they slowed. Stopping further down the path from the gathering of students and parents. Vi grinned and hedged opening her arms wide. The force of Powder’s hug almost knocked the wind out of her. The girl had wrapped herself around Vi’s solid midsection.

“Woah. What’s got you so sappy today.” Vi whispered as she brought her arms around and squeezed her tightly. “You know you’ll see me around. Doing my thing.” she added softly, and gave her sister a pat on the back before allowing her to pull away.

Powder scowled. “Don't call it that.”

“What?”

“Your thing. Being a janitor and picking up after spoiled rich kids is not your thing. It’s a thing you have to do because of me.”

Vi sighed and placed her hands on Powders shoulders. She knew her sister harboured a lot of guilt over her lot in life. No matter how many times she reassured her that it was the best possible outcome, for someone like her.

It was clear academics weren’t her strong suit from a very young age. She could barely sit still long enough to learn her ABC’s. It not like she was an idiot, she liked to read in her spare time. Wasn't the worst at anything non mathematical. Average at best but when you put her next to Powder it was not a fair comparison.

She always knew powder was special. When Vander died suddenly, Vi had been in her last year of school. Already an adult so it was fine for the system to ignore her.

Powder was still a kid though. Vi couldn’t throw her sister to the wolf that was the Zaun foster system all alone. Benzo, a friend of Vanders, took pity and hooked her up with a job.

Piltover Academy, a prestigious boarding school, offered scholarships to high achieving Zaunites. Something implemented by some bleeding heart councillor to save the poor children.

Vi thought it was too good to be true. They offered room and board during term time. Powder would have food on the table and her school books would be paid for.

As expected, it was competitive. Many desperate parents had taken to working at the school for a measly wage to guarantee their kids spot. Vi was desperate.So she’d been saddled with the Janitor gig at eighteen years old.

Vander’s timing had been terrible. It meant she had to drop out of her own run down public school six months from graduation. Missing out on her high-school diploma.

Now at twenty five, she was a high school dropout with a resume that could fit on a post-it note. But Vi had no regrets.

She was never meant for school anyway and she was good at this. It wasn’t like there had been big things in line for her future. Powder always got upset with her when spoke like that. She hated it.

“Listen kiddo. When you’ve invented time travel or brought about world peace- making billions in the process. You can pay me back, okay? I can handle mopping a few floors until you retire me to a sunny beachside palace.” Vi joked and Powder just sighed. “With butlers.” Vi added, finally getting rewarded with a smile.

“Sorry. It’s just our last first day. You know?” Powder said. She avoided eye contact in that awkward way teenagers did, after experiencing an emotion.

“Yeah. I know.” Vi chewed on her lip and she had to try very hard to keep it upbeat. “But don’t be sad kiddo. Once this years over you’ll be on to bigger and better things. Changing the world with that huge brain of yours.” The teen scoffed as Vi poked her between the eyes. “Plus it’s not like it’s the last last day, right?”

“Yeah.” Powder nodded and skimmed her eyes over to the crowd. Vi glanced at her, following her gaze towards the school. Eventually landing on a familiar figure. Ekko’s bright white hair stood out among the sea of navy blue uniforms. He was being bear-hugged by the academies head chef, and looking entirely uncomfortable. Being lifted off your feet and spun around by your old man, in front of your entire class, was a fate worse than death.

“Hey, there’s Ekko.” Vi pointed out unnecessarily with a teasing grin. “Go save him before Benzo squeezes the life out of him. I’ll stop by tonight, okay?”

Powder snorted and leaned into her slightly. Vi gave her a gentle shove and the girl reluctantly left her sister’s side. Making her way down the pathway towards the main entrance.

“I demand seven butlers!” She called loudly after her sister who flipped her off without turning around. A few heads snapped in her direction. Piltie natives who seemed to get offended by loud noises. Then double offended by her tattooed and entirely non-piltover appearance. Vi ignored them and stood waiting. She watched as Powder and Ekko completed their ritual best friend handshake. Eyes only leaving them when forced to as they slipped into the building and out of sight.

Vi let out a breath and shoved her hands back in her pockets. She began to take the longer path around the main building towards the back entrance. Her chest tightened as she thought about doing the same morning routine this time next year. Her eighth year at the academy, but the first without Powder.

“Loris! My favourite co-worker slash best friend." Vi exclaimed as she slammed open the door to the small Janitors office.

The room was small and crowded. Their trusty cart was positioned close to the door. Already loaded with cleaning supplies and the old mop bucket. On the back of the door were two hooks that held two pairs of spare overalls. A medium for Vi and a double XL for Loris, the giant that he was. Against one wall was a line of shelves, filled with bottles of bleach, paper rolls and equipment that was probably older than Vi herself.

There was a small desk in the corner of the room and a rusty sink in the opposite corner. Two roller chairs filled the middle of the space. Sat in one of them, and looking hilariously oversized compared to the room, was Loris.

He was a large man of few words.

“I missed you. Did you miss me?” She questioned, flopping into her chair and spinning around lazily. Usually one of them would head out to start the breakfast shift by now. Since it was the first day they had nothing on until the welcome assembly. Vi was delighted. Half an hour to catch up with her best friend.

Loris grunts in an affirmative fashion.

“Aww, you big softy. Here take this. You look starved.” Vi withdrew her other pastry and tossed it to the man.

He grunts in a thankful manner.

“What are your thoughts on ritual best friend handshakes?" Vi eyes the man in anticipation. Silence follows. “Hmm, neutral. I get it. So what would you say if, hypothetically, your best friend had been workshopping something over the summer?” More silence. “Yeah, totally stupid. Imagine that.” Vi laughs a little too loudly.

They continue to catch up over the next half hour. Which consists of Vi ‘yapping’, as powder would put it, interspersed with the occasional noise from her partner in crime. As the time nears for the welcome assembly, Loris stands and holds the door open. He gestures for her to leave ahead of him.

“You’re a true gentleman, sir.” Vi says seriously and pats his shoulder on the way. They proceed to make their way through the maze of hallways towards the main hall. Moving slowly to avoid being the first to arrive and be caught in some small talk with the professors. Said small talk usually evolved into a request for them to scrape gum or clean bird poop off windows.

The last few students are filing in when they eventually arrive. The two janitors slip in quietly behind them; choosing to stand at the very back of the hall. Vi crosses her arms and leans against loris for support. He grumbled to express his annoyance but still allowed her to use him as a makeshift pillar.

As was tradition, the professors were sat either side of the stage of the assembly hall. The students sat in row after row facing the stage. In the centre was a lectern embezzled with the Piltover Academy crest. Already set up with a microphone for the customary speech. She eyed the sea of students looking to catch a glimpse of bright blue hair. She catches her sisters eye and shoots her a grin, accompanied by an exaggerated yawn. That earns her a smirk. A hush falls over the hall as the final students take their seats. Vi watches mournfully as the doors to the hall were pulled shut. Sealing her into an hour the worst fate imaginable, boredom.

Principal Medarda takes her place at the podium and clears her throat. The sound of shrill feedback fills the hall and she grimaces. Her hand reaches up to move the microphone slightly further from her face.

“Welcome students and faculty to the start of another year at Piltover Academy! I trust you all enjoyed a relaxing summer.”

Vi instantly tunes out.

Mel Medarda had joined the school as acting principal pretty much the same year Vi had been taken on. In that first year she had implemented the welcome assembly. Something about setting the tone for the year. Vi still wasn’t sure why the presence of the support staff was necessary. Judging by the vacant look on Benzo’s face, none of them were listening. Her best guess was to ensure someone was around to put away the chairs in time for the first gym classes.

The speech was the same every year. Vi paid little attention. It wasn’t like she could have any impact on academic performance or the enforcement of school rules. She was just a janitor.. Unless Medarda decided to add a section on having the courtesy to hold in your vomit on the first day, she was not interested. It wouldn’t change anything anyway. The little ones loved to vomit out their new school jitters onto Vi’s pristine floors.

“And finally. I must sadly announce that Professor Heimerdinger unexpectedly retired over the summer. To live out his dream of becoming a musician.” Medarda states and pulls out a rumpled piece of paper, or maybe napkin, and squints at it. “In his resignation letter he stated that he aims to, and I quote , ‘Heal the world through music.” Medarda reads from the napkin.

“Hell yeah.” A student who sounds exactly like Ekko whoops loudly from the crowd. Vi snorts and elbows Loris.

“Indeed. We wish him the best of luck.” Medarda clears her throat and nods. “The late notice left us with quite the predicament. But I am pleased to announce we have found a suitable replacement”

Vi scans the professors bench looking for the addition.

"I am pleased to announce that Professor Caitlyn Kiramman will be joining us as our new Head of Physics. She comes to us highly recommended from the prestigious Institute of Technology. I trust you will all make her feel welcome."

Vi's head snapped to the left and her eyes zeroed in on a new face among the professors. Caitlyn sat primly at the end of the row, legs crossed over one another and palms held together in her lap. Her posture perfect and her expression neutral as she looked over the audience. She knew the instant Caitlyn spotted her. It was inevitable and she internally cursed her choice of hair colour. Their gazes met and Vi felt herself freeze, breath catching as memories of last night flooded back. Soft touches, heated whispers, and the taste of expensive lipstick.

Caitlyn's professional demeanour cracked for just a moment. A slight blush creeping up her neck as she continued to stare through her soul. The professor didn’t look away but her gaze hardened into something more accusing. Vi’s stomach twisted with guilt as she remembered tiptoeing out of that luxurious manor in the early hours of the morning. Convincing herself it was better this way. She hadn't even left a note. She'd taken the cowardly route and Caitlyn’s icy gaze told her exactly how well that decision had landed.

The janitor quickly looked away and shifted uncomfortably against the wall. Suddenly, very aware of the bruising marks hidden beneath the collar of her janitor's uniform. The droning speech faded into white noise. Her mind wandering back to tangled sheets and moonlight streaming through luxurious curtains.

Vi had agonised over whether to stay that morning. God, she'd wanted to stay wrapped up in the other woman and skip work entirely. But as she'd laid there long after the other woman had fallen asleep, she'd started noticing things. The silk sheets that probably cost more than her life. The designer coat casually draped over a chair that cost more than her entire wardrobe. The view of Upper Piltover from floor-to-ceiling windows that spoke of old money and privilege. Too wrapped in Caitlyn to notice before, reality had come crashing down hard. She definitely didn’t belong here. Caitlyn was clearly someone who moved in entirely different circles.

‘Not different enough.’ she thought resignedly.

Better to end it quick, she'd told herself as she'd quietly gathered her clothes. Before either of them got invested. A clean break was kinder to herself. Any fondness Caitlyn held for her would wither under the weight of their differences. She'd slipped out before dawn. Guilt had curled in her stomach as she left. She didn't feel great about without a goodbye.

Vi had never expected to see those piercing blue eyes again. Let alone here, at her place of work.

She barely registered the Medarda had wrapped up her speech. Tacking on the usual platitudes about academic excellence and community values. Only snapping out of her trance when the ocean of navy uniforms rose in a wave as students filed out row by row. Vi watched Powder disappear into the crowd with Ekko.

Vi felt like crying when she realised how Powder would react to the unfortunate news. She'd never hear the end of it if her sister found out about this latest entanglement. Which is why the little shit could never ever find out. Vi was a great liar. She could do this.

Most of the professors made their exit as well. Vi watched as Caitlyn lingered on stage with Medarda and that insufferable Professor Talis. Vi caught fragments of their very boring discussion about the new curriculum. But she was more focused on how Caitlyn kept stealing glances in her direction.

When their eyes met for the third time, Vi decided tactical retreat was her best option. She never was one to learn from her mistakes. Doubling down was much more her speed.

"Hey big guy, cover the stacking for me? I'll owe you one." She begged and elbowed Loris. He grunted in agreement, likely sensing the urgency of her request. "Love you, Bestie" She grinned.

Vi was already backing towards the exit when she saw Caitlyn excuse herself from the conversation and start moving in her direction. Not waiting to see what would happen next, Vi spun on her heel and speed-walked out of the hall. Mentally mapping the quickest route to her supply closet sanctuary. She held her breath as the clacking of heels followed her to the end of the hall. Only allowing herself to exhale once they grew faint.

Vi had spent the day ducking into supply closets and taking exceedingly ridiculous avoidance measures whenever she spotted a certain professor in the halls. She'd even hidden behind Loris at one point, which was probably not as subtle as she'd hoped. His massive size often drew more attention than it deflected. If the older janitor noticed her strange behaviour he didn’t comment, which she was grateful for. The man was a terrible gossip.

She'd nearly been caught once, between lunch and final period. She had been mindlessly sweeping mopping near the science labs. The click of familiar heels on tile had sent her scrambling into a maintenance closet. Holding her breath as those footsteps passed by. Through the slats in the door, she'd caught a glimpse of Caitlyn's elegant profile and perfectly styled hair. She'd also had her hair up when they met last night. Only when they'd stumbled back to Caitlyn's bedroom has she allowed Vi to loosen it. Navy strands had tumbled down to rest on bare shoulders. Somehow she was more beautiful than Vi remembered. The janitor decided to selfishly take the opportunity to ogle the other woman. Who knew when she'd be this close ever again. She let out a breathy sigh before slapping her hand over her mouth.

The professor paused and tilted her head. Thankfully, Vi was saved by the bell. She watched as Caitlyn shook her head before rushing on to her final class of the day.

It was childish, Vi knew. She couldn't avoid her forever. Piltover Academy was big, but it wasn’t that big. She just needed some time. Time to figure out how to explain herself in a way that didn't make her seem like a loser or an asshole. Times like this, she wished Powder and Ekko had figured out how to make that Time Machine project work.

By the time the final bell rang, Vi felt like she'd run a marathon. A day of strategic avoidance had left her muscles tense and her nerves frayed. At least now she had until morning before she had to see Caitlyn again.

The evening shift was more than welcome. Bringing about the solitude Vi needed to sort through her muddled thoughts.

Piltover Academy stood as one of the city's oldest buildings. Steeped in history that Powder had eagerly shared during Vi's first tour. She had of course zoned out but one piece of information stuck with her. While the historic architecture was impressive, it came with one significant drawback. No central heating. A travesty that explained why Vi had been so grateful when Ekko gifted her a five-pack of white, long sleeve thermal undershirts for her birthday. Her enthusiastic response had been to nearly crushed the poor boy in a bear hug. It took Powder's intervention to pry her off as Ekko gasped that it was nothing.

Usually she started the evening route bundled up in the overalls. One of her treasured thermals kept cozy underneath. As she moved about the school and warmed up, she'd let the top half of the overalls fall to her waist. The roll up of the thermal sleeves was necessary to avoid them getting bleach damage. Powder said the look was "giving repressed forty-year-old housewife’s mechanic fantasy vibes”. Vi had scoffed and doubted that would apply if they saw how gross she was by the end of the night.

The evening job was repetitive, mind-numbing, and easy. Vi liked it. Her mind often wandered as she went through her chores. She'd been workshopping phrases to share with the world, but mainly Loris. Vi sighed as she foresaw her future self taking over his mantle. Grunting at the next generation of young janitors. Her best line so far was "When the mopping gets tough, the tough get mopping." When she shared that one with Powder, her sister had promptly burst into tears. Begging Vi to quit before the job consumed her soul. She was always the dramatic one.

Powder hated when Vi got too passionate about the ‘janitorial arts’. She often begged her to pursue something else, insisting she'd willingly go to a public school. A public school in Zaun. Vi shuddered at the thought. Over her dead body.

As Vi methodically worked her way through empty corridors, she considered her options to deal with her current situation. 'The Caitlyn conundrum!', she snickered to herself.

Option one, she could fake her own death. Pros, she'd never have to face the hurt and disappointment in those piercing blue eyes again. Cons, Powder would probably kill her for real.

Option two, continue her current stealth tactics indefinitely. Pros, free cardio and Loris made an excellent human shield. Cons, she'd probably develop a permanent crick in her neck from constantly looking over her shoulder. Also, eventually someone would notice the janitor army-crawling through the halls.

She was weighing up the cost of setting up a duplicate academy for option three when the distinctive click of heels on tile made her freeze. Mid-mop stroke. The rhythmic clicking echoed through the corridor as a familiar figure approached. Vi's heart rate quickened as she caught a glimpse of blue hair rounding the corner.

Vi briefly considered dumping the contents of the bucket on the ground and making a break for it. Those heels, insanely long legs and slippery floors were a perfect combination. At the very least it would buy her some time. The janitor imagined herself bounding away with all the poise of a graceful gazelle. Leaving the blue haired hunter in her soapy wake. Annoyingly, she then realised she would be the person responsible for cleaning up the resulting mess. Also, she didn’t want to cause anymore hurt to the other woman. Adding a broken leg to the tally did not bode well for her apology tour.

Instead of mop-ern warfare, another phrase she'd coined, she opted for pretending she couldn't see the woman. The six-foot something goddess now standing in her periphery. A solid plan. She quickly stuffed her exposed wire earphones into her ears. Nevermind she'd stopped wearing them while mopping months ago in fear of electrocution. She began nonchalantly whistling along with her imaginary music. Maybe if she ignored the problem long enough, it would go away.

"Moppin' nine to five, what a way to make a livin'..."

"Ahem!" A sharp voice cut through her haunting performance. Vi persisted in her mopping and humming. Maybe, if she got fired over this, she could pursue a music career. She didn't sound half bad. "Earphones typically work better when they're connected to something." The familiar teasing tone triggered memories from the previous night. That same voice, much softer then, whispering things that made her flush barely a day later. The only thing wet this time around was the front of her Piltover Academy overalls with mop water.

Vi winced, eyes snapping to the other end of her earphones, angling uselessly. Most definitely not connected to a music source. She straightened up bravely to face the professor, whose arms were crossed over her chest xpectantly. Vi couldn't help but let her gaze wander before quickly snapping back to meet those piercing blue eyes.

"Oh, hey... It's you! Come here often?" Vi attempted with forced bravado and a crooked smile. She placed her mop back in the bucket and leaned against the handle, trying to look casual. The universe had other plans. The mop slid, taking her pride with it. Water surged over the edge of the bucket and splashed her front. Though she did managed to catch herself before completely wiping out. Small wins.

A perfectly manicured eyebrow arched upward as ice blue eyes swept over Vi's damp form.

She felt uncannily like those pictures Powder constantly texted her. The ones with some variation of dishevelled looking cats that appeared half asleep. Usually the text was accompanied by a short ‘this u’. Until this moment, she'd never quite understood the comparison. Now, standing there dripping with mop water, she got it. She was absolutely the disheveled cat.

In striking contrast, her one time lover exuded polished elegance. A navy blue satin blouse was neatly tucked into form-fitting black dress pants. Vi tried desperately to keep her gaze from wandering. Specifically, to the two buttons that remained unfastened at the neckline. At a young age Vi had learned that trying did not always mean succeeding.

"It’s my first day," Caitlyn replied smoothly. A hint of amusement playing at the corners of her mouth as Vi's gaze snapped back to meet hers.

"Huh?" Vi managed, momentarily lost in those buttons.

"You asked if I come here often," Caitlyn clarified, her voice carrying a touch of playfulness. "Given that it's my first day, I suppose the answer would be no."

"Oh! Right," Vi laughed nervously. Her grip tightening on the handle of her emotional support mop like a lifeline. "I meant it more rhetorically. You know, like ‘come here often’?, wink wink. Not like, ‘Is this your first time on Piltover Acadamy premises?’.” Her knuckles went white around the handle as she realized how ridiculous she sounded.

There was a long pause where the other woman tried to make sense of her nonsense. Vi appreciated the effort.

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Caitlyn replied gently. Her tone apologetic, as if worried she was missing something obvious. As if she was the problem here. Vi decided to set her mind at ease.

"Yeah, me neither to be honest." Vi admitted with a self-deprecating smile.

“Okay, that’s good. I sometimes struggle with understanding jokes," Caitlyn said seriosuly with a small smile. Vi felt her heart flutter... or palpitate. Hopefully the former. As generous as the Academy was to her sister, they did not provide medical coverage. They especially wouldn't for recurring heart attacks in the presence of the new hot professor. "I suppose I don't need to ask if you work here," Caitlyn continued, gesturing to Vi's mop with an amused look. "Unless mopping school hallways after hours is your idea of recreation?"

"You caught me. I'm actually training for the next Ionian curling championships." Vi quipped. Demonstrating an exaggerated sweeping motion that drew a melodious laugh from Caitlyn. Vi wished she had recorded the sound so she could listen to it on repeat forever. Internally she scolded herself for playing into creepy janitor stereotypes. She swore would not perpetuate them and make things harder for Loris and his general aura. The guy was a sweetheart.

"Well I wouldn't want to keep you from training," Caitlyn said with a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She took a step closer, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Though I have to wonder if that’s why you've been avoiding me all day?" The hint of vulnerability in her tone made Vi's chest tighten.

“I…” Vi shifted uncomfortably, her hand moving to rub the back of her neck as she searched for words. Under Caitlyn's piercing gaze, her usual bravado abandoned her. She let out a soft laugh that did little to mask her nervousness. “I wouldn’t say avoiding really…” she trailed off. Caitlyn’s intense gaze trailed over her face as if waiting for Vi to continue. Vi floundered for something to say before finally meeting disappointed blue eyes.

“I had a great time last night,” Caitlyn said softly, hurt evident in her voice. “Clearly you think otherwise. Apologies, I shouldn’t have ambushed you.” She turned away. Shoulders dropping and seemingly upset at herself. Vi felt her heart drop.

"No, wait!" Vi reached out to catch Caitlyn's hand. Momentarily forgetting about the freshly mopped floor beneath them. Foiled by her own plan, the irony was not lost on her. Loris had always nagged her about carrying the yellow 'Wet Floor' sign during her shifts. As she was tipping forward, she made a mental note to never leave that sign behind again.

With her precarious high heels offering little stability, Caitlyn stumbled forward at Vi's gentle tug. The janitor instinctively wrapped her arms around the falling woman. Twisting mid-fall to cushion Caitlyn's landing. The protective maneuver came at a cost. Vi connected with the floor with a worrying thud.

Darkness enveloped her vision. In that moment, she could almost see Loris' disapproving face as he tapped at the neon yellow wet floor sign. She was in hell. The darkness persisted until a sharp sting across her cheek jolted her back to consciousness.

"Vi! Wake up you idiotic fool." The slap had done its job as Vi’s eyes flew open. She blinked rapidly as she was immediately assaulted by harsh fluorescent lighting.

“That felt nice.” She murmured. A silhouette swam into focus, accompanied by a relieved sigh.

“You scared me.” the shadow scolded.

“That was your fault.” Vi stated matter-of-factly, squinting up at the figure she now recognised as Caitlyn. Even in silhouette form, she was breathtaking.

“How could this possibly be my fault!” Caitlyn exclaimed with an affronted scoff. Her elbow digging into Vi's ribs, not accidently, as she attempted to untangle herself from their compromising position. Vi grunted and tried not to think about the last time she’d had the woman on top of her. Not an appropriate thought on school grounds.

“Silly cupcake on stilts,” She mumbled absently. Half paying attention to the conversation and half gauging whether the wetness in the back of her head was mop water or brain juice. She brought her hand to the back of her head. Considering the liquid smelled like soap and she was still alive, she deduced the former. “Like a giraffe on ice.” she smirked up at the professor who had finally steadied herself.

"Did you just call me 'cupcake'?" Caitlyn's voice was strangled with a strange mix of concern and offence. "Right, hospital it is. You clearly have a concussion."

"No can do," Vi refused as she was helped to her feet. "I don't get those fancy health benefits."

“Are you ser- wait, what?” Caitlyn stopped mid-sentence, her expression shifting from concern to indignation. "That is completely unacceptable. I will be raising this to Mel at the next staff meeting," she declared firmly. Puffing up and pointing a finger at Vi who shrugged, somewhat perturbed. “Secondly, there's clearly something wrong with you." Vi tried not to take offence as the other woman continued. "At least let Jayce take a look at you, please?”

"Ugh, Talis? He’s so annoying." Vi whined, gingerly touching the tender spot on her head.

“True as that may be, he is also certified in first aid," Caitlyn replied firmly.

"You don't understand. The guy leaves yogurt lids in the trash and they stick everywhere. It's a mess."

"Well now we can let him know about your concerns."

"It's common sense!" Vi mimes an exaggerated motion of peeling open an imaginary yogurt cup and licking the lid clean. "See? No waste, no sticky mess in the trash. Simple."

"I fear only people of a certain persuasion are that thorough with yogurt lids," Caitlyn mused, momentarily distracted.

"Ah, that tracks." Vi nodded thoughtfully before attempting what she hoped was a casual tone. "Speaking of, do you enjoy yog-"

"Vi, we literally had sex." Caitlyn interrupts flatly.

"Yeah, we did." Vi replied with a sly grin that earned her an eye roll from Caitlyn.

“Following which you left before I woke up and without a goodbye." Vi winced at the sharp change of tone. "And since you're obviously attracted to me," she gestured between them, "we will be discussing this properly."

"You're being awfully arrogant," Vi scoffed, crossing her arms.

"You like it," Caitlyn replied with a knowing smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Or did you forget how you enjoyed my confidence last night whe-"

"Okay! Yes! Fine!" Vi interrupted hastily, her cheeks flushing bright red. "You also enjoyed mine." She tacked on in a petulant mumble.

Caitlyn's smirk only grew wider at Vi's flustered reaction. "I thought so. Now stop stalling and let's care of you. Come on." Caitlyn said firmly, leaving no room for argument. Vi grumbled as she set her mop against the wall and allowed the other woman to guide her down the hallway.

Despite Vi's continued protests about yogurt-related grievances, they made their way to Jayce's office. The professor looked up from his desk, his expression shifting to concern as Caitlyn explained what had happened. Vi watched them interact and mildly noted that they seemed to have met long before today.

"Well, your pupils are reactive and you're coherent enough to complain about my trash decorum," Jayce noted after a brief examination. "No signs of serious concussion, but you shouldn't be alone tonight. Someone needs to monitor you and make sure you don't throw up."

"I'll take care of it," Caitlyn stated before Vi could object. Her tone left no room for debate.

Twenty minutes later, Vi found herself being led into Caitlyn's on-campus apartment and unceremoniously pushed onto a couch. The space was surprisingly modest. Scattered papers covered the coffee table. A half-empty mug of tea sat forgotten on a stack of books, and a worn blanket was haphazardly draped over the couch. Vi felt something hard digging into her back and reached backwards. Smirking up at Caitlyn as she held up a scratched calculator.

"Sorry about the mess," Caitlyn said. Hastily gathering papers and snatching the calculator from Vi’s hand. "Comes with the job, I’m afraid."

Vi felt tension she hadn't realised she was carrying melt away at the tinge of embarrassment in Caitlyn’s tone. She wasn't sure how such a mess could accrue during her first day but decided not to question it. This apartment was a far cry from the luxury she’d been taken back to last night. Something about the comfortable chaos made Caitlyn seem more... real. It also made her wonder where the professor had dragged her across town yesterday. She had a perfectly fine apartment located five minutes from the bar.

"I like it," Vi said honestly, sinking into the couch. "It's very you. Based on the one day I’ve known you."

Caitlyn paused her tidying, a soft smile playing at her lips. "Well, make yourself comfortable. You're stuck with me tonight, doctor's orders."

“First aid certificate holder’s orders.” Vi corrected, as she melted further into the couch. Her eyes greedily feasted themselves on the apartment. She felt like a kid in a candy store with all the nerdy shit on display. "Who’s this little guy?" Vi asked, pointing at a stuffed black cat wearing a lab coat. He was perched precariously on some physics journals stacked on the coffee table.

Caitlyn's cheeks flushed as her shoulders seemed to slump resignedly. "Oh, that's... that's just Schrödinger " She then snatched up the plushie with surprising speed. "It was a gift! A gift from my father, Tobias. Nothing special." The stuffed cat disappeared into another room with remarkable efficiency.

"Would you like some tea?" she asked quickly, clearly eager to change the subject. Before Vi could answer, Caitlyn had already vanished into what she assumed was the kitchen.

Minutes later, she returned with a steaming mug. Said mug was adorned with "E=mc² (Energy = Multiple Cups of Coffee Squared)" in bold letters. Vi accepted it graciously. Deciding to ignore the nerdy decoration in favour of letting some of Caitlyn’s blood return from her face to the rest of her body.

Taking a careful sip, Vi had to fight to keep her face neutral. The tea tasted like someone had emptied an entire bottle of perfume into hot water. "Mmhmm," she hummed with forced enthusiasm when Caitlyn looked at her expectantly. "What is that? It's great!"

Caitlyn dropped onto the couch next to Vi and snatched the mug away, setting it on the coffee table with a huff. “Earl Grey. You’re a terrible liar.” She then placed her palms over her face and groaned. Vi took the moment to eye her, both weary and curious. Hesitantly she reached out to pat her comfortingly on the shoulder. She wasn't great with prolonged silences.

“You good over there?”

Caitlyn dropped her hands quickly and turned to glare at Vi. This woman was going to give her whiplash. "You know what? Since I've already thoroughly embarrassed myself, we might as well discuss why you disappeared on me!" Her voice carried a hint of hurt beneath the attempt at boldness. "I thought... well, I thought we had a good time."

"We did!" Vi quickly assured her. "It's just..." She shifted uncomfortably. "Look, you took me to this massive mansion. Which probably has like, actual servants and everything. I got intimidated, okay?"

Caitlyn's brow furrowed. "It was just my parents' house."

"Just your- Cupcake, why would you take a hookup to your parents' house?!" Vi exclaimed, staring at her incredulously. Caitlyn's cheeks flushed deeper. "Especially considering you have your own apartment this close. Were you trying to impress me? Because if so, it kind of backfired spectacularly."

"It's perfectly normal!" Caitlyn defended, crossing her arms. "The estate is enormous. My parents sleep in the east wing, they wouldn't have heard-" She cut herself off, realising what she was about to say.

"Wouldn't have heard what?" Vi asked, paling.

"You know very well what," Caitlyn muttered, hesistating to meet Vi's eyes. "All your enthusiastic appreciation."

Vi's face turned as pink as her hair. "Right. Well. I’d hope not." she managed to squeak out.

“You still haven’t told me why you left.” Caitlyn promptly reminds her.

"Look I…" Vi exhaled heavily, running a hand through her pink hair. "I just got in my head about it. It wasn't you, I promise."

"Then what?" Caitlyn asked softly, her eyes searching Vi's face.

Vi stares and takes a deep breath, deciding that the professor deserves her honesty. "Don’t you think we’re too different?” Vi gestures emphatically down at her damp overalls and general appearance. “I just figured you'd wake up and regret everything."

Caitlyn's eyes narrowed. "Why would I? Do you honestly think me that shallow?”

“No, well.. maybe. I don’t kno-”

"I don't regret it," Caitlyn interrupted fervently, her voice carrying a fierce conviction. She rounded on Vi, her intense gaze fixed on Vi's face. Vi found herself sitting up straighter under that penetrating stare. "Do you?"

"No," she admitted with a laugh and shake of her head. She winced as the back of her head gave a small twinge from the movement. "Not at all."

"Good," Caitlyn replied, satisfaction evident in her tone. She settled back, a small smile playing at her lips.

Vi felt totally wrung out by the intensity of the conversation. She imagined this was how her trusty mop head after a long night shift. If Caitlyn weren’t a professional nerd, Vi could see her as an enforcer in another life. She sunk back down into the couch and released a long breath she didn’t know she was holding. "You're quite intense, Cupcake." Vi observed mildly. Watching Caitlyn’s profile with a fond mix of amusement and fascination.

Caitlyn's shoulders slumped slightly. "Yes, well… I've been told that before," she admitted, her earlier confidence wavering.

"Hey, I didn't say that was a bad thing," Vi said with a small grin. "You said it earlier. I like it." Some kind of self-awaking was occurring in her and it all seemed to be too much for her sore little brain. She winced as a sharp pain shot through her head.

Caitlyn immediately noticed the grimace. "Right, I think you better get some rest. Come on." She commanded, pointing down the hallway. Vi shrugged and allowed herself to be lead into a small bedroom and lightly pushed to sit on Caitlyn’s bed.

"Woah, buy me dinner first." Vi quipped weakly, though she was already starting to feel tiredness coming on. A glass of water was pushed into her hand.

“That doesn’t even make sense,” Caitlyn commented with all seriousness. “You let me have my way with you last night, and I didn't even buy you a drink.” She added and the corner of her lip twitched in response to Vi choking on her sip.

“You're doing this on purpose. I changed my mind. I don’t like whatever this is.” Vi gestured between them with a roll of her eyes.

Caitlyn hummed placatingly and disappeared into what Vi assumed was the bathroom. The sound of running water and cabinet doors opening and closing drifting out. A few minutes later she emerged, face freshly washed and changed into a silky robe. She rummaged through her dresser before tossing some clothes at Vi who set her empty glass on the nightstand.

"Here, these should work. Bathroom's all yours."

Vi watched, mouth slightly agape, as Caitlyn casually dropped her robe and set about changing. Catching Vi's stunned expression, she rolled her eyes. "What? It's nothing you haven't seen before."

Never one to back down from a challenge, Vi maintained direct eye contact as she deliberately stripped off her own clothes. They held each other's gaze in an impromptu standoff, neither willing to break first.

"I'm cold." Vi muttered eventually. Caitlyn's eyes darted down. Losing their staring contest.

"I can see that." Caitlyn responded, nakedly.

"I'm going to shower now."

"Okay."

Vi slowly backed into the bathroom with blue eyes tracking her all the way. She was fully aware and embracing her ridiculousness. Only when she was out of view did she bite her knuckles and groan. She placed her palms on the sink and narrowed them at herself in the mirror. The shower she took was cold.

She dried her hair with a towel and tugged on the borrowed clothes. A tank top and silk pyjama pants that were annoyingly long on her. She had to roll the cuffs up several times to avoid tripping as she exited the bathroom.

"Those might be a bit long." Caitlyn observed with barely contained amusement. She was already in bed, sitting up against the headboard. Vi decided not to comment on the other woman's matching pyjama shirt. She swooned internally.

"You think?" Vi grumbled, feeling her face heat up as she continued adjusting the pants. She tried to maintain some dignity. It was hard. "So? Should I take the couch or..."

"Again, we've had sex." Caitlyn reminded her for the second time that night with a roll of her eyes. Impatiently she patted the spot on the mattress beside her.

Vi crawled into the bed, still fussing with the too-long pants as Caitlyn reached over to turn off the lamp. After quiet goodnights they turned to face each other in the darkness. Enough space between them that you'd think they were leaving space for Janna. With no distractions and silence filling the dark room Vi suddenly felt a wave of guilt crash over her. She was so tired but couldn't fall asleep like this. Caitlyn seemed content with the stillness of the moment.

"I am really sorry. About leaving like that..."

"It's okay. Just be here in the morning." Caitlyn whispered with too much vulnerability. It made Vi want to punch herself in the face.

"I will be. Well, I have to leave for work... but so do you I guess." Vi mumbled sleepily. "Do you want me to wak-"

“You were a lot more smooth last night.” Caitlyn cut her off, amusedly.

“I was just pretending to be smooth.” Vi murmered half sleep “I’m rough.” She added quietly. Guilt subsiding she was able to finally drift off.

“I can see that.” Caitlyn remarked fondly. Vi vaguely felt a hand stroke her hair out of her eyes as she fell out of consciousness.

Tonight, instead of dreams filled with janitorial pursuits, she dreamt of a cat in a lab coat with navy blue fur.

Chapter Text

Vi woke with a tranquil smile.

Feeling like she was floating on a cloud after experiencing the best sleep she'd had since she was a small child. Under her breath, she hummed the flutey melody of Morning Mood as she turned to bury her face in her pillows. They felt impossibly smooth against her skin and she resisted the urge to rub her face over them. Like some sort of feral cat. They also smelled amazing. She inhaled the lilac scent deeply. Vi wondered if the new brand of detergent the academy had sprung for could made this much of a difference. She'd been borrowing detergent from her employer for years, under the cover of darkness. Loris had pinkie promised that he wouldn't snitch.

Her peace shattered when she cracked an eye open and immediately regretted it. Sunlight streamed through the uncovered windows and directly into her eyeballs. Why were the curtains open?

Quite astutely, she then noticed that thee were not her curtains. No, her curtains were cheap, magnetic and most importantly blackout. This pair looked more expensive. A sheer blue and quite ineffective.

The previous evening came flooding back to her and immediately she flipped over. Her reward was Caitlyn’s sleeping form. Still peacfully snoozing and her navy hair tousled across her face. The morning sunlight bathing the strands and lighting them with a sapphire hue. The professors forehead creased in a small frown. Seemingly, she was concentrating very har on remaining unconscious.

Vi stared intently at the slightly open mouth of the woman and immediately noted a new feature. A tiny gap between her two front teeth. She tried very hard to recall tracing said gap with her tongue two evenings ago. She let out a dreamy sigh as she watched a teensy bit of drool edged out of the woman's mouth. Dripping down onto expensive satin pillows. She wished she were an expensive satin pillow.

“Beautiful.” Vi whispered, awestruck. Her hand reaching up with reckless abandon to smooth out a few fly-aways. Would it be creepy to take a picture and set it as her phone background? She settled on just taking the picture.

Vi made mental notes to invest in another pair of blackout curtains, if this was going to become a regular thing. The thought made her pause. Two days wasn't exactly a solid foundation for implementing home improvements.

Gingerly, she pushed herself into a sitting position. Bracing for a pain in her head that never came. Small mercies. Her gaze wandered around the room as she took in all details she'd missed the night before. Not that she could be reasonably blamed for that. A very naked Caitlyn had commanded all her attention at the time.

The space was very Caitlyn. Papers were scattered across every available surface in, what Vi assumed, was organised chaos. A few scraps of fabric peeked out of partially closed drawers. As if they'd been hastily stuffed away. Vi smirked, remembering the rushed shuffling sounds she'd heard whilst showering last night. She glanced fondly at the other woman's sleeping form.

Vi then peered over her at the alarm clock perched on Caitlyn's nightstand. Six thirty it displayed mockingly. She sighed and briefly mourned her lost hour of sleep, before silver lined clouds appeared in her mind's eye. Nothing said "sorry for ghosting you" quite like breakfast in bed.

Many times throughout Powders early teens she had placated the scary adolescent with her food. Tentatively edging a plate of scrambled eggs through a crack in her door. Discharging the fuse as if she were part of a bomb disposal unit. Shuddering, she recalled her fifteen year old sister with very real fear. Kids could be mean.

Setting her plan in motion she swung her legs out of bed. Nearly tripping over the too-long pyjama pants Caitlyn had lent her. Freezing mid-stumble, she glanced back at the bed. Caitlyn slept on, peaceful, unaware and drooling. And also very cute.

Using the excess fabric to muffle her footsteps, Vi shuffled across the wooden floor. She wondered if raiding someone's fridge after knowing them for only two days was considered rude. Quickly, she dismissed the concern. After all, they'd already shared far more intimate things than kitchen access. Besides, once Caitlyn tasted got a taste of her signature scrambled eggs, all invasions of privacy would be forgiven. The secret was a dash of cream.

She smiled broadly as she ventured out into the kitchen whilst working on her opening line. Something that would lighten the mood. Then she’d present her beautiful cooking with a flourish. Caitlyn would gasp and place a palm to her heart. Swooning and begging for Vi to take her there and then. Vi would be rude not to oblige the woman.

Her hopes were immediately crushed when she opened the fridge and surveyed the contents.

A singular tin of Piltover's Finest baked bean, half opened and still in the can. A carton of almond milk. And nothing else.

“No way…” Vi blinked as she picked up the can and peered inside bemusedly. She titled it upside down and bit her lip when the sludge remained at the base of the can. Shuddering she righted the tin and shook her head in wonder. This was not okay.

So consumed in her inspection of the bio-hazard, she didn’t hear the sounds of Caitlyn stumbling out of bed. Only when hurried footsteps grew closer did she snap out of her trance. Vi, panicked and barely awake, spun to hide the tin behind her back. An innocent smile touching her lips.

Caitlyn swung into the room with undue urgency for this time in the morning. Her eyes were slightly wild as she searched the open plan living room connected to the kitchen. When she laid her eyes on Vi, all the tension seemed to bleed out of her.

“I thought you’d left.” Caitlyn spoke in a hoarse whisper, her shoulders sagging in relief. Her frazzled state indicative of someone who had leapt out of bed in a hurry. Vi watched as she reached up and flushed, trying in vain to flatten her bed head.

Vi had become very familiar with guilt over the years. Mostly the suvivors’ kind. A given considering the alarming number of dead relatives she’d accumulated. This feeling didn’t really rival that, but it still sucked. She imagined Caitlyn this time yesterday, in a familiar state and searching for Vi in a too large mansion. She wondered how long the other woman had looked before giving up. Only this time she was still here. Instead of snoozing, blissfully unaware at her own apartment. If she could force feed beans to her past self in atonement, she would.

Opening her mouth she decided the best course of action was to put her rehearsed one-liner out there.

“Surprise! How d’ya like your eggs in the morning?” Vi grinned. She bounced in place on her tip-toes, anticipating Caitlyn’s melodious laugh.

Silence. Caitlyn and Loris would get along like two peas in a pod. Like two beans in bean sludge.

“This is where you say ‘with a kiss’.” She ventured hoping to coax a small giggle. Even a smile would do.

“What are you hiding?” Caitlyn instead asked, curiously peering around Vi she moved further into the room. Vi's wide eyes meet piercing blue. Ah, she had been waiting for the other bean to drop. With a modicum of shame, she pulls the tin out from behind her back for Caitlyn to see. “Oh…Were you snooping through my fridge?” Vi sighs in relief as the woman seems more confused that affronted by her actions.

"I wasn't snooping!" Vi protested as she waved the tin for emphasis. "I was planning on cooking up an egg-pression of my regret. Then I got distracted by the bean of it all."

"The bean of it all?" Caitlyn blinked. Her brow furrowed in concentration. Vi blamed sleep inertia and not the nonsense spilling from her own mouth.

"Never mind. Look, not to brag, but my scrambled eggs have been described as life-changing. But we’re going to need to stock up if you want to experience that magic." Vi bragged, humbly.

A pink tinge coloured Caitlyn's cheeks as she glanced around Vi and into her barren fridge. Doors splayed open, naked and bared for all the world to see. Stark white artificial lighting only highlighted the emptiness of the space. "Oh, you were trying to make me breakfast?” She asked as if piecing together a puzzle.

“In bed. Both components of my plan have now failed.” Vi nodded seriously. She realised she was still holding then tin which she promptly returned to the fridge. Slamming the door shut so that she didn’t also run up Caitlyn’s electricity bill. Too much damage had already been done.

“Sorry, I didn’t anticipate having company here so soon. I’m a terrible host.” Caitlyn sighed mournfully as she surveyed the desolate state of her kitchen. “I usually join my parents' for dinner and the school canteen for anything else." She paused. "I’m not the best cook.” She admitted, seemingly dismayed by making such a revelation to Vi.

As if she thought Vi was in a position to judge her based on the last two days.

"Oh thank god," Vi breathed out in relief. "I worried for your health… Well, you can also add my place to that list of dining options. I’m an excellent chef.” she adds with a charming waggle of her eyebrows. It would work better if she wasn’t wearing pyjama pants that made her look five feet tall.

“Is that so?” Caitlyn seemed happier now, at least. A predatorial smile peaking at the corner of her lips as moved further into the kitchen. Subsequently invading Vi’s personal space. Not that she minded. Her winning grin didn’t drop but it did falter slightly as she retreated in step with the taller woman. She drew back until she no longer could. Her lower back connecting with solid granite countertops. The edge dug into her skin, a stark reminder that she was now cornered.

Caitlyn leaned down, brushing her lips alongside the shell of Vi’s ear. Her breath was hot and tickled Vi's neck, raising goosebumps. Her silk pyjama shirt draped loosely over her frame. Vi was very aware of what she would see if she allowed her eyes to stray downwards. They strayed a little but she was only human. She resisted the urge to clamp her thighs together. “And what exactly would you have me eat at your place… chef?” She whispered.

“My eggs?” Vi answered breathlessly, before deciding to clarify. “Scrambled eggs. Not my reproductive ones.” She states, wincing as the words leave her mouth. “I don’t know why I said that.”

At that Caitlyn simply smirks and shifts forward. Pressing her body entirely against Vi who freezes at the thigh slotting neatly between her legs. Her face is so close to... them. All she had to do was lean forward. Are they really going to do this right now? A click from behind her answers the question as Caitlyn's warmth leaves her body. Confused, she turns and realises that the other woman had reached behind her to turn the kettle on.

“Would you like some tea?” At her unimpressed stare Caitlyn only smiles. Leaving her personal space to fetch two mugs from across the kitchen. Vi slouches pitifully to one of the stools and stares shamelessly at the professor. If she couldn't touch she would look. She would estimate those shorts covered approximately twenty percent of Caitlyn’s legs. That translated to a cruel four to one bare leg ratio.

“Yes, please no earl grey. Better yet, coffee?” Caffeine was definitely required after all she had suffered this morning. Caitlyn nodded in acknowledgement of the request as she set the mugs by the kettle. Vi continues to stare as she sets about making the drinks. Raising her head in defiance when Caitlyn spares her a knowing glance over her shoulder.

“How’s your head feeling?” Caitlyn asked softly. She sets a mug bearing another embarrassing science pun in front of her. Vi kindly decided not to taunt her host. Considering the teasing she’d been the recipient of mere minutes ago, she was a saint.

“Oh- uh fine.” Vi proudly tapped the side of her head with her knuckles. “Powder always says I have a thick skull.”

Caitlyn peered at Vi curiously, head tilted to the side. "Powder?"

"My sister. She goes to school here..." Vi trailed off as horror dawned on her face. "Oh shit. I completely forgot to check in on her!"

Frantically pulling out her phone, she winced as she scrolled up the message thread. A singular message in the evening inquiring about her whereabouts. Followed ten minutes later by a string of angry cat pictures. Each one more furious than the last. Caitlyn leaned over her shoulder, chuckling as she pointed at one particular image. A teary eyed cat with poorly photoshopped pink hair. "That one kind of looks like you."

Vi grimaced and gulped down her coffee, hissing as she scolded the roof of her mouth. "Yeah... I'm so sorry, I should probably get going." She glanced up hesitantly. "Rain check on breakfast? You don't even have to sleep with me.” She hoped her joking tone hid the underlying insecurity the question belied. It was an opening for Caitlyn to gracefully bow out if she'd decided she'd had enough of Vi. It was more than likely now that they’d had a full conversation. The thought made her stomach churn uncomfortably.

“Now who could resist an offer like that.” Caitlyn’s sultry tone instantly set her mind at ease. Mostly because all thoughts instantly rushed out of her head. Replaced by mild arousal. “Both offers.” Caitlyn added. Somewhat unnecessarily because Vi definitely got it the first time.

“Cool. So… Rain check on the breakfast and sleeping with me, I guess?” Vi rose up from her stool to gain back some semblance of power. Caitlyn remained leaning against the counter and Vi cursed the woman’s height advantage.

“You guess.” Caitlyn huffs, reaching her hand out expectantly, palm up.

Vi stares at the manicured hand in confusion for a long moment before taking it and shaking. All the while slightly bemused and wondering if it was a Piltie thing she wasn't aware of. A handshake securing the future promise of sexual relations. It seemed like something they would do. Vi blanches when Caitlyn pulls her hand free and exasperatedly gestures to the phone, held limply in her other hand. Wordlessly she hands over the device and drops her head to the counter with a thunk.

Vi barely registers what Caitlyn is doing with her phone. Too distracted with stewing in her own humiliation. When her phone was placed back in her hand, she blinked in confusion before realizing Caitlyn had added herself as a contact.

A quiet grumble escapes her lips as Caitlyn holds up her own phone with a smirk. Displaying the pink haired cat she'd forwarded to herself and set as Vi's contact picture. In retaliation, Vi immediately changed Caitlyn's contact name to 'cupcake'. Caitlyn frowns.

With a pleased grin, Vi disappears back into the bedroom to change. very aware of Caitlyn's eyes following her movements. As Vi picks up her thermal she notes the professor sidling up to the bedroom and leaning against the doorway. Her hip cocked to the side and arms crossed expectantly. Her piercing blue eyes holding a very clear challenge as she watches Vi collect her various items of clothing.

For the second time, Vi rises to the challenge and strips off her borrowed sleeping clothes. And If she happens to flex her back and biceps a little more than necessary to pull on her thermal... Well that was none of Caitlyn’s business. The light flush colouring Caitlyn's cheeks when she brushed past in her overalls made it entirely worth it. Seven years of consistency in the gym had cumulated in this delicious moment.

“That’s not fair.” Vi hears the other woman mutter petulantly as she passes, peacocking her way towards the front door. A smug smirk adorns Vi’s face. Eventually, Caitlyn gathers herself and reaches the front door. Just as Vi iscfinishing donning her work boots.

Deciding to leave early was definitely the smart choice. The last thing she needed was to run into Powder on her way to school. During what would look suspiciously like a walk of shame. Especially when she and Caitlyn hadn't even done anything to make it worth the shame.

The door opens, exposing them to the morning sunlight. Vi lingers in the doorway as Caitlyn fiddles with the handle, neither quite ready to break the moment. Her hand rests on the door frame as she leans against it, feeling the warmth of Caitlyn's gaze on her face. Her eyes flick down to Caitlyn's lips and back up, finding the professor's expression heavy with intent. The air between them crackles with possibility. It would be so easy to lean in, to close that final distance. But Vi forces herself to stay put, knowing if she starts something now she might never leave.

Caitlyn seems to be wrestling with the same dilemma. Her fingers twitching at her sides as if fighting the urge to reach out. Finally, she takes a deliberate step back, breaking the spell.

“You better use that number.” She commands with an authority that makes Vi want to text her there and then.

Vi hears the unspoken message beneath the demand. For all Caitlyn's authoritative tone, she was also putting the ball in Vi’s court. The number could just as easily be lost. A graceful exit if Vi wanted to change her mind. The professor was letting her set the pace of whatever this was becoming. The thought made something warm bloom in Vi's chest.

“Yes, Miss Kiramann.” Vi gives a mock salute. At that Caitlyn’s eyes darken and Vi takes that as her cue to make a hasty exit.

Vi strolls out of the professors’ block with a spring in her step. Confident that the campus would be empty at this hour. Her good mood is immediately dampened when she glances back towards the apartment and spots possibly the worst person she could have. Apart from Powde of course. Principal Medarda, stands at the door to her own apartment. Narrowed eyes fixed on her departure.

Flashbacks of the Fortune fiasco come to the forefront of her mind. The harassment of the press, mainly Ekko, banging down her door for a quote. The warning she’d received from the woman currently staring her down. Worst of all, the awkward text she’d received from Sarah putting an end to whatever the might have had. She swallowed nervously.

Vi shoots the principal a sheepish wave which Medarda returns with a polite but calculating nod. Not wanting to get caught in any small talk Vi breaks into a light jog. That kind of talk might involve awkward questions about where she had been, and more importantly with who. She’s proud of herself for remaining inconspicuous. Her instinct was to sprint away at full speed.

She ventures up to retrieve her abandoned cleaning cart before Loris could grumble about how she left it out overnight. With that man she’d never hear the end of it.

Vi then rushes back to her own apartment to change into another set of overalls for the day. On the way she texts powder a profuse apology with seven crying emoji’s tacked on for good measure. Powder responds not long after with a simple ‘It’s fine,. Something which Vi had learned a long time ago meant the opposite.

Vi: I’ll make it up to you. My place for dinner? Taco night…

Pow Pow : Soft or hard shell?

Vi: Soft…

Pow Pow: Can Ekko come?

Vi: I’ll allow it :)

Pow Pow: Forgiven.

Vi responded with an enthusiastic mixture of emojis in response. Party hat. Confetti. Two girls holding hands. Taco. Once she had inevitably been left on read she decided not to wait to long to take Caitlyn's advice. Texting her a brief invitation to dinner at her place. After staring at her phone for approximately five minutes she decides to get on with her day.

Vi spends the day in pretty much the opposite manner to yesterday. Since her Caitlyn conundrum had been neatly wrapped up in a neat head injury induced bow. Now, instead of ducking into cupboards, she was going out of her way to catch a glimpse of the Navy locks. The floors outside the science wing were pristine. Never mind that everywhere else in the school looked like garbage.

Vi's eyes kept drifting towards the science wing windows as she mopped the same spot for what felt like the hundredth time that day. She'd caught glimpses of Caitlyn through the glass. She commanded her classes attention as she gestured animatedly at the whiteboard. The professor seemed completely in her element. Her enthusiasm for the subject evident even from a distance.

Vi had never been one for any form of maths or science during her school years, but if Caitlyn had been her teacher she might have become Einstein, who knows? That was a lie. Her teenage self already had a hard time focusing. Caitlyn as her professor would have had her infinitely more distracted.

Her lingering definitely had nothing to do with the fact that Caitlyn hadn't responded to her dinner invitation yet. The rational part of her brain knew the professor had probably been swamped all day. But the insecure part of her brain kept inventing increasingly ridiculous scenarios about why she hadn't heard back. Maybe Caitlyn had second thoughts. Maybe Principal Medarda had warned her off Vi. Maybe the Caitlyn she was spying on was an alternate universe version that had replaced her Caitlyn. All plausible theories.

Vi shook her head and forced herself to focus on her work. The mindless nature of cleaning usually helped clear her head, but today it just gave her too much space to overthink. By the time her shift ended, she was more than ready to hand the cart over to Loris and throw herself into dinner preparations. At least Powder and Ekko were joining her so she wouldn’t be left alone to wallow in her self-pity.

Her apartment was a serene picture that evening and was starting to smell delicious. Vi was absentmindedly humming under her breath whilst dicing some onions. Her peace abruptly ended when her door burst open. She flinched with an undignified yelp. Almost adding half her thumb to the recipe.

She poked her head around the corner to glare at Powder who seemed to have no regard for her personal safety. The intimidation of her glare was slightly dimmed by the sound that had come out of her mouth moments ago.

“Do you have to do that every time?” Vi scowled without any bite. “I’m not paying for that wall of you dent it.” She warned as she wiped her hands on a tea towel. Powder simply gave her an innocent smile as she dragged Ekko in behind her. Both of them were still wearing their vague interpretations of uniforms, having come straight from class. She drew closer and pressed a quick kiss to the side of Powders head, before gently shoving her out of the way.

"Little man!" Vi's attention shifted to Ekko, and before he could react, she had him wrapped in a crushing bear hug. "I missed you!"

“Rude. I didn’t realise Ekko was your sister.” Powder rolled her eyes and sidestepped Ekko’s legs which were flailing as Vi twirled him around. Making her way to the small living room where she promptly flopped onto the couch. She kicked her feet up onto the coffee table and let out a dramatic groan. "This school is so repressing! I swear if I have to sit through one more lecture on my uniform I will explode. Where do they get off on stealing people’s autonomy..."

"Can't... breathe..." Ekko wheezed, squirming in her grip. “Unhand me, woman! I’m a grown man.” Vi cooed and squeezed him tighter.

"Vi, release him before you break him." Powder sighed from the couch. Her combat boots, not in the dress code, settling primly on a stack of defunct library books. "Were you born with your brain in your biceps or something?"

“Sorry, I can’t help it.” Vi sniffed as she finally set Ekko back down on two feet. “You were gone for years.” She complained as she took a slight step back. She gave him a light slap on the shoulder in reprimand.

Every summer Benzo would venture back to Zaun to stay with a few relatives. Ekko would be dragged along with him, citing something about keeping the boy in touch with his roots. Vi and Powder didn’t really go back too often. Only the occasional day trips since they didn’t really have a place to stay. Vander's place had been repossessed not long after his death. Vi didn’t want to burden any of her friends with sheltering them.

“Two weeks,” Ekko deadpanned. “Missed you too Vi.” He added sincerely as he removed his shoes before edging around her. He moved slowly towards the couch where Powder had settled. As if afraid to be caught in her grasp once again. Vi huffed and resisted grabbing him to ruffle his hair. Unfortunately, he was technically a grown man now.

”So, school going good then? Outside of them ‘stealing you autonomy’.” Vi questioned as followed Ekko further into the living room.

“Same old. Easy and long.” Ekko sighed as he sunk down into the sofa next to Powder. His eyes closing as he somehow managed to slouch to the point that his back was horizontal to the sofa.

“Physics wasn’t as bad. There’s a new professor so we don’t have to listen to Heimerdinger’s mixtapes in class anymore.”

“Hey, I like those mixtapes.” Vi defended and pointed at a stack of CD’s she’d been freely gifted by the yordle over the years. Vi was proud of herself for only slightly spiralling at the mention of the new physics professor. Powder didn’t notice a thing, too distracted by pulling out her messy braids. “Can’t deny the guy has talent.” She barely knew the professor but from her brief interactions she had come away with multiple albums. Ekko hummed in agreement as he sniffed the air.

“Literally only you two think that.” Powder rolled her eyes at her and flicked her hair tie in Vi’s general direction. Vi pouted as the elastic bounced off her nose.

“Do I smell tacos?” Ekko asked hopefully, one eye peaking open and glancing at Vi, who nodded. “Soft or hard shell?”

“Soft. With homemade gauc.” She boasted and waggled her eyebrows. “Guess how much the avocados were?” She asked proudly.

“No.”

“How much?”

“Free!” Vi beamed down at Ekko. “Borrowed some spare's from the canteen after lunch.” No matter that she had wandered around the school all afternoon with suspicious lumps in her pockets.

“I don’t think you understand what borrowing means.” Powder mutters.

“It’s fine…” Vi waved her off, dragging out the word fine in a way that implied the opposite. “Benzo allowed it. Probably. At least he will retroactively once you deliver him some extra tacos.” Vi and the cook had a long standing arrangement. She was allowed to mooch of the school canteen in exchange for feeding the man. He may have been a cook by trade, but he hated spending any of his spare time in the kitchen. Vi liked to think of it as a symbiotic relationship forged through kitchen grease.

“For sure. We love your food.” Ekko eagerly nods along with her rationalisation of stealing. Vi knew she liked him for a reason.

“Don’t give her a bigger head. Her poor neck can’t handle the load much longer.” Powder elbowed him in the ribs.

“I love the soft ones though.” He whined. His stomach rumbled loudly in affirmation of the statement. Vi decided she should probably get back to the kitchen, so they could eat before having to go back to the dorms in time for curfew.

“I know.” Powder acknowledged as she patted his shoulder. Vi wondered If it was worth revealing her sister specifically inquired before inviting Ekko along. She was too nice to embarrass her though. For now.

“Ready in ten.” Vi called as she made her way back to the kitchen and continued chopping up lettuce and tomatoes. She eyed her neck in her reflection on the oven and idly wondered if she should start doing neck specific exercises.

Sevika might execute her if she caught her doing a neck bridge of all things. She was the academy’s head of physical exercise and therefore responsible for overseeing the use of the onsite gym. Staff were allowed to use it outside of school hours as another perk of the job. Technically it was only supposed to be professors. Sevika was cool about it though.

Anyway, the woman was all about the big three lifts. When Vi had brightly informed her she was going to phase deadlifts out of her routine, the glare she’d received had almost made her pee her pants. Once, she caught Vi copying a routine she’d seen online, involving kettle bells, a cable machine and an exercise ball. Safe to say, she barely avoided receiving a kettle bell to the face that day.

Vi decided her neck was fine the way it was.

She put the finishing touches to the dishes. Cilantro for her and Powder. None for Ekko. Every time he saw the stuff he’d loudly proclaim it tasted like soap. He was loud and wrong. She plated everything up and proudly called for the others.

Ekko thundered into the room with Powder yelling after him to relax. She soon followed, eyeing the dishes in a slightly less eager manner than her best friend, but Vi could tell she was starving.

“I love your cooking.” Ekko said seriously as he wheedled closer to the stove and pointed at the plate absent of cilantro. “Mine?” He grinned at her nod and snatched one up there and then. Stuffing his face with half of it in one bite, he melted with a happy sigh. “I love your cooking!” He repeated with his mouth full.

“Gross!” Powder whined as she elbowed him in the ribs to get him out of the way.

Vi handed her a plate fondly. She took a far more reserved bite than her best friend. Her reaction was not to dissimilar as she let out a happy little sigh. Vi watched with a grin as her sister's entire demeanor shifted. The tension in her shoulders visibly melted away as she took another enthusiastic bite. She was always a bit grumpy when she was hungry, and Vi had learned over the years to read the signs. Usually by the time Ekko's ribs started getting abused, it was well past time to feed her.

"Do you hate it?" Vi mock cried as she fished for compliments.

"I wish I could live with you and eat your cooking all the time instead of that gross canteen food." Powder mumbled through a mouthful of taco, already reaching for another one.

Vi's grin widened with pride. "Thought you didn’t want me to get a big head?." She teased.

Ekko finished scarfing down his first taco and eyed the cilantro on Powder’s plate with disgust. “I don’t know how you guys can eat that stuff it tastes like soap.” He chimed in.

“Loud and wrong.” Vi pointed at him and narrowed her eyes.

“You know it’s a genetic variation.” Powder chimed in and Vi did know that. She knew that because they had this exact same conversation every taco night. So approximately one billion times.

“Shhh. Eat your tacos.” Vi grabbed them both by the top on the head and twisted so they were facing the living room. With plates in their hands, they had no recourse as she pushed them out of the kitchen. Grabbing her own plate, she followed suit.

Vi stared blankly at the television screen as her character lay limp on the floor. Above her pixelated self, Powder’s character crouched repeatedly over her body in a rather demeaning fashion. Her murderer then promptly emoted over Vi’s lifeless corpse. Ekko snorted as he took in Vi’s humiliation at the hands of her own flesh and blood.

“How are you still this bad?” Powder’s tone is bemused but her face is gleeful as she relishes in Vi's suffering.

Vi leans forward on the couch and glares accusingly at her sister around Ekko. The boy is gasping for air. She’s never felt such betrayal.

“Revive me!”

“No! You’re dragging the team down.” Powder giggles and Vi watches as the timer counts down to her imminent demise.

“Give me that!” Vi lunges desperately across the couch for Powder’s controller. She pushes Ekko’s grinning face unnecessarily in the process. The other girl to shrieks and stretches her extend her arm away. She holds the controller just out of reach as the final moments of Vi’s life play out on screen.

Her character disintegrates into nothing and she slumps defeatedly back into the couch. She sets the controller down on the coffee table with a pout and crosses her arms. Her grumbling intensifies as Ekko’s avatar strolls back towards the scene. Casually stealing her dropped inventory without a hint of shame. Powder’s giggles are apparently worth him picking apart Vi's digital corpse.

“Shouldn’t you guys be heading back now?” Vi asks petulantly as she reaches for her phone to check the time.

“One more game!” They both whine simultaneously as they continue to play through the match. Without her.

Still feeling betrayed, she refuses to watch as they plough towards victory without her. Vi would never admit that they were playing much better now. Instead, she flicks through her phone and has to contain herself when a notification from Cupcake pops up. Finally. She fights very hard to keep her face blank as she reads over the message thread.

Vi: So, how does Thursday evening sound for that rain check? If you want to stay over, I can honour my promise of breakfast in bed? ;)

Cupcake: Is that the only reason you’d like me to stay over?

Vi: If I were to say no… what would you say to that?

Cupcake: I’ll see you on Thursday.

Vi couldn't help the dopey grin that spread across her face as she stared down at her phone. Her heart fluttered at the simple message. She was so caught up in her own little world that she completely missed the way Powder's eyes narrowed suspiciously at her from across the couch. Her sister's gaze darting between Vi's face and the phone clutched in her hands.

Chapter Text

The entirety of Vi’s Wednesday was spent thinking about the next evening.

As she emptied trash cans she surveyed the contents and idly rifled through recipes in her head. A banana peel? Hmm, would Caitlyn enjoy a banoffee style dessert. Probably not, she seemed more like a pomegranate type of woman...

Vi smirked at the thought, until a student walked past and eyed her strangely for leering at a trash bag. She waved them off dismissively.

After a long day she finished her evening shift filled with nervous energy. She decided to continue the cleaning streak. She hoped no one else in the block could hear her as she zoomed through her apartment close to midnight. Corners of her bedroom that had never seen the light of day were spotless by around two in the morning. She finally fell into bed confident her apartment was prepared for Caitlyn’s eyes.

Thursday morning came and Vi had nothing left to prepare for the evening. The janitor could feel the underlying current of nervousness starting to build. She decided to do what she had always done in moments like this. Bother Sevika.

Vi had known Sevika since before she could remember. Back when she was a kid running around Vander's bar, Sevika had been the resident bartender. Mixing drinks with practiced efficiency while dodging small hands trying to grab at her sleeves. She and Powder had been constant thorns in the woman's side. Clambering over her while she flirted with female patrons, much to her vocal annoyance. Yet she'd never actually stopped them.

During Vi's teen years, Sevika had been the one to catch her countless times trying to sneak drinks from behind the bar. Each time, she'd fixed Vi with that stern glare before quietly disposing of whatever concoction Vi had managed to pour. She never snitched to Vander, though.

She had even stuck around when Vander had gotten sick, taking a docked wage at her own insistance as his medical bills mounted. She'd kept the place running as long as she could, until finally, the bar had been repossessed. It was also through Benzo that she'd landed the position as Piltover Academy's gym teacher. Still raw from losing Vander, Vi had embarrassingly sobbed on her shoulder. Holding tear at bay until late at night, long after Powder had fallen asleep. Sevika never brought it up in the mornings.

During Powder's difficult teenage years, Sevika had taken on the role of ‘bad cop’ to spare Vi from the worst of her sister's wrath. Even as the good cop, Vi had endured long periods of silent treatment from Powder. The impossible loneliness she’s felt had been weathered with gritted teeth and a recited mantra that it was all hormones. Sevika had been there through it all, a gruff but steady presence. Thankfully, that phase hadn't lasted too long. Powder eventually growing out of it as she matured.

Piltover Academy’s gym had always been Vi’s perfect tool to release any frustrations. It just so happened that Sevika was always in or around said gym, and the perfect sparring partner. When Vi could occasionally convince her to spar, that was.

Vi had never been much of a morning person, preferring to hit the academy's gym during her evenings off and in random increments. Sevika however, had a regular Monday to Saturday, 5 AM routine that lasted exactly two hours. Perfect for avoiding Vi’s presence. She often wondered if the woman had intentionally crafted it that way.

Today Vi had managed to drag herself to the building at six. With a pre-workout of a stolen croissant and anxiety, she wandered into the gym. She yawned as she entered the empty room. The absence of students was a stark reminder that they were all still tucked away in bed, where she belonged. Talis was the only other faculty member that knew the gym existed and Vi shot him a small nod when she noticed him on the cable machine. She now tolerated him after noting the absence of sticky yogurt lids the previous day. Also he made sure she didn’t have a concussion so he was alright... she supposed.

Vi brightened considerably when she spotted her soon-to-be workout partner finishing up a set of squats.

She waved wildly to catch her attention causing the woman to lose her balance slightly mid-set. The gym teacher glared in her direction as she ground out two more reps before racking the weight with a metallic clunk.

“Heyyy, if it isn't my favourite sparring partner!” Vi beamed as she neared the squat rack.

“No.”

Vi’s smile slid from her face into what some might call a pout.

“Why not?” She whined as she watched Sevika un-rack the plates from her squat bar.

“Go away.” Sevika grunted as she finished removing all the plates and turned towards the deadlifting platform. She snatched up her towel and water bottle as she marched away, shooting a glare at Vi and Talis, who almost fell off the cable row as she swept past him. Poor guy was always catching strays.

Vi narrowed her eyes as she was ditched. Fine. Two could play at this game.

For the next twenty minutes, Vi trailed the older woman as she mirrored Sevika's upper body day. The older woman hadn't acknowledged her presence. Beyond the three word conversation and an irritated glance every few minutes at least. But that wasn't stopping Vi from following her from station to station. Whenever Sevika left a machine, Vi would pounce on it and copy the motion. Even with lighter weights, she was exhausted.

Talis kept to his corner with the weights. Occasionally throwing nervous glances in Sevika's direction as her body language grew more angry. Vi couldn't blame him. For some reason the gym teacher hated the guy. More than the general dislike she had for the schools faculty. Who knew what was going on there.

Eventually, Sevika slowed down at the bench press and let out a long sigh. Vi grinned victoriously as sweat dripped into her eyes.

“Just-” Sevika pinched between her eyebrows and took a deep breath. “Just get on the bench, Vi.” She relented with a huff.

Vi bounced towards the bench and happily sat down. Deciding not to annoy her too much, she stayed silent as Sevika loaded the bar with a plate each side. The older woman grumbled under her breath as usual whilst Vi repped the warm up weight. It felt heavy.

“This is why you should never be friends with your boss.” She muttered under her breath as she judged Vi’s form with hawk like precision. “Twenty years of you brats hanging around me like a stray puppy and kitten. I should’ve left you guys in the box you got dropped off in.” She continued to grumble to herself as Vi finished her set with more struggle than usual. She had exhausted herself with Sevika’s routine.

“In this scenario is Pow the puppy or-”

“Obviously you’re the puppy.” Sevika snapped. “Now get up and load another plate.” Vi acquiesced with speed. It was probably wise not to irritate her spotter anymore than necessary. She wouldn't put it beneath Sevika to allow her to be crushed by the bar so she could continue her workout in peace.

Sevika laid on the bench and twisted her arms around the bar. Vi watched on silently, with a hint of indignation as the woman warmed up.

“You know it’s rude to warm up with my personal best, right?”

That managed to crack a smug smile from Sevika as she finished her set with ease and stood. She gave Vi a once over and raised an eyebrow mockingly.

“Your muscles might be pretty, but they’re weak.” She goaded.

“You think my muscles are pretty?” Vi asked with a flirtatious smile. She fluttered her eyes at Sevika, who promptly threw her sweaty towel directly into Vi’s face. Vi spluttered and pinched the rag off, her features now twisted with disgust.

“Pretty weak. Now spot me.” Sevika deadpanned. Vi slumped over to the bench and readied herself behind the bar.

“Strength training with you really knocks my confidence.” Vi murmured and eyes the boxing ring at the far end of the gym mournfully. “I’m too exhausted to even spar now.” She adds miserably before glancing down at the woman. There’s a glint in Sevika’s eyes that has her gasping in realisation. “Did you plan this!” She accuses.

“It’s a good thing you have plenty of confidence.” Sevika quips as she ignores Vi’s accusation. Her strength is evident as she finishes her set with little struggle and racks the barbell with a thunk. Vi shoots her a glare as they swap places. “Don’t hurt yourself.” Sevika adds mockingly. She hands Vi a pair of worn wrist straps and motions impatiently for Vi to put them on.

Despite the tone, Vi can tell the woman cares about whether her wrists snap. What a sap. Sevika refuses to acknowledge the knowing look accompanied by a smug smile blooming on Vi’s face. Vi strained and grunted through her next set as Sevika spotted her with practiced ease. She racked the bar with a groan and sat up, wiping her face with the borrowed towel before retching when she realised it was Sevika’s used one.

"So why are you here at this ungodly hour?" Sevika asked bluntly as she began unloading plates. "Usually you're still drooling into your pillow."

"What, I can't want to spend quality time with my favorite gym partner?" Vi wheedled, hoping to distract Sevika from the topic. The plan to get her mind off tonight was now completely backfiring

Sevika's eyes narrowed. "What have you done? The last time you graced me with your morning presence was during that entire Fortune mess."

"Fortune Fiasco.” Vi muttered the correction, quoting the Piltover Academy Post’s headline. Ekko had been really proud of that one. “Has it really been that long?" Vi winced, perhaps she shouldn’t have come here. Her mind jumped back to the relentless teasing she had been subjected to for months after the incident. They were merciless. Despite it being entirely Powder's fault.

"Girl trouble?" Sevika asked knowingly as she snatched Vi by the collar and dragged her across the gym.

They stopped at four large rubber mats lined up opposite floor to ceiling mirrors. Vi didn’t often venture to this corner of the gym unless she wanted to take some physique update photos. The downlighting was incredible. Never mind that the intended use of the area was for stretching. Vi usually skipped stretching, citing her youth at Sevika, who in her opinion was geriatric.

Talis, who had been peacefully stretching on the mat in the far corner, tensed as they approached. He didn’t speak but still Sevika glowered angrily. He blanched and quickly donned his over-ear headphones. Vi took the third mat along to break her line of vision and raised an eyebrow curiously. Sevika took the fourth.

Vi muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like confirmation, as she was forced into position. At the movement her back made an embarrassing series of cracking and popping sounds that had Sevika tutting.

"Whatever it is, just... don't be yourself," Sevika advised sagely as she dropped smoothly into her own stretch. Maybe Vi was the geriatric one.

"Wow. You're so lucky pretty boy is holding me back right now!" Vi threatened, gesturing behind her to the mat where the man was… doing the splits.

Catching her gesture, Jayce glanced over. When Sevika fixed him with an even more severe glare, he immediately raised his palms in surrender. Shaking his head, he abandoned his workout and made a hasty retreat towards the exit. Vi couldn't blame him.

“Pfft, his muscles are even more for show than yours.” Sevika scoffed. Vi had no idea what was going on between those two. If only there was a way to find out.

“What's going on between you two?” Vi voiced her thought instantly.

“None of your business.” Sevika grouched as she finished her routine. Vi copying with more groaning and inifinitely worse form.

“I thought we were catching up on our problems? Girl talk.” Vi whined.

“Talking to you won't help me. You’re just nosy.” Sevika grabbed her water bottle and took a long drink before gesturing vaguely towards the corner of the gym.

“So there is a problem?” Vi pondered on the handful of interactions she’d seen between Sevika and Talis over the years. Nothing came to mind.

“Yes, there is a problem. Your sister.” Sevika interrupted her and placed her hands on her hips.

“Here we go.” Vi groaned loudly at the unsubtle subject change. She prepared for the rant she’d heard many times over the years.

“She still refuses to do anything but sit in that corner and commentate with Ekko. Even when he joins in for the team games all she does it distract my classes.” Sevika holds up her hands as she furiously counts of Powder’s many infractions on her fingers. Vi zones out as the older woman continues to spout about her sister’s wrongdoings. “You need to tell her to respect me in my classroom! When was the last time she got off her ass and actually exercised?"

"Tell her? You think I have any control over what Powder does?" Vi laughs, before adding. "You know she’s not the athletic type.”

Sevika's face twisted into a scowl. "At least she used to pretend to try. Now she just sits there with that boy! Critiquing everyone else's form and writing in that notebook of hers."

"Hey, at least she shows up for your class. That's respectful. More than most of the professors can say." Vi pointed out with a shrug having given up long ago. Powder still somehow managed to ace all her classes. With the exception of physical education, where she was considerably below average. Though Vi suspected that would be failing if it weren't for the gym teachers soft spot. "Plus, I know you secretly enjoy her commentary."

Sevika's only response was a noncommittal grunt, but Vi caught the slight upward twitch of her lips.

Vi tiredly gathered her things as they finished stretching. Her shoulders slumped with exhaustion. “I can feel pain in places I’ve never felt before.” She stated, dully.

"At least you'll have your health," Sevika said with a smirk, clearly enjoying Vi's suffering. "Even if your love life continues to suffer.”

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Vi muttered, wincing as she shouldered her gym bag. Her muscles were already protesting at the way she’d treated them.

"Anytime," Sevika replied, turning back to her routine as if Vi had never interrupted it in the first place. "Now get out of my gym."

“You’re still not done?” Vi gaped, watching incredulously as the woman marched towards the stair master.

Vi had never left the gym faster.

Vi was still sore twelve hours later as she paced her apartment.

A brief text had been shot to Powder informing her that she was going to spend the evening at the bar with Loris. Her fellow janitor was the perfect cover man. After all, it was highly unlikely he’d spill something and expose her.

The white lie had her sister proclaiming she was boring and would not be coming over. She swallowed her guilt as she recalled the last time Powder had barged in on her with a woman.

She had texted Caitlyn during lunch, offering to pick her up and walk her to the block, but Caitlyn declined. Simply stating that she would head back to her place first before making the quick walk over. A follow-up message from Caitlyn stating she couldn't wait to see her had Vi's heart racing.

The janitor was secretly relieved that her gentlemanly gesture had been rejected. The last thing she needed was Powder catching her walking her professor past the dorms. Plus word spread through the school quickly enough as it was. She would’ve had to disguise herself somehow. A notoriously difficult feat with vibrant pink hair.

Vi had changed and started on dinner as soon as she’s arrived home. Rushing out on Loris just as he opened his mouth to grunt goodbye. And maybe she did put on her most flattering pair of boxers. Not that she was expecting Caitlyn to jump her again or anything. She was just prepared for every eventuality.

She glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time in the past hour. Her stomach churned with anxiety as she watched the minutes tick by. Each one stretching longer than the last. School had ended an hour ago, and still no sign of Caitlyn. She paced her apartment, occasionally pausing to adjust things that didn't need adjusting. When the frame that held a picture of a grumpy Vander frowning in a werewolf costume had been tweaked for the seventh time, she gave up on waiting.

Her phone was in her hand before she realized it, thumb hovering over the cupcake contact. Just as she was about to be a chill person and very casually type out a laidback message, her doorbell rang.

Vi waited approximately two laidback seconds and then eagerly snatched opened the door.

Her breath caught in her throat. Very quickly she understood the delay. Caitlyn stood in her doorway, wrapped in a tailored expense looking wool coat. The fabric was cinched tightly at her waist and her legs were bare, hinting at what Vi could only assume was an equally stunning dress underneath. Her hair was swept up elegantly, save for two loose strands that perfectly framed her face. But it was her lips that first drew Vi's attention, painted a deep, rich crimson that quirked up in amusement at obvious staring.

Vi's mouth went dry as her eyes then traced the line of Caitlyn's coat where belt was tied. Hugging her waist just enough to give Vi some inappropriate thoughts. She forced herself to look back up at Caitlyn's face, only to find those crimson lips curved into a knowing smirk.

"Did you dress up for me?" Vi finally managed to ask with a weak grin, leaning against the doorframe.

"Of course I did," Caitlyn replied with a small smile that made Vi's stomach flip.

Vi's heart fluttered at the admission, though she couldn't help but feel a bit bewildered. Here was Caitlyn, looking like she'd stepped off a runway, just to have dinner in Vi’s tiny apartment. The same apartment where the coffee table doubled as a dining table and the couch was rescued from a dorm room clear-out.

Then again, remembering the sprawling mansion Caitlyn called home, maybe it made sense. Vi imagined if she ever had dinner with Caitlyn's parents, a terrifying thought, she'd probably need to rent a three-piece suit just to feel halfway presentable. Even the mental image of herself trying to navigate that dinner made her feel sick.

As Vi let her in, she found herself wondering if this was a date or just a precursor for sex and eggs. When exactly did dinner end and a date begin? The line seemed particularly blurry when your guest had already seen you naked.

Vi took her coat and swallowed as toned arms came into view. The lilac scent of Caitlyn’s perfume wraps around her as she clutches the coat in her arms.

She glanced around the room and realisation hit Vi suddenly. She now understood why Caitlyn had been so hesitant to take her back to her apartment that first night. Having someone in your space was incredibly exposing. She would still argue that taking someone to your parent’s house was a far riskier option. But maybe if she still had that option she’d do the same. Unfortunately, her parent’s house was long since demolished.

She also understood why Caitlyn had been so frazzled the other evening. She hadn't even had time to prepare. To hide away the embarrassing stuff like Vi.

Vi's eyes darted around her apartment with newfound scrutiny. Picking out all the imperfections she'd missed in her cleaning frenzy. The worn spots on the couch. The slightly crooked Vander frame she'd given up adjusting, and most glaringly tonight, the complete lack of a proper dining table. They were expensive and she didn't have any space for one anyway. She'd never felt self-conscious about eating at her coffee table before. But suddenly she was acutely aware of how it might look to someone like Caitlyn.

She had already set her tiny coffee table with their plates and cutlery, the warm glow of candles casting a soft light across the empty dishes. It looked a little silly now. "Sorry about the setup," she apologised, gesturing to the modest arrangement.

"It's perfect," Caitlyn assured her with a fond smile, inhaling deeply. "It smells delicious."

Vi brightened immediately. “You too! I mean- thank you! It’s pomegranate chicken.” She states proudly as she gestures for Caitlyn to take a seat on the couch. After hanging up her coat she lingers in front of the couch awkwardly. Evenutally deciding the best way to dissipate this feeling was the old Vander strategy. “Drink? I have cheap wine..."

“Yes please.” Caitlyn smiled and Vi is glad the other woman also appeared nervous.

As Caitlyn sipped her wine, her eyes wandered around Vi's apartment. Lingering on the surprisingly well-stocked bookshelf. Her gaze settled on a framed photograph of Vi with Powder. She picked up the frame to peer more closely at the photo. "Ah, Powder Walden. She was in my advanced placement class earlier this week."

"How was she?" Vi asked knowingly. She masks her grin as Caitlyn pauses for a long moment. Vi watched as the professor bites her lip. Seemingly thinking very carefully about her next words.

"She's clearly gifted. Very intelligent," Caitlyn offered diplomatically, "If a little… distracting during my lectures."

"Don't sugar coat it, cupcake," Vi chuckled as she pointed at the picture, settling down next to Caitlyn. It depicted a younger Vi, half bent over wincing whilst tiny Powder hung off her shoulders, a small hand clutching pink hair for purchase. “She’s a handful, for sure.”

“A little, her enthusiasm seems more geared toward physical chemistry than pure physics.” Caitlyn mused as her finger absentmindedly traced the rim of the wine glass. Vi’s eyes followed the movement with rapt attention. “Her questions were quite insightful, even if they weren't entirely relevant to our discussion. I’m sure she’ll enjoy next terms focus on quantum mechanics. There’s a lot of overlap."

Vi nodded, not quite registering the details but warming at how well Caitlyn seemed to understand her sister. "Yeah, that tracks. She's always been into mixing things up. Back at the bar she’d mix these potions out drinks and make me test them.” At that Caitlyn giggles and angles her body closer towards Vi.

A loud beeping from the kitchen interrupts them before anything can get started. Vi shoots up from her seat with a start.

"Sorry, that's the chicken. Five minutes," she promises over her shoulder, already rushing toward the kitchen.

When she returned, she caught Caitlyn hastily tucking something into her purse. The telltale glint of a compact mirror made Vi smirk. Caitlyn's cheeks flushed slightly as she noticed Vi's knowing look.

"You look perfect." Vi teased, her eyes meeting Caitlyn’s sincerly as she neared the couch. "I think you're the best dressed person this apartment has ever seen." With that Vi set the steaming plates on the coffee table with a flourish. Caitlyn's eyes widened as she surveyed the perfectly arranged meal before her.

"You made this?" She questioned, gesturing at her plate in astonishment. “Without a recipe?”

Vi preened at the reaction, nodding as she settled onto her footstool across from where Caitlyn sat on the couch. She pulled her knees up to her chest, balancing her own plate carefully. If they were to both sit on the couch they'd have to press against each other. The coffee table wasn't too wide.

Caitlyn let out an exasperated sigh as she watched. Patting the empty space beside her on the couch. "We can sit together, you know. It'll be easier to talk that way."

Vi hesitated for only a moment before joining Caitlyn on the couch, setting her plate on the coffee table. As soon as Vi was settled, Caitlyn dug into her food with surprising enthusiasm. Vi watched, amused, as the usually composed woman devoured her meal. Seemingly forgetting her presence entirely. When Caitlyn was nearly halfway through her plate, she finally looked up, appearing somewhat abashed.

"Sorry," she said, sheepishly dabbing at her mouth with one of the napkins Vi had stolen from the canteen. "This is delicious. I haven't really had a proper meal this entire week."

"No?" Vi asked with exaggerated shock. Her mind instantly casting back to the sparse contents of the woman's fridge.

"It’s true.” Caitlyn nods seriously, not registering Vi’s tone, which makes her feel a little bad. “Before moving here I lived with my parents. My father was the cook of the family. Mother and I are rather useless at this kind of thing."

Vi grinned. "I could teach you the recipe some time, if you'd like?"

Caitlyn nodded determinedly, though her expression was wary. "I should warn you, I'm not very good. I've tried recipes before, but I get frustrated when they’re rather abstract. Things like 'a pinch of salt' or 'season to taste.' I always end up with either no flavour or far too much.” She sighs disappointedly, before perking up as she adds. “Though my baking is much better. The instructions are usually far more precise."

"That makes sense." Vi's lips curled into a teasing smile. "You look like you'd be good at following instructions."

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow in response. "I am," she whispered coquettishly. “Even better at giving them."

Vi choked on an errant pomegranate seed.

After they both finished eating the atmosphere was charged. Vi practically leapt up, gathering their plates and hurrying to the kitchen. She returned moments later with dessert, presenting it with a puffed chest.

Caitlyn melted at the sight of the tiramisu. "You're very talented," she said seriously.

Vi beamed at the praise as they finished eating. Finally abandoning the dishes for morning cleanup, she returned to the couch with a smirk. "So I'm guessing you want a taste of my eggs now?" She winced at the wording, but the implication that she wanted Caitlyn to stay over was clear.

"Well, it would be rude not to." Caitlyn smirked and leaned in closer.

Vi's eyes dropped to Caitlyn's painted lips, finally giving up any illusion of restraint. She twisted her hand around Caitlyn's neck, pulling her in for a searing kiss, her other hand gently gripping at Caitlyn's bare shoulder. Caught by surprise, Caitlyn clutched at Vi's wrist before her mind catches up. She slowly slides her hands up to cradle Vi's head.

Caitlyn reciprocates the kiss, moving to lean further over Vi who falls backwards into the couch cushions. Her hands landed on the armrest on either side of Vi's head as she leaned over her, their lips still locked together. Vi's large calloused hands dropped to Caitlyn's waist as she eagerly leans up into the kiss.

A sudden electronic beeping noise startled them both. Vi's hip had bumped against something wedged between the couch cushions. The taste of coffee and cocoa powder lingered on Vi’s tongue as they broke apart, breathing heavily.

The TV screen flickered to life, illuminating the darkened room. Vi groaned, realising she'd missed one Ekko's controllers during her cleaning frenzy.

"Sorry, let me just..." Vi reached for the power button, but Caitlyn's hand caught her wrist. The professor's eyes were locked on the screen, where the Mortal Kombat menu cycled through character previews.

"You play this?" Caitlyn asked, gesturing at the screen with unexpected enthusiasm.

"Oh, well it's more Ekko's thing, but yeah, a little," Vi answered uncertainly with a shrug, studying Caitlyn's face. She reached for the controller again but was stopped once more by Caitlyn's hand.

"Can we play?" Caitlyn asked, her previous ardor completely forgotten as she looked at Vi with pleading eyes. Vi shifted under the woman who was still straddling her legs. Her dress had ridden up as a result of her activities and was now resting at mid thigh. Vi bit her lip painfully hard.

"You want to play? Now?" Vi questioned incredulously. "You're into this kind of stuff?"

Caitlyn nodded eagerly. "My mother only allowed educational games when I was young. But I spent a summer at Jayce's when I was younger. Back when he was still dating Mel, and I... may have developed a slight addiction to this particular title." She smiled sheepishly. "I didn't move from his couch for three days straight until Mel finally confiscated the console. After that, I started sneaking over to play until Mother banned extended visits entirely."

Vi couldn't help but laugh at Caitlyn's enthusiasm as she eagerly grabbed a controller. That laughter died in her throat as she realised Caitlyn was serious about playing. Vi cleared her throat and slowly sat up. She side-eyed the woman who only had eyes for the screen.

“Sure, why not.” Vi had little willpower in the face of Caitlyn’s excited smile. It was cute.

It was less cute when she proceeded to absolutely destroy Vi’s character within seconds of the match beginning. Five matches later, Vi hadn't managed to land more than a few hits.

"I'm so sorry," Caitlyn said, not sounding sorry at all as she executed another flawless fatality. Her eyes were bright with competitive fire. Fingers flying over the controller with practiced precision. Vi slumped as she wondered if Powder and Ekko might be right about her sucking.

"Maybe you'd like to play online?" Vi suggested weakly, trying to salvage what remained of her dignity. "You know, against someone who might actually present a challenge?"

Caitlyn's eyes lit up at the suggestion. Vi settled back to watch, finding herself oddly captivated by her intense focus. Her elegant dress served an amusing contrast, as she systematically demolished opponent after opponent.

When one particularly nasty player started goading her through the chat, Caitlyn's proper accent took on a dangerous edge. "Listen here, you absolute wanker-" she snarled into Vi’s headset. She then proceeded to execute the most brutal combination Vi had ever witnessed.

Vi shifted uncomfortably in her seat, finding Caitlyn's commanding presence unexpectedly arousing. Her slightly too snug boxers felt quite restrictive under her jeans. She now understood exactly why Mrs. Kiramman had banned these games.

Still, watching Caitlyn's face light up with each victory. Her usual composed demeanor replaced with unrestrained joy, made Vi's heart swell. She couldn't help but smile encouragingly when Caitlyn turned to her with a triumphant grin after another win. She leaned in and pecked Vi on the lips.

As the night wore on, Vi found herself thoroughly enjoying their unconventional evening. Caitlyn, still perched elegantly on the couch despite her fierce gaming stance, handed Vi the headset with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Here, you handle the trash talk while I play." she encouraged. Her fingers already dancing across the controller in preparation for the next match.

Vi grinned wickedly, slipping the headset on. Finally, something she could excel at. As Caitlyn decimated their opponents with surgical precision, Vi unleashed a barrage of creative insults, that had Caitlyn struggling to maintain her composure.

"Oh, you think that was good?" Vi taunted what was likely a sixteen year old boy into the mic after a particularly impressive combo from Caitlyn. "Wait till you see what's coming next, you little-"

The night continued in this fashion until a notification popped up on screen. Vi’s account had received a chat ban. They stared at it for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"I suppose that's our cue," Caitlyn yawned, finally setting down the controller. "Thank you for tonight." She whispered.

The adrenaline was wearing off, and exhaustion was setting in. Vi watched as Caitlyn's eyes grew heavy, her head gradually drooping onto Vi's shoulder.

Vi didn't have the heart nor the functioning upper body to move them to the bedroom after her gym session. Instead, she carefully adjusted their position on the couch. Pulling Caitlyn close as they both drifted off to sleep.

The game's menu music playing softly in the background.

Chapter Text

Vi stirs as a delicate touch tickles across her cheek.

Her nose twitches at the feeling and she sniffs, mind still foggy with sleep. Another light touch dances across her cheek. Suddenly her eyes snap open in panic. He was back.

Vi had developed a somewhat adveserial relationship with one particularly bold mouse. She'd nicknamed Mister Cheese.

He had taken up residence in her apartment months ago and been harassing her ever since. At first, she'd tried to bargain with him, laying out traps baited with peanut butter instead of poison. But the guy was too clever for his own good. She was half a jar of peanut butter down before eventually giving up.

Their latest encounter had been just a week ago. It was dark when she'd stumbled into the kitchen for a midnight snack. There they stood, locked in an intense standoff. Their silhouettes dramatic in the dim light of the open refrigerator. Vi swore the mouse had actually smirked at her before darting away into the shadows. He was taunting her.

And now her was back to finish what he started.

With a yelp, she twists violently away from the tickle. Unfortunately forgetting she'd fallen asleep wrapped up in Caitlyn on her comfortable, yet small couch.

Her momentum carries her right over the armrest and she lands with a solid thud onto her back. The carpeted floor doing little to cushion her landing as she let out a pained groan.

Caitlyn floats into her field of vision with concern written across her features. Only slightly diminished by the giggling she’s trying to suppress. "I’m so sorry! I didn’t realise your tattoo was so sensitive…”

Vi lets her head drop back down to the floor with a thunk. She's being mocked. Her hand reaching up to palm the ink marking her cheek. Half to remember the feeling of Caitlyn’s touch and half to hide the redness.

From her vantage point of the floor, she swears she glimpsed four little legs scurrying under a bookshelf.

“I might stay down here forever.”

“Please don’t do that. I like looking at your tattoo…” Caitlyn responded in a faraway tone.

Vi stares at the ceiling and waits patiently for her to continue. When Caitlyn simply trails off she forgets all plans of becoming a carpet mite and sits up straight. She leans back on her palms as she turns to look Caitlyn, whose eyes has settled decidedly lower.

Vi follows her gaze to where her shirt had ridden up. Exposing her lower abs and the seam of her nicest boxers that was peeking out above her jeans. She had fallen asleep in her jeans?

At Caitlyn’s lingering look she decides not to fix up her dishevelled appearance. Instead reaching up in an exaggerated yawn to pull her shirt up further.

At that Caitlyn’s eyes dart up to hers and catch the smug smirk dancing across her face.

“It’s a school day. We don’t have time for this.” Caitlyn warns, her brow pinching and eyes narrowing in displeasure.

"Oh, such a shame. I’ll have to tell you about my future tattoo some other time." Vi says casually, leaning back on her hands into a slouch as her legs purposefully splay open. One of her jean clad legs propped up and the other extended ahead of her in a viscous and intentional manspread. “Planning to get my whole back done someday…"

There's a pause. When Vi glances up, she notices Caitlyn's eyes have darkened considerably.

"Are you serious?" Caitlyn asks, voice pitched slightly lower than usual.

"Yeah, I mean, Powder's already sketched it all out for me and everything. I would’ve got it years ago if it didn’t cost..." Vi starts to explain, but her mouth snaps shut as Caitlyn moves around the couch to loom over her. Placing a firm hand on each of Vi's spread knees.

The contact does funny things to Vi’s insides.

"Show me," Caitlyn demands, and Vi's breath catches in her throat.

Vi lets out a weary laugh and shuffles across the carpet to the bookshelf. She feels hungry eyes on her back as pulls out one of Powder's many old sketchbooks. As she pulls it out the overloaded shelf creaks and she has to steady the remaining books with her other palm. This particular notebook has a large stencil poking out from between its pages. Carefully, she slips it out and holds it up for inspection. Presenting her sister’s work with a proud smile.

Caitlyn's eyes are hungry as she scans the drawing of thick black industrial lines wrapped in smoke. Her teeth catch her bottom lip. "Show me properly," she says, patting the couch beside her.

When a perturbed Vi joins her, Caitlyn motions for her to turn around.

Who was Vi to deny her. She shivers as nails graze her lower back with intention. Caitlyn asks an urgent, "Is this okay?"

At Vi's nod, she lifts the shirt up and over ruffled pink hair. Vi clutches the fabric to her front in an attempt at modesty, despite knowing Caitlyn's seen it all before.

The cool air raises goosebumps across her now-bare back. Cold paper presses against her muscular back as Caitlyn goes silent. Vi tries to twist enough to catch a glimpse of her expression. She hopes the other woman likes it. "So... what do you think?"

She feels pressure on her back as Caitlyn presses down at the beginning of the tattoo. She traces one of the thick sweeping lines downwards. Slowly following the curve from her shoulder down to where it trails off at her lower back.

A soft kiss is pressed to the base of her neck. Vi’s heart stutters as she tries to relax her back into the burning touch.

"It's beautiful," Caitlyn responds softly. "I will pay for this." She adds, nodding resolutely.

Vi laughs incredulously, shaking her head. "No way, that's way too much for a gift. We're talking thousands here, Cupcake."

"It would be more of a gift to myself," Caitlyn mutters disappointedly, under her breath. Her fingers trailing along the edge of the paper as she pouts.

"Absolutely not." Vi's tone brooks no argument as she quickly pulls her shirt back on, movements jerky. When Caitlyn's mouth opens to protest, Vi cuts her off with a firm, "Drop it, please."

Caitlyn's lips press into a thin line but she doesn't push further. Though her eyes linger longingly on the design as Vi carefully folds it and returns it to its place between the pages of Powder's sketchbook.

Vi felt a little bad about shutting Caitlyn down but she wasn’t some charity case. This was something important to her. The design meant a lot. To carry on her back a permanent reminder of where she’d come from and who she’s lost. A rebellion against the system she’d somehow found herself becoming a cog in. And not even an important cog. She was the clean up crew for rich kids.

It wouldn’t mean the same if it came free because some pocket change had been thrown her way. It should come from her own blood, sweat and tears... Even if that meant she had to wait a while.

An uncomfortable silence settles between them after Vi returns the sketchbook to its shelf. She glances at her phone, wincing at the time. "We should probably start getting ready soon." At least it was Friday, she thinks to herself with relief.

Caitlyn shifts on the couch, her fingers twisting together in her lap. "Are you upset with me?" she asks directly, her voice soft but worried. "If I've offended you, I truly didn't mean to. I'm sorry."

Vi lets out a long sigh, her shoulders dropping. "No, I'm not upset. I'm sorry for snapping." She offers a crooked smile, trying to ease the tension. "I guess my tattoos really are sensitive after all."

Caitlyn cracks an unsure smile, like she's not quite certain if it's okay to laugh yet. The expression makes Vi's heart clench with guilt. Here was Caitlyn, who had only been showing affection, getting snapped at because Vi couldn't handle her own issues.

"Really, Cupcake, we're good," Vi says softly, reaching out to squeeze Caitlyn's hand. "I just get weird about... stuff sometimes. Not your fault at all."

Caitlyn's smile grows more genuine at the contact. Vi brightens, suddenly remembering a perfect way to change the subject. She bounces to her feet and grabs Caitlyn’s wrist, gently pulling her to her feet. Dragging her along into Vi’s modest kitchen. They look a little ridiculous for this time in the morning. Vi in her very rumpled shirt and bedhead, pulling along Caitlyn in her too short dress.

Vi moves to her fridge and begins gathering items as Caitlyn peers around the room curiously. The morning light filtered through a single window above the sink, where last night's dishes still waited patiently to be washed. Outside of that, everything else was nice and tidy. Pots and pans hung neatly from hooks on the wall. Mismatched tea towels added splashes of colour to the handles of the cabinets.

"So, you never answered me the other day. How’d ya like your eggs in the morning?" Vi asks as she emerges from the fridge and presents a carton of eggs to Caitlyn’s eye line.

“Oh, well I suppose I like the ones the academy’s canteen prepare. You know the one’s you can take on the go?”

Vi freezes, eggs in hand, and the colour drains from her face.

“The cold pre-packaged boiled eggs…?”

When Vi had first caught site of the breakfast option shortly after landing her job, she had almost slapped Benzo. She had already lost too many family members. She wasn’t about to let Powder get taken away from her by some bird-born disease.

After threatening the man in his own kitchen, she had listened to him rationalise that he had no control over the menu. All the while poking at a particularly moist specimen he had pulled out of his commercial grade boiler. It had a pearlescent sheen and wobbled vigourously. To this day the image haunted Vi.

Vi had always wondered what type of person was snatching up an egg for the road. As it turns out, it was her type.

“Do you add anything to them? Hot sauce? Salt?” She asks, pleading with Caitlyn to throw her a bone.

“They're good as is.” Caitlyn responds, oblivious to Vi’s sheer horror. She’s staring distractedly at the novelty apron Vi has hanging from a hook on the back of the kitchen door. It featured the body of a very well-endowed woman, adorned in a very skimpy red bikini. It was a gift from Powder.

Vi tears up at the image of an overworked Caitlyn scurrying to the canteen in the mornings. Foraging for scraps and filling up her cheeks with boiled eggs for the winter. Returning to her cold physics lab to swallow them down with a cup of perfume infused tea. Like some strange mongoose-chipmunk hybrid that hungered for the yolk.

She blinks back her tears and places both hands on Caitlyn’s shoulders. “I’m going to feed you so good, okay? You won't have to suffer anymore.” Vi states resolutely. At the contact Caitlyn finally pulls her gaze away from the busty apron to look down at Vi with confusion.

“It's really not that bad.” Caitlyn shrugs.

“Shhh. It will all be okay soon.” Vi assures her and slowly pushes her shoulders until she’s a safe distance from the stove.

With practiced ease, Vi whips up two servings of her legendary scrambled eggs. Finally. Caitlyn watches her with slight awe as she finishes them up with a flourish and a dash of cream.

Neatly layering them over a two golden slices of sourdough. The academy wouldn’t miss one loaf. A fork is thrust into Caitlyn’s hand. She takes a bite.

“Wow…”

“Yeah…”

“Perhaps it was that bad.”

“Yeah.”

“Will you date me, please?”

“Yea- Wait what?” Vi’s head snaps up from her own food. Caitlyn has abandoned her eggs and is blushing furiously. At Vi’s attention she straightens and grips the fork tightly, her knuckles turning white.

Caitlyn licks her lips nervously before continuing, "I know I messed up our evening yesterday and probably ruined the mood, but I'd really like to make it up to you. Would you be interested in going on a proper date with me? This Sunday, perhaps?"

Vi stares at Caitlyn, her mouth slightly agape as her brain tries to process what just happened. She had never been asked on a proper date before. Of course, she had dated, but looking the way she did... Well it kind of made girls expect her to do the asking. Her heart does a little flip in her chest at the earnest look in Caitlyn's eyes. She swallows hard as warmth blooms in her chest.

"Yeah, I’d love that Cupcake." Vi breathes out, her voice soft but certain. She can't help the crooked smile that spreads across her face, "You didn’t mess it up by the way. I had fun."

Caitlyn's answering smile is radiant, making Vi's heart skip another beat. She reaches across the small space between them to take Vi's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Perfect," she says softly, before returning to her eggs with a pleased expression. It makes Vi want to cook her breakfast every morning for the rest of their lives.

Friday drags by at an agonising pace as Vi finds herself wishing she didn't have the evening shift.

The mundane routine of mopping her way through the Piltover Academy corridors allowed her mind to wander.

Vi finds herself obsessing over what Caitlyn might have planned. The woman cooking for her was out of the question, so she could hazard a guess that they would venture out to a restaraunt. She hopes it's not somewhere too fancy, one of those places without prices on the menu.

Vi could just picture herself showing up and the eyes of Piltover’s elite glancing her way. Making snide remarks about how she was dressed, her tattoo or how she used the wrong spoon to slurp her soup. The fancy waiter scolding her for picking the wrong wine and kicking them out, whilst snobby patrons snickered.

Worst of all, she imagined Caitlyn growing embarrassed of her.

So maybe she was spiralling, just a little.

Part of her wishes she could talk to Powder about it, but after the Sarah situation, she's wary of making her sister feel jealous or uncomfortable. It does suck though because she would know the exact right thing to say to make her feel better. Buried under six equivalent layers of sarcasm and sass.

Powder had been surprisingly absent since their taco night. She’d usually show up in impromptu visits to Vi’s apartment multiple times a week. Often sleeping over and having to sneak back to the dorms in the morning before anyone noticed her absence.

Were it any other week, Vi probably would have noticed and demanded an explanation. This week she had been rather distracted.

It was still suspicious though.

All she'd received by way of contact was a cryptic text from Powder earlier in the week. It simply stated that she wanted to show her something.

When Powder didn't materialise by the time Vi returned home on Friday, she was starting to get paranoid.

The last time Powder had said those words, the "something" had literally blown up in Vi's face. Her eyebrows had taken weeks to grow back. The worst part was she couldn't even properly express her annoyance without them. Much to Ekko’s amusement, who had been present in the chemistry labs and a willing accomplice to Vi’s mutilation.

Saturday morning rolls around with still no response from Powder,. Vi decides the best way to distract herself is to exhaust herself in the gym and then spend the day reading. She even spams some cardio to justify lazing in bed for the next twelve hours.

Sevika is absent for once, having likely stuck to her insane five o’clock schedule. Meaning she would have been long gone before Vi rolled out of bed.

Afterwards, exhausted from both the workout and the emotional rollercoaster of the past week, she retreats to her bed with a book.

Wrapped in her blankets like a burrito to insulate from her apartment's terrible hearing, Vi sets about wasting the day away.

Around mid-afternoon, as Vi's attempting to turn a page with her nose to avoid extracting her arms from her warm cocoon, her door slams open with a bang. She doesn't even flinch this time. Only one person lacked such respect for her.

"Vi, where are you!" Powder calls out, despite there being only one place in the tiny apartment not visible from the doorway. Unnecessary.

Vi doesn't respond, listening as Powder shuffles around in the living room. There's the sound of cupboards opening and closing in the kitchen, followed by what Vi suspects is the rustling of Powder stealing all her snacks. The clattering continues for several minutes before footsteps approach her bedroom.

"Oh, you're being boring," Powder states from the doorway. Munching on what sounds suspiciously like Vi's last bag of chips.

Vi huffs and burrows deeper into her blanket cocoon, refusing to acknowledge the accusation. The book balanced precariously on her chest slides off and lands with a soft thump on the floor. The mattress dips as Powder flops down beside her, still crunching away at Vi's chips.

“Don’t get crumbs in my bed.” She states. Powder simply raises an eyebrow. She stares pointedly down at the various wrappers that had accumulated around Vi over the morning. “It’s my bed and I did cardio today.”

"Come on, I have something to show you," she says, poking at Vi's blanket fortress. Vi groans and burrows deeper, determined to ignore her sister's attempts at disruption. Eventually though, curiosity gets the better of her and she emerges from her cocoon to peer around the room suspiciously.

"I better keep not lose my eyebrows this time." she warns, eyeing her sister warily.

"Oh my god, let it go! It was one time!" Powder whines, throwing her hands up dramatically. "And they grew back! Eventually..." When Vi reaches to pick up her book but Powder snatches it away. She then moves across the room and sets it by the door, well out of Vi’s cocoon radius. "Just go look in the living room." She adds with a huff, already heading back towards the kitchen.

Vi narrows her eyes at her sister's retreating back and then at her book. With telekinesis once again failing her, curiosity wins out. With a groan, she untangles herself from her blanket fortress and pads out to the living room.

She freezes in the doorway.

There, perched on her couch and sipping contentedly from one of Vi’s pre-workout juice pouches, is a small child. The TV is playing cartoons at a low volume as the kid’s legs dangle in the air, swinging happily. The child turns to look at Vi with large round eyes.

"Uh, hi?"

Blink blink.

"Who are you?"

Blink blink.

"Okay... Powder?" Vi calls out nervously, not taking her eyes off the mysterious child on her couch.

Powder emerged from the kitchen with a large bowl of popcorn and handed it to the tiny person on Vi’s couch. She beams up at her sister with adoring eyes and promptly stuff her entire face in the bowl. Munching through the salty treat using only their mout. Powder grins as she ruffles the kid’s hair fondly.

“Oh hey Vi. Look what I found.”

“Yeah, I see her.” Vi snaps as she takes in the intercation. She reaches up to press her hands into her closed eye, rubbing furiously in frustration. When she opens her eyes the kid is still there. “Who is she?”

“Isha.”

“Okay, what’s she doing here?”

“Vi, how many sisters do you have?” Powder asked, her eyes wide and staring at Vi seriously.

Vi paused at that. Powder’s tone almost made her question her instinctive answer, before she shook her head. What on earth was going on. “One…”

“No…” Powder drawled teasingly as she waggled her eyebrows.

“Yes…?” Vi responded hesitantly.

“I found another one!” Powder gleefully, drawing out the last word until It turned into more of a squeal. She lifted Isha from the couch and spun her around in the popcorn flew everywhere. Vi winced. The two spun for a second as Vi stewed in her disbelief until they flopped back onto the couch giggling.

“Powder, you can’t just bring random kids to my apartment! I could get in trouble. Ekko’s not even supposed to come here.” Vi scolded as she watches the kid turn to her with puppy dog eyes. A small frown blooming on her tiny features. She picked up the popcorn bowl and slumped of the couch until her feet hit the floor. She marched up to Vi and held up the bowl, her little arms shaking with effort to hold it up.

Okay, that was fucking cute.

Vi sighs and takes the bowl from the kid's tiny hands, ruffling her hair with her free hand.

“Explain.” She shoots at Powder as she takes a handful of popcorn before setting it back down on the coffee table for Isha.

"She's a new first year at the Academy," Powder explains, her expression softening as she looks at Isha. "She's from Zaun, like us. An orphan too." Her sisters wide eyes stare at her imploringly. "They had to let her in after she kept showing up all their precious Piltie nerds at their own math competitions." Powder continues with a hint of pride in her voice. "She's basically a genius."

Vi glances down at Isha, who's staring intently at her hands in her lap. "Doesn't talk much, huh?"

"No," Powder's expression darkens. "Some losers tried to give her trouble for it too. But I taught them a lesson they won't forget."

Isha looks up at that, a small smirk playing at her lips that matches Powder's mischievous grin perfectly. Vi decides she definitely doesn't want to know what her sister did. Blissful ignorance.

"Fine, she can stay. But you're cleaning up this mess." She fixes Powder a pointed look before settling onto the couch next to them. Unable to resist as Isha immediately snuggles into her side. “And no more pre-workout for you.” She adds, tugging the juice pouch from tiny hands, replacing it with a handful of popcorn.

Chapter Text

Powder unceremoniously adopting a child had served as a perfect distraction from Vi’s upcoming date.

After growing bored of cartoons, her sister had ended up giving their new sibling on a whirlwind tour of Vi's tiny apartment. Dragging along an eager Isha by the hand. The younger girl peering around with an awed expression that her bedroom did not deserve. Especially not with the state it was in, after her morning of date induced decay.

Vi had stared, unamused from the doorway as the two jumped on her bed, both gleefully giggling. She narrowed her eyes at Powder who was purposefully encouraging the behaviour. All while wearing a wicked smirk for her sister's benefit. They then streaked past her, still snickering, to the living room. Vi had sighed and mournfully eyed her bed for a long minute. When she eventually followed them out of the room she found them slouched on the couch. Flipping through one of Powder’s old sketchbooks.

One impromptu art session later and Vi had some brand new art pieces decorating her fridge. A crudely drawn stick figure family of three holding hands. Vi could at least appreciate the pink haired stick had some lumps attached to the arms. Supposedly representing her biceps.

Rather than take part, Vi had observed from the couch as they sprawled across her living room floor. Powder had interrupted Vi’s peace by subtly implying she should make them lunch. Loudly and abruptly stating that she was starving to death and pouting at up at her.

By the time she had fed them it was growing dark. She managed to kick them out, saying she didn’t want to catch a case for kidnapping. Powder had of course protested vehemently that the Piltie’s wouldn't even notice. Something which Vi thought was unfortunately true for an orphan from Zaun. Still, she couldn’t have them sleeping over, asking too many questions when she ventured out for her date the following day.

Eventually she managed to get rid of her sister by bringing up her performance in gym class. A warning that she would set Sevika on her had them both rushing out the door.

After the kids finally cleared out, Vi found herself once again alone with her thoughts. The growing nervousness about her oncoming date returning. She hadn’t seen Caitlyn since Friday morning, but had received a text during shift the same day. It was a simple thank you for breakfast followed by the anxiety inducing: dress casual, noon pickup.

Caitlyn was a quite dry over text.

Vi desperately needed more details but she wasn't about to ask. That would be ridiculous. After tipping the entire contents of her closet onto the floor she was no further from where she started. She surveyed the small pile of clothing with calculating eyes and her hands resting crossly on her hips. Caitlyn really could have narrowed it down a little. Everything she owned was casual. She was born casual.

Why was this so hard? It wasn’t like she had never been on a date before.

Okay, maybe Vi had never really been on a proper date before. Sure, there had been a few kisses in high school. But between taking care of a sick Vander and looking after Powder, she'd never had time for dating.

Even after starting work at the Academy, her encounters with women had been few and far between. It wasn’t like she had a lot in common with the local population. If she did happen across a woman of the same persuasion, it was rare. It was even more rare occurrence that they would give her a second look. Not that she could blame them for dismissing the usually drunk woman wearing overalls and ranting at Loris. A clear signifier to any Piltie that she was below their station.

Vi knew she was attractive in the physical sense. She'd spent enough time in the gym and had landed enough hook-ups to know that.

Even then, it was always hookups rather than actual dates. Vi was overtly aware they were only interested in her body, and nothing else. Around here, she was the type you had fun with in private but wouldn't introduce to your Piltie friends. Someone who could scratch an itch but wasn't relationship material. Her tattoo’s, job, and general lack of refinement all marked her as temporary entertainment, rather than a serious prospect.

Deep down, Vi craved more than just physical connection. She wanted someone to stick around and share the mornings after with. But she'd learned to keep those desires buried, to accept what people were willing to give her. It was easier than facing rejection when they inevitably decided she wasn't the type of person they could bring home to meet their parents.

Her thing with Sarah had been the closest she’d gotten. Even then it had been nothing more than a short-lived fling.

After a few weeks of passionate encounters with the redhead, Vi had started feeling something more. She'd even saved up, thinking maybe they could go on an actual date to one of the nicer spots in the lower city. But when she'd casually brought up the idea of getting dinner together after a particularly heated night... Well, Sarah had laughed it off.

"Oh honey, don't worry about it," she'd said, still catching her breath as sweat glistened on her bare chest. "I know you're not the relationship type. I’m not either. This is just fun, right?"

Vi had forced a laugh and agreed, ignoring the tight feeling in her chest. She'd ended up using her date fund to take Powder out for a fancy brunch instead. At least her sister had appreciated the idea.

The whole thing had naturally fizzled out after the scandal broke. Her and Sarah’s involvement came to light, and she'd quickly disappeared from Vi’s life entirely. Despite them working in the same building, Vi hadn’t spoken to the woman since.

This time it felt different. Caitlyn had been the one to ask her. Caitlyn wanted to date her.

Vi sighed, staring at the disaster zone that was previously her bedroom floor. She wanted to impress Caitlyn but how could she when the majority of her jeans had rips in them. Usually if she wanted to impress a woman she’d just wear something sleeveless.

The thought of messing this date up made her feel sick. What if she did something stupid? What if she used the wrong spoon for her soup at whatever fancy place Caitlyn was taking her? Would they kick them out? She didn’t think she could handle Caitlyn being embarrassed by her.

Vi groaned and flopped back on her bed, surrounded by discarded clothing options. She was overthinking this. But something about Caitlyn made her want to try harder, to be better. It was terrifying.

She let herself flop onto her side, pulling her knees up to her chest. The clock on her bedside table mockingly displayed that it was now close to midnight. In just over 12 hours, she'd be face to face with Caitlyn again. Her stomach did a nervous flip at the thought.

Eventually, after hours of tossing and turning under mounds of discarded clothing, sleep finally claimed her.

When noon approached the next day Vi received yet another straightforward text from Caitlyn. Simply announcing her impending arrival.

Vi headed down to the staff parking lot, hands shoved deep in her pockets to hide nervous fidgeting. She had ended up settling for the casual combination of jeans and a tight fitting black t-shirt. Her most precious clothing item, an oversized brown leather jacket that belonged to a teenage Vander, was slung over her shoulders.

She scanned the parking lot and nearly stumbled when her eyes landed on what must be Caitlyn pulling up.

Sparkling like some alien spaceship and neatly parked next to Sevika's beat-up truck, was the most expensive car Vi had ever seen. The sleek silver finish caught the sunlight, making the vehicle shimmer. A gleaming silver hood ornament in the visage of a leaping greyhound stood proudly at the centre of the bonnet. The car was probably worth more than Vi’s entire life.

Vi's fight or flight instinct kicked in hard when the driver's door opened. Her fists clenching tightly in her pockets.

A long, bare leg emerged first, followed by a flash of deep red leather interior. The contrast between the pristine vehicle and the Sevika’s rust bucket was almost comical. She wouldn't bring it up to the gym teacher though. She enjoyed having her head attached to her shoulders.

Vi's palms began to sweat and she watched with rapt attention as Caitlyn stepped out. Looking effortlessly elegant and decidedly not casual.

The urge to bolt was overwhelming just like the morning after their one night stand. This time, Vi forced herself to stay put. She'd already run once and she wouldn't do it again. Mostly because Caitlyn now knew where she lived…

Her date was wearing a fitted navy dress that ended just above her knees. A matching colour long coat covered her shoulders. Vi just had to live with the knowledge that they were bare underneath. The fabric of her dress looked soft and tailored to perfection. Vi wanted to reach out and touch. Instead she shoved her hands deeper in her pockets. A pair of those exceeding high heels finished the not so casual ensemble.

Vi felt distinctly underdressed in comparison. Though the appreciative once-over Caitlyn gave her suggested maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.

Caitlyn waved awkwardly, a breathless "Vi" escaping her lips. She didn't say anything else, just stared at Vi with an unreadable expression. The longer she stared the more her anxiety grew. Vi frowned slightly, glancing down at her scuffed boots and worn jeans with growing uncertainty.

"You said casual?" Vi asked, a defensive edge creeping into her voice.

Caitlyn nodded eagerly. "Yes, casual," she agreed. Her eyes lingering appreciatively where Vi's shirt sleeves strained against her biceps. "You look amazing."

"Oh, well you clean up pretty nice yourself." Vi returned with a pleased smile. Some of her earlier nervousness fading at the compliment.

Caitlyn blushed brightly and quickly reached down into the car, thrusting a bunch of violets into Vi's hands with unexpected force. Vi blinked at the sudden floral assault but accepted them with an appreciative smile. No one had ever given her flowers before. Certainly not so aggressively.

"Uh thanks, these are beautiful. Let me just run up and put them in some water real quick?"

Caitlyn's face fell slightly. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I should have come to your door properly. I've never really done this before." She fidgeted with the car keys as she spoke.

Vi could believe that. A woman like Caitlyn had probably never had to sort through the logistics of a date herself. She imagined the woman would have been pursued relentlessly all her life. She probably had girls falling over themselves to impress her with fancy restaurants and expensive gifts. The complete opposite of Vi's experience.

The thought that Caitlyn was making an effort. Stepping out of her comfort zone to plan something special for Vi, made her heart do a funny little flip in her chest.

"It's fine, cupcake. Give me two minutes." Vi turned to head back to her apartment, flowers clutched carefully in her hands. Once inside, she briefly considered barricading herself in and hiding under her bed. But a voice that sounded distinctly like Vander's echoed in her head. She'd always been a brave one. With a deep breath, she placed the flowers in a vase and headed back down.

On her return Caitlyn was leaning against the car, staring into space. Relief washed over the taller woman's features when she spotted Vi returning. She rushed to open the passenger door with an elegant flourish.

Vi's heart stuttered as she lowered herself into the plush leather seat. Caitlyn gently closing the door behind her.

Caitlyn entered the drivers side and reached over, pressing down on a hidden wood panel in the car's interior. It revealed a pair of pristine crimson leather driving gloves. Vi found herself transfixed as Caitlyn methodically slid them over her slender fingers. Smoothing each one into place with practiced care. The sight stirred something unexpected in Vi's chest, and maybe somewhere lower. Did she have a thing for hands now?

Caitlyn reached back, resting her arm along Vi's headrest as she reversed out of the parking spot.

Vi's bit her lip as she watched the muscles in Caitlyn's neck flex while she checked her blind spot. The leather of her gloves creaked slightly as she gripped the wheel. Vi found herself staring, not so subtly, at Caitlyn's elegant profile. The sharp line of her jaw, the focused look in her eyes, the way her hair perfectly framed her face. Maybe Vi just had a thing for Caitlyn in general.

Caitlyn accelerates sharply out of the parking lot. Her inappropriate thoughts about leather clad fingers are quickly flung from her brain. Her heart now racing for an entirely different reason. Vi found herself pressed back into the plush leather seat by the momentum. Stomach dropping as they picked up speed at an alarming rate. Her fingers instinctively gripped the armrest tightly. Holding on for dear life as Caitlyn weaved between cars with practiced precision.

"Uh, are we late for a reservation or something?" Vi asked, trying to keep her voice steady as they darted between lanes.

"Hmm? Not at all, why?" Caitlyn responded casually, swerving around a slower vehicle without breaking her concentration. She seemed completely unfazed by the angry honk that followed. Vi glimped the driver angrily shaking their fist in the passenger side mirror.

"No reason," Vi managed to strain out, swallowing hard. "Though maybe you could slow down a bit?"

Caitlyn glanced over at Vi's white-knuckled grip on the armrest and eased off the accelerator with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, force of habit." The car's purring engine quieted as they settled into a more reasonable speed.

“So, is this your car?” She asked to fill the silence, now that the roar of the engine wasn’t filling her ears. “I didn’t take you for a red leather kind of girl.” She teases.

"No, Mother insisted I take her best car." Caitlyn explained with a sigh, flexing her gloved fingers around the steering wheel. "She wanted me to make a good impression." A slight flush coloured her cheeks as she added quietly, "It's not often I get to this stage of... a relationship."

Vi's eyes widened as the realisation hit her.

When Caitlyn had said earlier that she'd never done this before, she hadn't just meant planning the date. Had she meant dating entirely? The thought seemed impossible. How could someone like Caitlyn never have dated before?

She studied Caitlyn's profile as the other woman focused on the road ahead. Glove clad hands gripping the steering wheel just a touch too tightly. There was a tinge of vulnerability in her earlier admission that made more sense now. Caitlyn was just as nervous about this as she was.

"You told your mother about this date?" Vi then asked as her brain caught up. Unable to hide her shock. Some part of her had assumed Caitlyn would want to keep whatever this was quiet from her family. She had seen their mansion after all. Vi was sure she was not the ideal caliber of date for their daughter.

Caitlyn nodded before pausing, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "Of course. Is that okay?"

Vi swallowed hard, trying to process the fact that Caitlyn wasn't trying to hide this. Hide her. "Yeah, it's okay. Just wasn't expecting you to, I guess."

They fell into a comfortable silence as Caitlyn continued to drive a touch too fast for Vi's stomach. She distracted herself by gazing out the window. Noting with growing curiosity that they were heading in the opposite direction of Piltover's city centre. Away from all the fancy restaurants, or at least where Vi assumed they would be. Maybe there was another level of rich that she didn’t even know about. The level that feasted on infant blood in the woods.

The urban landscape was gradually being replaced by dense woodlands. Buildings became more sparse as they ventured further out of town. Their surroundings growing increasingly remote with each passing mile. Vi’s mind started to race with the possibility that this was some elaborate plot. Maybe Caitlyn wanted to punish her for skipping out a week ago. No one would hear her scream out here…

"So your mother is a red leather kind of girl?" Vi teases eventually. Breaking the silence with a smirk dancing across her face, as she gestures around at the car's interior. She had never been good with long silences. With long silences came dark thoughts of ancient ritual sacrifices of lowly Zaunite janitors in the woods.

Caitlyn let out a startled laugh. "Oh goodness, she would absolutely collapse if she heard you say that. The leather is 'burgundy' and it's 'refined.'" She affected an even posher accent for the last words, rolling her eyes.

"Noted. Will keep that in mind for when we hang out.” Vi nods seriously and taps her temple, as if to lock the thought in.

Caitlyn let out an affronted gasp. "My mother does not 'hang out'," she protested, briefly taking her hands off the wheel to make air quotes. Vi's eyes widened in alarm as the car drifts slightly, but Caitlyn's hands are back on the wheel before they could veer too far off course.

"Yeah, maybe not with you…" Vi answered with a mock huff.

"She does so hang out with-" Caitlyn started indignantly before catching herself. "I mean, spend time with me. There's a difference." She corrected primly, though her lips twitched at Vi's amused expression.

“You keep telling yourself that, Cupcake.” There’s a pause where something dawns on Vi. “You’re not taking me to meet your parents, are you?” Vi asks with an expression akin to horror. She was wearing jeans.

"Of course not. I'm not insane, Violet!" Caitlyn exclaimed with exasperation.

"Just kidding-” Vi paused yet again. Flipping through the memories of her various interactions with Caitlyn over the week. Finally settling on the bouquet of violets she had received less than an hour ago. “Wait, how'd you know my name is Violet?" She turned to look at Caitlyn curiously. "I never told you that."

Caitlyn froze guiltily, her hands tightening on the wheel. The car jerked slightly as she murmured something under her breath.

"Huh?" Vi pressed, leaning closer.

"The school records are quite extensive. Mel doesn’t always lock her laptop," Caitlyn admitted reluctantly.

"Oh ho ho, you are insane." Vi leaned over with a smug grin. "You like me," she sing-songed playfully. She twisted in her seat so that Caitlyn could get a full unrestricted view of her self-satisfied smile.

Caitlyn didn't dignify that with a response. Instead, she tapped the brake, causing Vi to stumble from her leaned-over position. Vi turned to glare at Caitlyn, who was smirking as she stared ahead.

"We're here," she announced smoothly.

Vi is distracted from her indignation at being rag dolled around the car. She peers around with some trepidation at their surroundings. Dense woodlands stretched in every direction. No buildings or sign of civilisation in sight.

Her hand hesitantly reached for the door handle, but the instant she cracked it open, a sharp gunshot echoed through the trees. She quickly slammed it shut and presses the lock down, her heart racing.

She turned to Caitlyn, who was calmly removing her driving gloves and paying her no mind. As if they hadn't just driven to what was clearly a murder location. "Are you planning on killing me? I already apologised for ditching you." Another distant gunshot cracked through the air, making her flinch. "I deserve to live!" she proclaimed dramatically.

Caitlyn looked up at that, her eyes wide with bemusement. "Relax, please. This will be fun, I promise," she assured Vi before gracefully exiting the car.

Vi remained frozen in her seat as yet another gunshot echoed through the woods. Trying to be subtle, she pulled out her phone and fired off a quick text to Powder as Caitlyn rounded the front of the car.

Vi: I love you. Don't forget me...

Pow-Pow: Who dis?

Before she respond, Caitlyn appeared at her window. Tapping gently and gesturing for Vi to unlock the door. Vi reluctantly complied, allowing the other woman to pull it open.

The excited eagerness in Caitlyn's expression as she reached for Vi's arm had her resigning to her fate. There were worse ways to go. Her odyssey would’ve ended at the sirens, for sure. She was a sucker for a pretty girl.

Caitlyn's grip was tight as it wrapped around her bicep. She eagerly pulled Vi along the path. Her slender fingers pressed into the muscle there, and Vi found herself flexing unconsciously under the touch.

"Are you flexing right now?" Caitlyn asked, amusement clear in her voice as she glanced back at Vi.

"What? No!" Vi laughed at the absurdity of the accusation, forcing her arm to relax. Though she couldn't help but notice that Caitlyn's grip hadn't loosened.

Caitlyn's long strides had Vi half jogging to keep up. Her legs working double time to match the taller woman's pace. Her pride refusing to let her ask the woman to slow down. The gravel path crunched beneath their feet as they made their way through the trees. Following what appeared to be a well-worn trail. Eventually, a manmade structure came into view and Vi sighed in relief.

A lodge that looked like an oversized log cabin. Rustic yet imposing against the woodland backdrop.

As they approached the entrance, Vi noticed a weathered plaque mounted beside the heavy wooden door that read 'Grayson Rifle Club'. That at least explained the gunshots. Maybe Vi would survive this date after all.

Caitlyn pulled her inside, and Vi welcomed the rush of warm air that greeted them.

The interior was empty of people and impressive in its own right. The far wall opposite the door was lined with rifle after rifle, all mounted behind a pristine glass counter that displayed an array of pistols. Near the entrance, a small section offered clothing and accessories emblazoned with what appeared to be the club's crest.

Vi reached for a tweed flat cap displayed closest to the door, turning it over in her hands. "Who's Grayson?" she asked, glancing at Caitlyn.

"That would be me." A stern voice answered from behind the counter. Vi jumped and dropped the hat. The voice belonged to a woman stood behind the counter. Watching them with an impassive expression. Had she been there the whole time? She supposed hunters were adept at blending in. Vi definitely felt like some sort of prey right now.

“Grayson.” Caitlyn greets the woman like an old friend and approached the counter. “How’s business?” She asks as Vi joins them at the counter after returning the hat to its rightful place.

"Not too bad," Grayson replied, her sharp eyes catching Vi's with interest. "How is your mother doing, Caitlyn?" The woman's tone turned suggestive, a sly smirk playing across her features.

"Still happily married to my father, Grayson," Caitlyn responded pointedly, with clear annoyance.

The woman sighed mournfully. "What a shame."

Caitlyn pursed her lips. "Is the range free?"

"Yes, as it has been since you called to reserve it on Friday." Grayson drawled, "And again this morning when you confirmed." She seemed to take great pleasure in exposing the younger woman's eagerness. Vi glanced over at Caitlyn with a small smirk. She liked this woman.

A bright blush coloured Caitlyn's cheeks as she hissed out a "Thank you."

Grayson reached up to pull a sleek rifle from the wall, handing it to Caitlyn before turning her attention to Vi. "And for your friend?"

Vi hesitated, having never held anything more dangerous than a water gun. Her eyes landed on the largest rifle displayed and she pointed at it hopefully. “That one, please.” Grayson merely laughed directly in Vi’s face. Not even bothering to reach for it.

Instead, she looked to Caitlyn who quietly requested a specific model. Grayson unlocked a cabinet and withdrew a much smaller pistol. Earning an indignant frown from Vi.

“You’ll thank her later, kid.” Grayson assured as she slid the weapon across the desk as Vi mournfully eyed the bigger gun. Vi sighed and picked it up by the muzzle. Caitlyn quickly reached out and flipped it so her hand fell around the grip.

“Not fair.” Vi whined and waved the pitiful weaponry around to exaggerate her point. Caitlyn gently gripped her wrist to lower her hand with an apologetic smile at Grayson. The woman's eyes wide at the gun being waved. wildly in her general direction.

“You can try mine after you get used to it. Promise.” Caitlyn assured and held up her own rifle for view.

Grayson slid two pairs of safety goggles across the counter. "Great, well Kiramman has you in good hands and the range is closed to the public, so I'll skip the full safety briefing. Just keep these on at all times." She then passed over two sets of headphones. "Put these on when shooting and don't point that thing at anyone you don't want dead. Any questions?"

"Do you hunt people for sport?" Vi asked suspiciously.

"What?" Grayson responded bemusedly.

"Please ignore her. Thank you, Grayson!" Caitlyn called out as she dragged Vi towards the door leading to the range.

The range stretched out before them, ten identical lanes lined up in a row. Each lane ended with a target, some in the image of a human silhouette. Vi narrow her eyes distrustfully at those. Caitlyn guides her to a lane with a simple circular target set at the end. Before she could voice her concerns, Caitlyn stepped closer, reaching for Vi's safety goggles.

"Have you ever shot a gun before?" Caitlyn asked softly as she carefully adjusted the goggles over Vi's eyes, making sure they were secure. She tucked bright pink hair behind Vi's ears.

"Does water count?" Vi asked.

"No."

"Then no."

Caitlyn smiled warmly. "That's okay, I can teach you." She shrugged off her coat, revealing toned arms that immediately caught Vi's attention.

Vi found herself transfixed as Caitlyn moved with practiced grace. Her heels clicking against the floor as she retrieved her rifle. The contrast of the short dress and the deadly weapon in her hands was doing things to Vi’s insides. The way Caitlyn's fingers wrapped confidently around the barrel. Checking the mechanism with practiced ease, had Vi's mouth going dry.

She watched, mesmerised, as Caitlyn's dress shifted with each precise movement. The fabric clinging in ways that made it difficult to focus on anything else. The ease with which she handled the weapon had Vi discovering several new things about herself.

"This wasn’t how I imagined this date going when I saw your outfit." Vi commented, still distracted by the unexpected display.

Caitlyn glanced down at herself, looking slightly perturbed. "This is my favourite dress."

She then reached for Vi's leather jacket, carefully helping her out of it. "We should take this off. Wouldn’t want it smelling like gunpowder," she muttered. Hanging both their coats on a nearby hook.

Returning to Vi's side, she handed over the pistol. "This one's much lighter and less powerful than a rifle. So there should be less kickback." she explained, demonstrating the proper grip. "Hold it like this, and when you aim, line up the sights..." Her hands guided Vi's into position.

Once Vi seemed comfortable with the stance, they both put on their headphones. Caitlyn loaded the pistol with ammunition from one of the boxes stored under the lane window. Vi took her position, remembering to flick off the safety as instructed. She steadied her aim and held her breath, focusing on the center of the target.

The shot rang out. She missed completely.

Spinning around excitedly, Vi forgot about gun safety and her headphone as she shouted, "That was so loud!"

Caitlyn just grinned back as she took the pistol, immediately engaging the safety.

Vi continued shooting under Caitlyn's guidance. Her shots gradually improving from complete misses to at least hitting the outer edges of the target. Despite not managing to hit the center once, Caitlyn remained encouraging.

"You're doing amazing," Caitlyn praised with an excited glint in her eyes.

Vi rolled her eyes. "You can tell me I suck, it’s okay."

Caitlyn shook her head resolutely. "You're doing very well for your first time."

Vi nodded obligingly, her eyes drifting to Caitlyn's unused rifle abandoned at the next lane. "Aren't you going to shoot?"

"No, this is for you to have fun," Caitlyn replied.

"I'll have way more fun watching you," Vi said with a sly smirk before adding, "Unless you're worried you'll miss. Not everyone can be as good as me." She gestured teasingly at her target, peppered with holes everywhere but the centre. Both of them fully aware of the many bullets she’d landed anywhere but the target.

Caitlyn's eyes narrowed. "I know what you're doing." She moved to her lane anyway. Making sure Vi was safely positioned behind her before continuing. "Fine."

Caitlyn loaded the rifle with practiced ease and a satisfying click. She took position, and without much effort fired a round directly into the bullseye.

With deft hands she manipulated the bolt handle and loaded another cartridge into the chamber. Firing another shot directly into the bullseye. The process was repeated three more times in quick succession. In less than a minute, five rounds had been buried directly into the bullseye with deadly precision. Setting the rifle down, she turned back to Vi with a cocky smirk.

Vi could only gape, thoroughly distracted by how attractive that display had been.

“Do that again.”

As the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the range, Vi found herself completely entranced watching Caitlyn's precise movements. Each shot landed with deadly accuracy. Vi had long since abandoned any pretense of shooting herself.

Eventually, Caitlyn set down her rifle and turned to Vi with flushed cheeks. either from the exertion or the constant attention. "Are you hungry?"

Vi hesitated, definitely hungry but not for Caitlyn's cooking. After their previous encounters she was not excited at the prospect of Caitlyn's cooking. She shuddered at the thought. Before she could answer, Caitlyn held up a finger and rushed out to her car. Leaving Vi waiting awkwardly alone in the lodge. Grayson seemingly having disappeared into the woods never to be seen again.

When Caitlyn returned, she was carrying a picnic basket that Vi eyed with equal parts suspicion and curiosity. Caitlyn merely smiled, taking Vi's hand and leading her down another path through the woods. After around ten minutes of walking, they emerged at a stunning lakefront.

Caitlyn guided them to the edge of a wooden pier, where they sat with their feet dangling over the crystal-clear water.

Vi peered down into the depths warily. "How many bodies do you think Grayson's dumped in here?"

Caitlyn scoffed, already busy pulling carefully wrapped sandwiches from the basket. "Here," she offered one to Vi. "I made them myself. One savoury, one sweet."

Vi accepted the sandwich. Watching as Caitlyn continued unpacking the basket to reveal fresh fruits, store-bought tea cakes, and an elegant flask. Undoubtedly it would contain tea.

As she was distracted, Vi cautiously opened the sandwiches to inspect the contents. She was pleasantly surprised not to find a horrific egg-bean concoction. Instead the savoury was simple a simple cheese with some sliced cuts of turkey. The sweet appeared to be a spread of equal honey and butter.

"You made these?" she asked, genuinely impressed that they were edible. Caitlyn nodded, a slight hint of pride in her expression. “Looks amazing, Cupcake.” Vi remarked fondly. Caitlyn smiled shyly at the approval.

"So, what's the deal with Grayson anyway?" Vi asked between bites of honey butter. "How do you know her?"

Caitlyn hummed thoughtfully, brushing some crumbs from her dress. "I've known Grayson since I was born, really. She was a… close friend of mother's." She paused before adding, "After she retired as chief enforcer, she became my shooting mentor. And I suppose one of my childhood best friends.”

Vi choked on her sandwich. "Your best friend was a retired forty-year-old chief enforcer?"

Caitlyn’s brow furrowed as she considered the question seriously.

"Well, Jayce was also my best friend, but he was more busy with school at the time. And then when Mel became his girlfriend, she became my friend too." She shrugged, her face impassive as she continued. "I never really got along with children my age. They didn't seem particularly fond of me. I was a bit of a misfit, but being an only child, I grew used to it. It never really bothered me."

Vi nodded slowly as she thought about her own circle of friends. Realising they had more in common than she'd thought.

Her closest friend was Powder and by proxy Ekko, both younger than her. Sevika and Loris were both pushing fifty at this point. She’d never really had many friends her age either. Between looking after Vander when he got sick and taking care of Powder, there hadn’t been much time for a social life. Once she joined the academy she grew comfortable with how things were. She understood why Caitlyn didn’t seem very upset, it didn’t bother her much either.

“I didn’t have many friends my age either.” Vi comments finally.

Caitlyn looked up at her through a bite of her sandwich, eyes widening in surprise. "Really? You’re so… you. I would've thought you had many friends."

Vi shrugged. "Not really, I had a lot going on. Not much time for stuff like that when I was a kid."

"That's a shame," Caitlyn said softly. "If I had known you then, I would have forced you to make time for me."

Vi nodded with a gentle smile and accepted a plastic cup of warm tea offered by the other woman. "Yeah, I can see that. I can only imagine how much more intense little Cait was."

"I was studious," Caitlyn sniffed primly.

The sun began to set across the lake. Painting the sky in shades of orange and pink that reflected off the water. Vi watched the colours dance across the surface as she sipped the last of her tea from the plastic cup. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, causing Caitlyn to shiver slightly beside her.

Noticing her date's discomfort, Vi remembered she’d decided to leave her coat back at the lodge. Without hesitation, she shrugged off her leather jacket and draped it over Caitlyn's shoulders. Caitlyn smiled gratefully. The oversized leather was already wide on Vi’s broad shoulders. It practically swallowed Caitlyn’s narrower frame.

"You'll get cold," Caitlyn murmured, lifting one side of the jacket in invitation. Vi didn't need to be told twice, sliding closer until their sides pressed together. She rested her head in the crook of Caitlyn's neck as they watched the sun sink lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the water.

"Thank you," Vi whispered softly. "For the perfect first date."

"First?" Caitlyn's voice was equally quiet. "So you would want more?" She clarifies hopefully.

“Yeah Cupcake, I want more.”

Vi twisted to look up at her, finding Caitlyn already gazing down, her eyes flickering to Vi's lips. Heart racing, Vi leaned up and pressed their lips together in a gentle kiss. Sweet and unhurried as the setting sun wrapped them in its warm glow.

Chapter Text

Vi was notoriously bad at keeping secrets.

Especially from Powder. She didn’t know if it was something in her voice, perhaps her facial expressions? Maybe Powder had some sort of mystical intuition. Whatever it was, it meant Vi had never been able to keep something hidden for long.

Whenever she asked Powder about it, usually after being rumbled, she would receive a vague response. ‘It’s all in the eyes sis…’, which made her seriously reconsider the telepathy theory.

So it was something of a miracle that Vi had managed to keep it together. Two weeks had passed since her date with Caitlyn and nobody was any the wiser.

There had been one or two close calls that put Vi’s heart health in jeaporady. The most palpitations occurring when Powder and Isha had joined her for dinner a few days ago.

As usual, her sister had no sense of boundaries. Deciding to rifle through Vi’s sparse wardrobe while she had been busy in the kitchen. In search of Vi’s comfiest jumpers to steal, she had happened upon a flat cap. Emblazoned with the Grayson Rifle Club logo...

Slinking into the kitchen, cap on head, she had leaned against the counter and stared at Vi expectantly. Not unlike a cat would when expecting a treat. Vi was absently slicing up cucumbers for their salad, when she felt the ominous presence.

“It’s not ready yet. And no, you can't have a taste.” Vi stated as she felt eyes burning into the side of her face.

"Not interested in your cucumbers," Powder drawled, to which Vi huffed in offence. She leaned further over into Vi’s periphery, resting her head in her palm. Facing Vi with a sly smirk. "Notice anything different?" She tauntingly tapped the brim of the cap. Vi finally glanced up from her chopping board and blanched.

A heated flush crept up Vi's neck as memories of that evening crashed over her. The way Caitlyn had reached into the backseat of her car after pulling up to Vi's apartment. Producing the cap with an endearing shyness. "To remember today by," she'd murmured softly, holding it out like a precious offering.

Vi had accepted it with a grin, immediately placing it on her head at a rakish angle to accommodate her hair that made Caitlyn laugh. Unable to resist that melodic sound, Vi had gently grasped the lapel of Caitlyn's coat. Drawing her in for a tender kiss that left them both breathless.

Shaking herself from the memory, Vi focused back on the present where her sister was still waiting expectantly for an explanation.

“Where’d you get that?” Vi grunted as she tried to snatch the precious item from her sisters disrespectful head. Powder danced out of reach with a goading smile. “Give it back!” She cried, abandoning her knife on the chopping board and chasing her sister into the living room.

“I think the real question is where did you get it?” Powder quipped as she quickly rounded the couch.

Vi paused as she searched for an excuse while glaring at her sister. Only the barrier of the couch stopping her from tackling that annoyingly smug smile off her face.

“Lost and found.” Vi stated eventually, fighting to keep her tone even as they met eyes in an impromptu stand off.

Powder hummed skeptically, tapping a finger against her chin. "You know... Professor Kiramman is quite famous for winning these precision rifle competitions. Professor Talis showed us some clips during class the other day..."

Vi's heart skipped a beat as she filed away that information for later. She kept her expression neutral. "Well, must be hers then. Clearly she lost it." Her voice strangled.

"Oh! Well in that case, I should return it to her..." Powder's eyes gleamed mischievously, as she nods her cap adorned head towards the door.

Vi’s eyes dart between her sister and the door as she assesses her options. There really was only one course of action available.

Without warning, she vaulted over the couch. Catching Powder completely off guard as she launched herself through the air.

They both went down in a tangle of limbs onto the cushions. Powder letting out an indignant squawk as Vi's weight crashed into her. Vi's hand shot out, snatching the cap from her sister's head while Powder's palm pressed against her face. Trying desperately to push her away to no avail.

"Get off me, fat hands!" Powder protested, squirming beneath her sister's bulk as Vi secured the precious cap.

Vi rested back on her knees, holding the cap up triumphantly. "Too weak, loser!" She taunted with a grin, waving it above her head like a victory flag.

Powder's response was a swift and merciless elbow to Vi's stomach that had her wheezing. "Who's weak now?" She cackled as Vi doubled over, winded. The cap now laying forgotten on the floor as she lunged at her sister.

They wrestled on the couch much like a pair of children, a tangle of limbs and breathless laughter. Vi had Powder in a loose headlock while Powder jabbed repeatedly at her ribs. Both of them grunting with exertion until they finally ran out of steam.

Vi rolled off the couch with a dramatic groan, flopping spread-eagled onto the floor. "You're so lucky. I was only using half my strength," she panted up at the ceiling.

"More like half your brain," Powder muttered back breathlessly. Vi couldn't see her face from her position on the floor, but she could hear the smirk in her voice.

The sound of tiny footsteps from her bedroom broke through their heavy breathing. Vi didn’t bother getting up and simply tilted her head back. Isha emerged, practically swimming in a pair of Vi's old overalls rolled up at the ankles and wrists. A pair of Vi's reading glasses perched precariously on her nose, ready to fall at any moment.

She stared at them both with wide eyes and they stared back. After a moment she struck a classic front double bicep pose in a crude imitation. Vi stared flatly.

"Oh my god, mini Vi!" Powder guffawed. Immediately forgetting their scuffle as she stepped over Vi’s sprawled body to fawn over Isha. Vi took the opportunity to quietly retrieve the cap from where it had fallen and dust it off. Safely returning it back in her wardrobe.

The rest of the evening passed in relative peace. Isha serving as an unwitting buffer between the sisters. An Isha induced truce of sorts. Vi couldn't help but smile as she watched Powder teach Isha how to properly roll the sleeves of the overalls, "like a real working man." The suspicious glances thrown her way gradually lessened as Powder became more invested in playing dress-up.

Eventually, they had to return to the academy grounds for curfew. Powder shot Vi one last suspicious look as they headed out the door, but seemed content to let the matter rest. For now at least.

Vi knew her secret-keeping skills hadn't magically improved. She was just fortunate that Isha proved to be such an effective distraction these days.

While her lost and found story was flimsy at best, Vi hoped it would hold up and Powder would let it go. She'd have to be more careful going forward though. This thing with Caitlyn was still so new, so tentative. The last thing she wanted was for it to get complicated before she even figured out what "it" was.

Vi wasn't sure what they were doing, if she was being honest with herself. Their first date had been perfect, exceedingly so, but they hadn't really talked about what came after. Were they dating? Was it exclusive? The questions gnawed at her as she tidied up the chaos Isha had left in her wake. She hoped Caitlyn wasn't seeing anyone else, though she had no right to demand it.

They'd been spending time together since that first date. Sneaking moments between classes and in their respective apartments. Sharing lingering looks across the halls. But nothing concrete had been established. No labels had been discussed. And Vi was terrified to push for more. To risk shattering whatever delicate thing was building between them.

Caitlyn had somehow managed to embed herself deep under Vi's skin in the span of just a few weeks. But Vi had been burned before. She knew how quickly people could slip away.

The last thing she wanted was to come on too strong again. To force Caitlyn into something she didn't want.

With a frustrated groan, Vi flopped onto her freshly made bed. Letting her head hang upside down over the edge. She needed to get out of her own head. And there was only one reliable way to do that. Punch Sevika in her head.

Fumbling for her phone, she fired off a quick text.

Vi: We’re still on for sparring tomorrow, right? I'll be there at 6am, promise!

She placed her phone down on the bed and waited patiently. Approximately one minute later she snatched up her phone and began typing furiously.

Vi: Please?

Vi: Please please please please please please...

Sevy wevy: Shut up. 7am.

Vi sat up so quickly her vision swam, wondering if the blood rush had caused her to hallucinate. Sevika never pushed their sparring sessions back. Had the woman finally decided to sleep in? For the first time in her life?

She didn't question it. After all, Vi wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. But mostly because she found her number was already blocked when she tried to rattle off another series of questions...

The next morning Vi found herself very grateful for the extra hour of sleep.

Somehow she’d fallen down a rabbit hole of Piltover Institute rifle team clips. Watching compilation after compilation to catch a glimpse of blue hair. With her bleary eyes glued to her phone screen, she watched Caitlyn dominate the field with effortless precision. Each perfect shot accompanied by that small satisfied smile that made Vi's heart flutter.

It was purely academic interest, research into Caitlyn’s hobbies. Even Vi couldn't convince herself of that lie as rewinded certain close ups til the early hours of the morning.

Vi groaned as she splashed ice cold water on her face, desperately trying to shake off the lingering drowsiness. One downed pre-workout pouch later, she was trudging towards the academy gym. Half-lidded eyes and her feet moving on autopilot along the familiar path.

She barely registered when the door to the gym hurled open and a body checked against her shoulder. Whirling back, hands steadied her shoulders before leaving just as quick. She blinked up at Talis who looked very pale and two seconds away from a breakdown. He hovered his hands before letting them flop down to his sides.

"You good, dude?" she asked, not so much bothered by being body-checked, instead more concerned. Well, as much concern as she could muster in her less than present, half-asleep form. He was Caitlyn's best friend after all. And he really did look quite pale.

He nodded jerkily and quickly apologised before hurrying away. Vi could see why he and Caitlyn would be friends. Both weirdo's. She then strolled into the gym.

Instantly, she understood.

Vi stared, frozen in place, as she tried to process the scene before her. Sevika was at the squat rack, which wasn't unusual in itself. What was unusual was that instead of her typical powerlifting routine, she was performing hip thrusts with the barbell. Even more unusual was the presence of Principal Medarda. Immaculately dressed in designer workout gear, not a hair out of place or drop of sweat to be seen.

The principal hadn't appeared to touch a single piece of equipment. Instead, she stood over the bench Sevika was using as support. Delicately sipping from the straw of her water bottle whilst returning the intense eye contact. Vi felt like she was intruding.

Sevika's face was flushed, though whether from exertion or something else, Vi couldn't tell. The woman completed another thrust. Never breaking eye contact with Medarda, who simply hummed in what might have been approval. Vi shuddered.

"What the fuck," Vi muttered under her breath. Wondering if she was still asleep and this was some bizarre pre-workout induced nightmare. What was happening right now?

Neither woman seemed to notice her presence as Sevika completed her set. Allowing the bar to fall to the floor with a thunk. She rolled the weight off her hips and stood. Muscles glistening with sweat under the harsh gym lighting.

They exchanged some hushed words before Sevika's eyes flicked to the entrance. Finally spotting Vi gawping like a fish. She muttered something else and Medarda turned around, locking eyes with Vi.

The principal at least had the decency to look flustered as she snatched up her jacket. A lycra form-fitting thing that hugged her figure when she zipped it up.

Now Vi could appreciate the female form, but at least she had some decorum. Most of the time.

Sevika, on the other hand, boldly looked the principal up and down with a sly grin. Leaning down to whisper something in her ear that had the woman nodding quickly. Medarda hastily exited the gym. Not pausing to chat and only shooting Vi a quick nod of acknowledgement as she passed.

Vi wandered over to Sevika, unable to contain her curiosity. "What was that about?"

"Nothing," Sevika grunted, wiping her face with a towel. "She just needed a spot. Then I gave her some tips on her form."

Vi blinked at the suggestive tone. "A spot? For hip thrusts? But doesn’t the bar just fall to the..." She gestured vaguely at the floor, trailing off.

Sevika just shrugged and walked away towards the end of the gym with the boxing equipment. Leaving Vi to stare after her in bewilderment. Eventually, she shrugs it off and walked over to where Sevika was standing. Without a word, Sevika tossed her some hand wraps, while picking up some pads. "Warmup," she stated simply.

They fell into their practiced routine with practiced ease. Vi didn't need verbal cues anymore, they'd done this dance countless times before. Jab, jab, hook, dodge, repeat. The combinations flowed naturally as they moved around each other. Sevika's pads meeting Vi's wrapped knuckles with satisfying thwacks. The familiar rhythm helped clear Vi's mind of the bizarre scene she'd just witnessed.

When they finished their warmup, Sevika lead her over to the ring. "So why were you so desperate to spar today? More desperate than usual, I mean. You always reek of desperate energy, but this is something else."

Vi decided to ignore the goading and shrugged as she adjusted her wraps. "Just needed to clear my head."

Sevika's lips curled into a knowing grin. "Still having girl trouble, huh? Same one, I'm assuming?" Vi responded with a noncommittal shrug as they made their way to the school's boxing ring. The space was empty this early, just how they liked it. "You're so bad at this," Sevika laughed, climbing through the ropes.

"You don't even know what's going on," Vi protested, offended. "Can we just spar? Please?"

Unlike Powder, Sevika wasn't one to push and prod. She simply raised her fists in response, settling into her stance.

They circled each other, testing defenses. Vi had come a long way since they first started sparring. Where Sevika used to completely dominate their matches, Vi's improved fighting IQ coupled with her youthful stamina, now gave her the edge more often than not. A fact she was quite proud of, despite Sevika pushing forty.

"You're getting slow," Vi taunted, bouncing lightly on her feet.

A lightning quick jab shot towards her face. Vi managed to block, but the sheer strength behind it still pushed her back a couple feet.

“That doesn’t count.” Vi muttered. If they were competing professionally, they'd be in completely different weight classes. A fact Vi was quick to childishly point out whenever Sevika landed a solid hit.

They continued to spar for the next hour with Sevika operating in relative silence, while Vi commentated. Narrating every single move with a British accent and enthusiastic bias towards herself.

"And there you have it folks, the young challenger demonstrates her superior speed and agility with another perfect dodge! The aging champion seems to be slowing down. Hey wait, ouch! That one actually hurt!"

Eventually Sevika grew tired of her. Though Vi suspected it was actually because her stamina was waning. Vi made sure to once again comment on her age, which earned her a powerful body shot.

As they cooled down, Sevika decided to drop some terrible news on her. "Oh, Mel mentioned she wanted to see you today in her office by the way."

Vi froze. "Did she say what about? Why would she tell you and not just tell me?"

Sevika simply shrugged with a smug smile and walked away as if she hadn't just ruined Vi's day.

Vi stood in the middle of the gym, her mind already spiralling through worst case scenarios. What could the principal possibly want to see her about? Medarda wasn't exactly known for casual chats with janitors. The last time they’d had a proper conversation was after the Sarah incident…

Her stomach dropped as the most obvious explanation hit her.

Medarda knew about her and Caitlyn. But how? They'd been so careful. Well, mostly careful. Okay, maybe making out in Caitlyn's classroom after hours wasn't their smartest move, but Vi was pretty sure they'd locked the door...

What if she was about to get fired? Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as panic started to set in. If she lost her job, Powder would lose her scholarship. She'd worked so hard to get her sister into this school, Vi couldn't bear the thought of ruining that for her.

She needed to calm down. There was no point catastrophizing before she even knew what this was about.

Still, as she gathered her gym bag with trembling hands, she couldn't shake the feeling that her world was about to come crashing down around her.

Every fiber of Vi’s being had screamed at her to march straight to Medarda's office from the gym and demand answers. To get it over with, like ripping off a band-aid. But that would only give the principal more ammunition if she really was planning to fire her.

So instead, she forced herself to go about her morning duties. She mopped the floors with perhaps more vigor than necessary. Scrubbed toilets until they gleamed, and reorganised the supply closet three times. Anything to keep her hands busy and her mind from jumping further into worst case scenarios.

By lunchtime, she couldn't take it anymore. Her nerves were completely shot, and the uncertainty was worse than any punishment Medarda could dish out. Taking a deep breath to steel herself, Vi made her way to the administrative wing.

The principal's office door loomed before her. Dark oak panels suddenly seeming far more intimidating than usual. Vi knocked softly, then peeked her head around the door when there was no response.

To her surprise, she found Medarda slumped over her desk, apparently fast asleep. Vi was glad to know she wasn’t the only one suffering from Sevika’s insane morning routine.

Vi hesitated in the doorway, briefly considering coming back later. But her anxiety was already through the roof. She needed answers now. She knocked again, a little louder this time.

Medarda startled awake, immediately shuffling the papers on her desk in a poor attempt to look busy. When she spotted Vi, her shoulders relaxed slightly. "Oh, Ms. Walden. Yes, please come in." She cleared her throat, voice still thick with sleep. Hastily smoothing down her hair, though it somehow still looked impeccable.

"Just Vi is fine," she said, settling into the chair opposite the desk. Her leg bounced nervously under the polished wooden surface. "Sevika said you wanted to speak with me?"

"Oh yes, well," Medarda shuffled some papers on her desk. "It has come to my attention…" Vi braced herself, squaring her shoulders. She wouldn't cry. "...that some of the longer serving support staff have been rather unjustly excluded from the school's staff insurance policy."

Vi balked. "What?"

Medarda nodded seriously. "There were stipulations in employment contracts prior to my term that excluded certain non-teaching staff. Of course, now that I've been rather loudly made aware, it has to be put right." She slid some papers across the desk. "Here is your updated employment contract and the options for the core and premium plan. The core is free of charge, whilst the premium surcharge will be docked from your monthly salary, should you choose to go that route."

Vi's mind raced as she stared down at the papers in shock. "This is why you called me in here? Just this?"

The principal answered, bemused, "Well, yes? Were you expecting something else?"

Vi shook her head resolutely. "No." She whispered in a strangled tone and cleared her throat. "So, uh, there's no charge at all?"

Medarda smiled, nodding. "I must apologize on behalf of the academy for this oversight."

"But why now though? I mean, I've been here for seven years," Vi asked, brows furrowed in confusion.

Medarda pursed her lips. "Well, it seems one of the academy's largest donors became aware somehow and loudly demanded action. Threatened to pull their funding." She straightened some papers on her desk. "Of course, there was no need, as if I had been aware, I would have rectified the issue." The last part was muttered under her breath.

"Oh..." Vi responded simply.

"Yes," the principal continued, fixing Vi with an unnervingly direct stare. "Have you happened to meet our new physics professor? Professor Kiramman?" The question coming seemingly out of nowhere had Vi freezing like a deer in headlights.

Vi exercised her right to remain silent with a noncommittal shrug.

"Well, she and her family are very close friends of mine. I've known her since she was rather young, and she's always been quite... passionate." Mel's voice takes on a protective tone and her predatory gaze doesn’t waver. "You wouldn't happen to know why she took such a vested interest in this oversight, would you?"

Vi shook her head. "No."

There's a long pause in which Vi squares her shoulders and meets Medarda's stare.

“How is Caitlyn?” Medarda asks sharply.

Vi panics. “I don’t know. How’s Sevika?”

Mel quickly drops her gaze back to desk and nods. Vi looks up at the ceiling. It seems they’d reach an impasse.

“Submission deadline for the forms is one week from now. Should you not submit your forms you’ll be auto-enrolled onto the core plan.”

Vi takes that as her cue and gathers the papers, not speaking another word as she makes a hasty exit.

Vi glanced at her phone for what felt like the hundredth time that day. She needed to talk to Caitlyn. Between Powder's increasingly suspicious glances and Medarda's not-so-subtle interrogation... Well, their cover was definitely blown.

She fired off a quick text asking to meet tonight. Then spent her lunch break poring over the insurance papers she'd been given.

Her eyes widened as she read through the core plan benefits. This was actually incredible. And it even covered dependents. The realisation hit her like a ton of bricks.

Powder would be covered. All those sleepless nights worrying about what would happen if her sister got sick, all the elaborate backup plans she'd constructed... they could finally ease up. They'd be okay.

The afternoon passed in a blur of cleaning and avoiding eye contact with literally everyone. When her shift finally ended, Vi practically sprinted to Caitlyn's apartment.

Caitlyn opened the door with a warm smile, leaning in for their usual greeting kiss. Vi ducked past her into the apartment, eyes darting around suspiciously. Were there cameras? Did Medarda have spies? Nothing would surprise her at this point.

"Vi?" Caitlyn's voice was tinged with concern. She crossed her arms, a small pout forming on her lips. "Are you alright?"

"No! We're completely rumbled. They know. Everyone knows!"

Caitlyn's brow furrowed. "Who knows what exactly?" She took a step closer, that adorable pout still firmly in place. "And more importantly, why does that mean I don't get a kiss?"

Vi ignores the unsubtle request and paces back and forth across Caitlyn's living room. Hands flying wildly as she rambled. "Medarda knows for sure. Sevika probably too. And Powder's definitely onto us!" Caitlyn stood rooted to the spot, watching Vi's rapid movements with bewildered attention. Vi suddenly stopped pacing and whirled to face Caitlyn. "Did you threaten to pull your family's funding if I didn't get insurance?" she asked, voice tinged with exasperation.

Caitlyn nodded. "Yes, I told you I was going to talk to Mel."

Vi stared at her. "Wha- When did you say that?"

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes. "On my first day? When you tackled me and hit your head. You called me a 'cupcake on stilts' and a 'giraffe on ice,'" she quoted from memory.

Vi shook her head vigorously. "I so did not tackle you, I slipped! And I didn't think you were serious!"

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow and sniffed. "Well why wouldn't I be? And it wasn't just for you. It's not right! Why should some workers be excluded? Absolutely despicable." She spat out the last sentence and her eyes narrowed.

Vi blinked, the fight flowing out of her as she collapsed back onto Caitlyn's couch, exhausted. Caitlyn wasn’t wrong. She supposed the exposure of their relationship was a small price to pay for everyone getting what they deserved. Still, she could’ve used a head up.

"Are you upset?" Caitlyn asked softly, joining Vi on the couch. "This is a good thing."

"No, I'm not upset," Vi sighed. "I just wish you'd told me. It's so obvious now. Medarda's totally onto us."

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes. "Well, she can't do anything about it. I checked the school's code of conduct, there's no such rule." she puffed up indignantly at the thought.

Vi nodded wearily. "Don't you care about people knowing though?" Vi asked hesitantly. "If this gets out, everyone will know you're slumming it with me."

Caitlyn hissed and slapped her lightly on the shoulder. "Don't say such rude things about yourself!" Vi flushed lightly as Caitlyn added resolutely, "I don't care."

Vi sighed. "You might not now, but you don’t know what it’s like." She hesitated, biting her lip and debating whether or not to bring up the incident. Deciding to bite the bullet she continued. "Listen, a long time ago I had a thing with a professor… You know Professor Fortune? English?"

Caitlyn tensed, her jaw clenching tightly as she crossed her arms. "Yes, I'm aware. I might have skimmed something when I accidentally looked through the school records."

"Well then you know it was a big deal round here. She was really embarrassed."

"Then that's her loss," Caitlyn muttered, pettily.

"I believe that you don't care," Vi said softly. "But I can't help but care a little. I just want us to stay in our little bubble. Everything's so perfect right now," Vi whispered, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "Every time something good happens in my life, it gets ruined. And this, us, it's more than good. It's amazing." She ran a hand through her hair nervously. "I just want to keep you to myself a little longer. I’m sorry, it’s selfish."

Caitlyn reaches over taking Vi’s hand and squeezing gently. "Violet, it’s okay to be selfish." she said softly, her thumb tracing soothing circles on Vi's palm. "We can take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

Vi's shoulders relaxed slightly at the reassurance. "Yeah?"

"Of course," Caitlyn smiled warmly. "I'm quite happy keeping you to myself for now too." She paused. "Oh, but I already told my parents everything about you," Caitlyn admitted worriedly.

Vi looked taken aback. "Really? Well, I guess that’s okay…” she supposed. It didn't really matter since they weren't around on campus.

"No one else. Not even Jayce, yet." Caitlyn assured her quickly before adding, "So, does this mean we're together? Officially?"

"Is that what you want?" Vi asked.

Caitlyn bit her lip. "I don't want you to be with anyone else."

"I don't want you to be with anyone else either," Vi responded softly.

“Good, could I please have my kiss now?” Caitlyn asks impatiently. Vi didn't need to be asked twice.

The following Saturday, Vi found herself stood outside the glass window of Bruno's Bakery, glaring.

Her hands were planted crossly on her hips as she angrily glowered through the glass. Varying desserts and pastries were neatly displayed in the window, taunting her.

Inside, the moustachioed baker, Bruno, sharply pointed at her through the window. Indicating for her to leave.

Her frown deepened as she yelled through the glass, "It's a public sidewalk, asshole!" He glared at her and pointed above his head where an image of Vi was displayed. The words 'BANNED' in bold black lettering underneath.

Fuming, she paced the sidewalk, periodically glaring in at the sign. Aware that she was being eyed warily by people trying to enter the establishment. Good! If he wanted to be such a dick, she would gladly scare away his customers. Why financially support a man that didn't understand love and forgiveness.

Of course, Vi herself wouldn't have forgiven the man if it weren’t for her needing something.

Caitlyn had told her she always craved a particular pistachio eclair whenever her cramps were hitting hard, during that time of the month. Vi had gladly agreed to get her some before realising said bakery was the one she had been banned from years prior.

She had tried to make peace with the man in the interest of love, but Bruno was apparently a man scorned. His wife probably cheated on him because of his ugly moustache. He had heard her out before slamming the door in her face.

Vi lingered outside the building for a good half hour before an idea came to her. Clicking noises neared and Vi spotted an elderly woman approaching with a cane.

She called out the most polite "Excuse me!" The woman startled and shrieked when she noticed her. She then jabbed Vi in her stomach with her cane before hurrying away.

Vi groaned and straightened up with a wince. Catching a glance of her hooded, overall clad reflection, she blinked. She quickly pulled the hood down and tried to make herself look less intimidating to the Piltover folk.

Footsteps this time as a well-dressed man approached and she tried once again. "Excuse me, um, are you going in this bakery?" He looked at her and nodded eagerly.

"Why yes I am!"

Vi blinked at the unexpected enthusiasm. "Listen dude, I know it's strange but if I give you some money would you go in there and grab me a pistachio eclair?"

At that he laughed richly and said, "Well what a coincidence! I'm also here for one of those, they're delightful. Yes dear, of course." He walked in, ignoring Vi's outstretched hand with the coins and purchased the two treats.

Vi was left outside wondering how someone's laugh could make them sound rich.

She grinned when he returned and handed her the small bakery box. Bruno glared through the window when he saw the exchange and she stuck her tongue out childishly. She held out her hand again to pay the man but he shook his head.

“Don't worry about it, my treat! For yourself? ” He asks cheerly, nodding down at the pastel pink box in Vi’s hands.

“Oh, uh thanks dude. No, for my girlfriend.” She awkwardly reaches up to scratch the back of her head, blushing slightly. She’s still growing used to Caitlyn being her girlfriend.

“Ahh, young love.” He hums knowingly and Vi nods. He lifts his own box up and inclines with his head, “For my daughter. She adores them.”

Vi chuckled. "She must be a woman of taste," she said with a grin.

The man nodded with a hearty chuckle . "Of course."

Vi coughed and said, "Well, thank you so much..."

He filled the silence, "Tobias."

Vi nodded. The name seemed strangely familiar. "Vi. Thank you Tobias.", she said. He once again assured her it wasn't a problem.

They moved to leave before realizing they were both walking in the same direction. She laughed awkwardly as they fell into step.

"Where are you heading?" Vi asked.

"Piltover Academy," Tobias answered. "My daughter works there."

Vi nodded. "I work there too," she said and he hummed in acknowledgement. Vi filled the silence, "I like your hair," she commented, not being able to take the quiet. His hair reminded her of Caitlyn's, the colour was almost identical.

"Thank you, I like yours," he answered easily and Vi grinned.

"Not many people around here like it," she answered and he tutted.

"Well people around here are rather boring, aren't they? Not me of course."

At that Vi chuckled as they continued to make small talk, cutting through the park to reach the academy situated on the outskirts of the central city. They walked towards the staff block together, chatting absently as they entered.

His daughter must be one of the teaching professors, Vi thought as he followed her through the building. Eventually they reached Caitlyn's door and she stopped and knocked. He stopped too.

Vi blinked. "Well, this is me," she said lightly, hoping he'd now move on.

"Same here," he replied.

Vi shifted uncomfortably. "No, sorry, this is my girlfriend's place."

Tobias hummed thoughtfully and looked at the door number. "No, I'm pretty sure this is the number my daughter gave me."

They both paused and stared at each other. The door was wrenched open and Caitlyn looked between them in something akin to horror.

"Father?"

"Father?!"

Vi found herself awkwardly sandwiched between Caitlyn and her father on the couch in Caitlyn's living room. The three of them sat in uncomfortable silence as they sipped on tea prepared by Tobias. The only sounds being Caitlyn's occasional grumpy huffs from beneath her mountain of blankets.

Caitlyn had her hot water bottle clutched tightly to her stomach as she glowered at her father, around Vi's shoulders. Taking aggressive bites of her eclair. Vi and Tobias had split the second pastry between them, both using it as an excuse to avoid conversation.

In hindsight, Vi realized she was indeed an idiot.

The eclair was annoyingly delicious, which only made her hate Bruno more. She stuffed another bite in her mouth just as Caitlyn spoke up.

"Did Mother send you to spy on my girlfriend?" Caitlyn accused suddenly, causing Vi to choke on her pastry.

"Of course not dear. Tobias answered unconvincingly, peering around Vi to look at his daughter. Vi silently cursed her decision to sit in the middle. "Simple coincidence." he added with a weak smile.

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes, a bit of pistachio cream on her nose. "So you coincidentally bumped into the only pink haired female janitor on campus? And followed her back to my apartment?"

Vi's ears tinged pink as she realized the extent of Tobias' deception. She felt slightly betrayed at being so thoroughly duped.

“Yes?” Tobias responded eventually. Vi snorted a little before she was suddenly on the receiving end of Caitlyn’s sharp gaze. She hastily looks away and busies herself with her half eclair.

Tobias lightly changed the subject. "Did you enjoy the rifle club, Violet? You know our Caitlyn is a premium member," he said with pride, subtly flexing about his daughter.

Vi got the distinct feeling he was trying to sell her on Caitlyn. She was already sold. "Yeah, the rifle club was really cool. Caitlyn's very good at shooting."

He responded eagerly, "Yes, she's a champion you know. Piltover Institute hasn't gotten any silverware since her graduation!" he bragged and Vi nodded along.

"Father!" Caitlyn interrupted sharply.

Tobias ceased his blustering, looking cowed by his daughter's fury. He perked up as he added, "Cassandra is very much looking forward to meeting you, Violet. We thought Caitlyn might never settle down, what with that unfortunate reputation-"

"Father," Caitlyn cut him off again, more sharply this time.

"What reputation?" Vi asked curiously, earning herself a jab to the thigh from Caitlyn's foot which she ignored.

"Oh well, I'm sure Cassie will tell you all about it," he laughed. "Bit of a womaniser, our dear Caitlyn," he added with another chuckle.

"Father!" Caitlyn whined this time.

Vi turned to her and mouthed 'womaniser?' with confusion. She was pretty sure Caitlyn had implied she’d never gotten far with dating before. Caitlyn just buried herself deeper under her blankets and muttered, "I think you should leave, Father."

Tobias agreed readily as he polished off the last of his tea. "Of course, of course. Wouldn't want to interrupt two young lovers on an early Saturday morning."

Caitlyn groaned from her blanket fort while Vi blushed brightly.

"Violet my dear, I insist you join us next week for Sunday lunch."

At that, Caitlyn quickly emerged and shook her head. Vi glanced back and forth between Tobias' kind eyes and Caitlyn's furious ones. "Uhhh," she hesitated as Caitlyn shook her head vehemently, but Tobias was being so nice. Vi was a people pleaser at heart.

"Sure?" she accepted tentatively.

Tobias clapped his hand on her shoulder happily. "Perfect! Cassie will be so happy," he added with a smile as he stood to leave. He called a goodbye to Caitlyn who had promptly reburied herself under her nest of her blankets, and Vi walked him to the door.

They exchanged goodbyes and he left. Vi shut the door and then silence.

“So…” Vi cautiously approached the lump on the couch and slowly uncovered Caitlyn’s head. Her hair frazzled and she stared up at Vi, looking even more miserable than before she’d had her eclair. It was tasty but the cost was too high this time. “Womaniser, huh?”

Caitlyn blushed brightly, her face almost matching the colour of Vi's hair. She groaned and buried her face in her hands. "It's not what you think," she mumbled through her fingers.

Vi hummed thoughtfully, a teasing smile playing at her lips. "Oh, I think you've been holding out on me, Cupcake…"

Caitlyn sighed heavily, dropping her hands to her lap. "It wasn't like that at all. I had a brief... connection with one of the Arvino daughters. A long long time ago.” She added placatingly, as if she thought Vi might be upset. Vi didn't really mind though. She wasn't one to get jealous. “They're one of the wealthier families in Piltover. A lot of influence." She twisted her fingers together nervously. "When I expressed interest in something more serious, she made it clear she didn't want that kind of relationship with me."

"So naturally, I moved on." Caitlyn continued, her voice tinged with frustration. "But the next woman who showed interest in me turned out to be her cousin. When word got around to the Arvinos..." She trailed off, shaking her head.

"Rather than let their family name be tarnished, they spread rumours. They said that I was some sort of seductress that had slept with them and broken both their hearts." Caitlyn's voice grew quiet. "You know how the Piltover elite are. They love a scandal, and the story just... stuck."

Vi couldn't help but find the humour in the situation. She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Oh, the shame of it all! The scandal! How will your reputation ever recover?" she teased, earning herself another kick from under the blankets.

Caitlyn huffed, rolling her eyes. "Mother was absolutely furious. She said they'd ruined my chances with any respectable suitors in Piltover." She paused, then added with a small smile, "Not that I particularly minded that part."

Vi nodded thoughtfully. "Well, there's worse reputations to have," she said with a grin. "I'm sure people thinking you're so good in the sack that you broke two hearts wasn't all bad."

Caitlyn didn't deny it, slowly nodding as she adjusted her blanket. "It was certainly beneficial in some aspects. " she admitted, then added with a slight frown, "Though it didn't help get far past the first night."

Vi patted her knee over the blanket and smirked. "Oh, you sly dog," she teased, and Caitlyn just shrugged with a playful smile.

Chapter Text

The stress of Tobias’ eclair disguised espionage had only served to worsen already Caitlyn’s miserable mood.

Vi watched worriedly as Caitlyn winced, another sharp cramp clearly causing her pain. She racked her brain trying to think of a solution. Vi hated seeing the people she cared about hurting.

It made her feel on edge. Her anxiety always spiked as memories of those helpless teenage years flooding back. Trying everything to help Vander get better to no avail. The powerlessness she felt watching his condition slowly deteriorate until he wasted away.

Now, even minor ailments in loved ones seemed to trigger that old fear. A desperate need to do something, anything to help. Powder often grew annoyed with her hovering whenever she so much as sneezed. In these moments, Vi had to remind herself to calm down, that this was different.

Caitlyn was oblivious to her inner turmoil as she slumped back into the couch under her pile of blankets. Eyes shut and head tilted toward the ceiling as she continued to lament her father’s impromptu visit.

"They're way too involved in my life." Caitlyn complained grumpily, her fingers repetitively stroking the plush fabric of the blanket. "I'm not a child. I don't need constant supervision."

Vi was too busy rifling through her catalogue of ‘Things Caitlyn likes’ to point out the slight hypocrisy of the statement. After all, wasn’t Caitlyn the one who had taken her back to her parent’s place that first night?

Another wince of pain cross Caitlyn's face. Vi decides that voicing the observation could wait for another time. Right now, she needed to focus on making her girlfriend feel better.

But what could possibly distract Caitlyn? Vi pondered as she watched her girlfriend continue her frustrated fidgeting with the fabric. Occasionally pausing to grimace and press a hand against her abdomen. The pain seemed to be making her even more agitated about pistachio-gate.

Caitlyn blinked her eyes open when Vi didn't respond. Only to find her girlfriend staring at her with an intense, thoughtful expression.

She raised an eyebrow at the determined look on Vi's face and startled when Vi suddenly snapped her fingers.

"I know what’ll make you feel better!" Vi blurted, jumping up from her seat. She practically sprinted towards the door, leaving a bemused Caitlyn behind.

"You're leaving? Now?" Caitlyn pouting at her girlfriends' hasty retreat.

"Back in ten!" Vi promised over her shoulder as she disappeared through the doorway.

It was still early enough that no one was around to question the sight of Vi lugging her entire gaming setup across campus. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. Casting long shadows across the empty pathways as she hauled the console.

A controller clutched in each hand and a tangle of cables wrapped around her torso. Even with her frequent gym attendance, she had to pause occasionally to readjust when something threatened to slip. She hadn't trained for this.

Vi eventually made it back to Caitlyn's apartment. Rushing to return within the allotted ten minutes and avoid catching the eye of any early birds.

She was still conscious of her conversation with Principal Medarda not too long ago. She found Caitlyn hadn't moved an inch from her prone position on the couch.

Panting from the exertion, she kicked the door open and edged through. A careful grip on the electronics that she definitely could not afford to replace. Caitlyn peered over the edge of the couch and brightened when she realised Vi had come bearing gifts.

Vi huffed out an exhausted breath as she set the items down in front of Caitlyn's television. She set her hands on her hips as she caught her breath and turned to beam proudly at Caitlyn. Her entire body puffed up at the pleased expression she had earned. "I did good, huh?" she asked half-joking.

Caitlyn's eyes darkened as she beckoned her over. Vi obliged and leaned down to peck her on the lips only for Caitlyn to grab the collar of her shirt and drag her down to deepen the kiss.

She pulled back and murmured, "You did very good, Violet." Vi grinned into the kiss even as a shudder ran down her spine. She held back a whine when Caitlyn broke away from her.

"Set it up for me, please?" Caitlyn asked in a sultry tone, batting her eyelashes exaggeratedly.

Vi nodded, sauntering across the living room and purposefully bending over more than necessary. Taking her time to plug in the various wires. She shot a knowing smirk over her shoulder when she felt Caitlyn's burning gaze on her.

Caitlyn eagerly waited for her to set everything up before holding out her hands impatiently in Vi's direction. She held out the controller, only to let out a surprised yelp when Caitlyn grabbed her by the wrist. Unceremoniously yanking her into the makeshift blanket fort.

Vi fell on top of her girlfriend with an 'oomph', trying to resist dropping all her weight on Caitlyn who was making it rather difficult. She just pulled Vi closer.

"I’ll crush you." Vi’s protest was weakened by the fact it was mumbled into Caitlyn’s neck.

Caitlyn hummed, "No, I like it. The pressure feels nice."

“Hmm, if you’re sure.” Vi needed little convincing as she slowly allowed more of her weight to drop down. Relaxing her body into Caitlyn and by proxy, the couch. She let out a contented sigh.

Caitlyn huffed frustrated and complained, "It's not enough, I need you in my skin."

Vi chuckled, muffled by Caitlyn’s neck. "You're weird, babe." Vi teased, before yelping when a hand slid purposefully down her back and squeezed her rear.

“Two can play at this game.” Vi promptly buries her face in Caitlyn’s chest. It feels glorious and maybe she forgets her need to breathe for a couple minutes.

Caitlyn doesn’t seem to mind much as she proceeds lean over and grab the controller. Looping her arms over her captive and resting the device ightly on Vi’s back. Essentially locking her in with her arms.

The telltale music of the loading screen filters through the living room. It signifies an oncoming beatdown that Vi must witness. She reluctantly shimmies her head around to spectate... and breathe.

Caitlyn’s arms don’t loosen one bit.

"Am I a prisoner now," Vi observed with a lazy smile. Both of them aware Vi could easily extricate with little effort. Not that she particularly wanted to.

"Are you complaining?" Caitlyn huffs, tightening her hold slightly.

"No," Vi murmured contentedly, settling more comfortably against her. "Never."

She watches on, ensnared in her girlfriend's arms, as Caitlyn expertly manoeuvres her character. Traversing through the virtual battlefield with ease. Apparently she was just excellent at every game.

Vi decides to make herself useful with some backseat commentary. Scowling petulantly as her helpful tips were unjustly ignored.

“That guy's going to flank left," she mumbled sleepily. She pouted as Caitlyn’s avatar immediately turned right and a shot her opponent dead. Her commentary grew increasingly drowsy as she watched Caitlyn dispatch another opponent. "Rookie mistake... leaving themselves open like that..."

Caitlyn's body was warm and the gentle rise and fall of her breathing was making Vi's eyelids heavy. She'd been up since dawn, having picked up an extra shift when a member of the weekend crew called in sick. Then she’d received Caitlyn’s call and had to navigate interacting with Bruno. She'd already suffered so much and it was only mid morning. 

The comfort of being wrapped up in Caitlyn's arms was too tempting to resist. Her expert analysis of the gameplay gradually faded into soft, steady breathing. She drifted in and out of consciousness. Perfectly content to be Caitlyn's willing hostage.

They lazed around until well past midday. Caitlyn seemed perfectly happy to waste the day away murdering her way through weekend lobbies. Vi elected not to get on the mic this time. Feeling bad that it was probably some poor guy on their one day off that Caitlyn was executing without mercy. 

Between rounds Caitlyn’s hand would reach up to card her hand through soft pink tresses. Her other hand scratching at Vi’s back soothingly.

Vi was powerless to resist the pull of sleep.

Eventually, she blinked awake and eyed her Caitlyn's wall clock groggily. Her stomach growled in protest as she realised it was already two in the afternoon. Half a pistachio eclair was not sufficient fuel for her protein starved body.

She tried to move only to find herself still trapped in Caitlyn's embrace.

She attempted to wiggle free, but Caitlyn's arms only tightened around her, refusing to relinquish her human blanket. Vi whined pitifully about her growing hunger, trying to appeal to Caitlyn's sympathy.

No such sympathy was earned.

"I'll make you lunch if you let me go," Vi bargained, her voice muffled against Caitlyn's shoulder.

Caitlyn considered the deal for a moment before reluctantly loosening her grip. Though her bottom lip jutted out in an exaggerated pout the entire time Vi extracted herself.

Vi stumbled free on unsteady legs, groaning as she stretched out muscles stiff from hours of lying motionless. Her arms reached high above her head, back arching as she worked out the kinks.

A soft appreciative hum from behind made her pause mid-stretch.

Caitlyn's eyes tracked the movement hungrily. "You better start moving before I drag you back in here." she warned, voice low.

Vi danced backward with a laugh, safely out of grabbing range. "No takebacks!" She retreated to the kitchen, still grinning.

As she pulled ingredients from the cupboards, Vi could hear the sounds of virtual combat resuming from the living room. Her plan to distract Caitlyn had worked perfectly.

Vi’s smile softened with pride at the fact she had made herself useful.

Monday morning arrives and Vi enters the janitors closet with a spring in her step. Her mood bright after having spent most of her weekend wrapped up in Caitlyn.

Loris is loading up the cart with bottles of bleach when she enters. He grunts a greeting in her direction, before nodding over at the desk.

She follows his gaze and perks up even more when she finds a large brown package sitting pretty on the desk. Excited, she rips it open and gasps as she pulls out the contents.

The academy had recently introduced a new policy allowing staff to expense certain items. For work use, with the caveat that they fell below a specified price limit.

Vi, being Vi, had immediately seen this as an opportunity to do some online shopping. Anything could be considered 'work use' if she used it to make her workdays more entertaining.

Her rationale was sound and she would defend it til the day she was inevitably jailed for fraud.

One day during lunch, she had been impatiently waiting for Loris' arrival so she could talk his ear off. Absently browsing through her phone, she had stumbled upon them.

A pair of professional-grade radio walkie talkies. They were technically marketed for security staff, but Vi had instantly added them to her basket. Stars in her eyes at the possibility of constant communication with her best friend

Now Vi bounded over to Loris. Practically vibrating with excitement as she shoved the other walkie into his hands.

"Now we can talk all day!" she exclaimed, beaming at him. Loris offered her a blank expression in return, which only seemed to fuel her enthusiasm as she bounced in place.

"Well? Aren't you excited?" she pressed. His only response was another noncommittal grunt. Such a mysterious guy.

"Keep it on you at all times." Vi warned, suddenly serious. "It's school policy. Mandatory communication device for all maintenance staff." She nodded sagely, as if she hadn't completely made that up on the spot. Who was going to stop her?

After ensuring Loris took his walkie with him for his morning rounds, Vi made her way to the canteen for breakfast cleanup.

Her own walkie clipped securely to the work belt slung around her hips. She was just finished up her sweep of the dining hall when she spotted Benzo returning to the kitchen for lunch prep.

“Benzo!” She called dragging out his name as she waved, abandoning her broom by one of the tables.

Prancing over she was greeted with a bear hug that knocked the wind out of her. Was this how Ekko felt all the time?

She patted the cook’s shoulder in a tapping out motion, having been lifted slightly off her feet. He dropped her back down with a thud. Vi cringed as he pulled back, revealing possibly the dirtiest apron known to mankind.

"Busy breakfast?" she asked, eyeing the state of the man. 

"Oh kid, you wouldn't believe," Benzo chuckled, shaking his head. "Hey, give me a hand with that pot, would ya?" He gestured toward an industrial sized pot that needed moving to the stove.

"Ugh, Benzo, you ask for too much!" Vi complained dramatically, even as she easily lifted and carried the massive pot to its destination. Benzo's warm laughter followed her theatrical performance.

The cook began pulling out chopping boards and knifes from various drawers. She returned to lean against the counter opposite as he chopping large stalks of celery. Her eyes following the practised movement as they caught up.

“How's Powder doing? Haven't seen her at dinner much lately." he commented.

"Oh, she's been having dinner with me mostly," Vi chuckled. "My cooking's better anyway."

Benzo didn't deny it, nodding sagely as he asked, "When can you send some more food over with Ekko?"

"Next time, Benz. Don't be greedy," Vi grinned. "Though you don’t need to worry. You know Pow doesn't eat as much. Not everyone's built like us." She patted her stomach proudly.

Benzo nodded seriously. "You know Ekko sometimes forgets to eat lunch? Lunch of all things!" Vi gasped in exaggerated shock, though Benzo's concern seemed genuine.

He shook his head as if he couldn't fathom the concept. She doubted the man had ever forgotten about lunch. "Don't know how that kid's gonna survive when he goes to college," he sighed. "Less than a year now 'til he's off."

Vi's mood dampened slightly at the reminder and her smile dims.

Of course, she knew both Powder and Ekko would be flying the nest at the end of this year. It was a thought she preferred to keep buried in the back of her mind.

"Well that's still ages away," she said lightly. "Don't think about that."

Benzo shook his head. "Only nine months now."

"Well that's a long time," Vi replied, her voice strained.

"You know how time flies," Benzo said, not looking up from his chopping. Oblivious to Vi's growing distress at direction their conversation is going. "Need to start thinking about the future. Won't need to stick around here to secure Ekko's scholarship anymore."

"What do you mean, 'Future'?" Vi asked tightly. "You're planning to leave?"

Benzo looked up and shrugged. "Who knows? I'm an old man, Vi. Retirement's calling. What, you telling me you're gonna stay here after Powder graduates?" He seems appalled at the thought and Vi bristles.

Vi crossed her arms defensively. "Well what's wrong with that? We have a place to stay and they're even giving us medical now."

"Yeah, but you're not seriously planning to stay here forever?" Benzo shook his head. "You gotta get out there now, without this scholarship thing holding you back."

"Who says that?" Vi frowned stubbornly. "I like it here." It wasn't like she had many options anyways, without even a high school diploma.

Benzo sighed, setting down his knife. "Listen Vi, I know it was a tough time for you as a kid, what with Vander..." he trailed off. "I miss him all the time too and I know he wanted you to look out for Pow. But she's an adult now and he wouldn't want you to throw your life away."

Vi glared at his words. "You don't know what you're talking about." she spits sharply, blinking rapidly to prevent any tears from forming. She looked around frantically for an escape. "I've gotta finish breakfast clear up."

Hastily she snatches up her broom and practically flees the dining hall. Ignoring Benzo calling apologetically after her and abandoning the rest of her cleanup.

Vi's conversation with Benzo left her feeling unsettled. His words about the future echoing uncomfortably in her mind.

She tried to focus on her work, but thoughts kept intruding. Memories of Vander's final days mixed with anxiety about Powder leaving for college. The familiar routines of mopping and sweeping weren't enough to quiet the storm in her head.

Nine months.

It seemed simultaneously forever and no time at all. Vi had spent so many years with a singular focus, taking care of Powder. Making sure she had opportunities Vi never did. She hadn't let herself think too deeply about what would come after. Now Benzo's questions about her future plans had cracked open a door she'd carefully kept closed.

She needed a distraction from the spiral of her thoughts.

Vi pulled out her walkie-talkie, pressing the button with undue pressure and speaking frantically.

"Loris, come in Loris. Over." She waited, but only static greeted her. "Loris? You there buddy? Over."

A minute passed with no response. "Hey, I know you can hear me. Over." Vi frowned at the device. "Fine, be that way. But you're missing out on some quality conversation. Over."

Feeling immeasurable disappointment, she was about clip the walkie-talkie back to her belt when it crackled to life with a confused "Vi?"

Something seemed off about Loris's voice. Vi's brow furrowed, he sounded a lot less grunty and a lot more feminine than usual.

"Loris? You feeling okay? Over."

An exasperated sigh came through the speaker. "It's Caitlyn, Vi."

"Oh hey babe!" Vi brightened immediately, a smarmy smile spreading across her face. "Why'd you steal Loris' walkie? Miss me already? Over."

"I didn't steal anything," Caitlyn replied indignantly. "I heard your voice coming from the trash."

"The trash? Over." Vi's smile slowly slid off her face.

"Yes, the trash can outside my classroom."

Vi pouted. Loris was going to get a talking to when she tracked him down. He could've at least turned it off so she wasn't broadcasting to the void. “Whereabouts are you, babe? Over."

"Outside my classroom, like I said."

"I'll be right there! Over." Vi started making her way through the halls. Practically bouncing with excitement at the prospect of seeing her girlfriend. Her mind already far away from the unfortunate conversation with Benzo.

"Why do you even have these? Can't you use your phones?" Caitlyn asked.

“Loris can’t block me over walkie-talkie. Over." Vi grumbled. Her mind casting back to their text thread. Littered with unanswered double, triple and even quadruple texts.

There was a pause as she walked through the halls, before Caitlyn's voice came crackling through again, softer this time. “I always wanted one of these as a child." Another pause. "...Over."

She couldn't contain her beaming smile as she rounded the corner and spotted Caitlyn standing outside her classroom.

Fiddling with the various dials of the device in her hands. All her earlier worries about the future melting away at the sight of her girlfriend.

Vi clipped her walkie back onto her belt, the sound of her footsteps drawing Caitlyn's attention. Her girlfriend turned, holding out the recovered walkie-talkie with an amused smile. Instead of taking it, Vi leaned up to press a quick kiss to Caitlyn's lips.

"Keep it," Vi said with a smug grin. "So you won't miss me too much during the day."

Caitlyn rolled her eyes but pulled Vi in for another kiss, effectively wiping the smugness from her face. "I did miss you today." she murmured against Vi's lips. Stepping backward to guide them into her empty classroom.

They didn't have long, lunch period would be over soon, but Vi couldn't help melting into Caitlyn's touch. "Missed you too." she breathed.

Never mind that they had spent most of the weekend curled up together in Caitlyn's apartment.

Vi had only left Sunday afternoon, reluctantly dragging herself away for dinner with Powder to maintain their cover. But even those brief hours apart felt too long now.

She barely registered being pulled into the classroom by her work belt, too focused on Caitlyn's proximity. Vi pressed against her, forcing her girlfriends back in the wall with a soft thud, their lips meeting in a heated kiss. Vi's eyes fluttered closed as she leaned up, pushing Caitlyn further back with her body.

When Caitlyn pulled away, Vi chased her lips instinctively, only to pause at her girlfriend's breathless words.

"Isn’t this so much fun," Caitlyn panted, her fingers trailing over the collar of Vi’s overalls. "What do you say we spend Sunday doing this instead of lunch with my boring old parents?"

Vi blinked her eyes open, pulling back slightly. "Are you trying to seduce me out of dinner with your parents?"

Caitlyn surged forward, capturing Vi's lips again. Biting down on her bottom lip before murmuring against her mouth, "Is it working?"

The teasing tone in her voice suggested she wasn't entirely serious, but something in Vi's chest still tightened. She groaned as she pulled away.

Her heart sinking slightly as she caught her reflection in the classroom window. The janitor's overalls a stark reminder of their differences.

"I won't go if you don't want me there. I won’t be upset," Vi said quietly. "I understand if you don't want your mother to meet me. I'm not exactly 'meet the parents’ material," she added with a forced laugh, trying to step back and put some space between them.

But Caitlyn's hands tightened on her overalls, refusing to let her retreat. "No, no, it's not that at all," she insisted. "I’m not worried about her meeting you. More the other way around. It’s just, she can be... intense."

Vi couldn't help the laugh that she let out, relief flooding through her. She smirks as she responds, "I think I can handle intense."

Caitlyn rolls her eyes with a muttered "Your funeral" before fully pulling away. Slipping out from the gap between Vi and the wall.

"We're not making out anymore?" Vi asks with a slight whine.

Caitlyn simply shrugs, "Lunch is almost over."

Vi groans as she runs her tongue over her slightly sore lip that had been caught between Caitlyn's teeth. She smooths out her collar and glares petulantly. "I'll see you tonight?"

Caitlyn nods, holding up the walkie-talkie and shaking it teasingly. “I’ll radio you.” She says before speaking pressing down on the call button with a playful smile, "Over.”

The week seemed to fly by, and the closer Sunday crept, the more Vi regretted her hasty acceptance of the lunch invitation. Damn Tobias and his roughish charm...

Her anxiety peaked over the weekend, with the entirety of her Saturday being spent in a state of near-panic. She found herself frantically grabbing her walkie-talkie halfway through layering a dish of trifle. "Cupcake! Important question! Over!" Vi's voice crackled with urgency.

"Yes? Over." Caitlyn responded after a minute, clearly bemused.

"Does anyone in your family have any allergies? Like, life-threatening ones? Over!"

"No, Vi. No allergies. Why? Are you-"

Vi immediately turned the dial to mute the device, without even a goodbye. Returning to her cooking with renewed determination.

Despite Caitlyn's repeated assurances that it was a relaced lunch, Vi couldn't shake her nerves.

She all but demanded Caitlyn come over Sunday morning to help her pick out an outfit. She opened the door for her girlfriend wearing nothing but her underwear and a wild look in her eyes.

Caitlyn wasn't even given a chance to appreciate the view as she was dragged into Vi's bedroom. Forced to help her pick something from the entire contents of her closet dumped on the bed.

Caitlyn seemed to thoroughly enjoy playing dress up with her girlfriend. Taking her time assessing different colour combinations. Vi had a feeling she didn’t quite understand the urgency of the situation.

She finally selected relaxed fit shirt that hugged Vi's biceps, paired with straight-leg dark wash jeans. Her eyes lingering appreciatively on how well they fit.

Vi blinked and found herself standing at the door of the same mansion she'd been taken back to that first night.

One hand clutched tightly around a dish of homemade trifle, while the other worried with the collar of her shirt. Caitlyn rested her palm on her lower back, stroking her with a thumb in an attempt to soothe Vi's frayed nerves.

"Too late to take you up on that offer to make out instead?" Vi asked nervously.

Caitlyn hummed. "No, but we'd have to make a break for it now. I saw Mother peeking at us through the drawing room curtains as we walked up."

Vi paled and peered around, unable to spot the woman. Before she could suggest they actually make a run for it, the door was unceremoniously thrust open. Vi felt a slight sense of relief when she was met with Tobias' familiar face.

Tobias greeted her jovially. "Ah, Violet! I'm so pleased you came, and bearing gifts as well. How are you? Is that a trifle I spy?”

Vi flushed as she nodded rapdily. "Uh, I’m good. Yeah, raspberry and lemon curd." She shrugged and Tobias clapped her on the shoulder, eyeing the dish. She allowed herself to be pulled inside.

"You made it yourself? Quite the impressive feat." Vi smiled something timid as he leaned closer to peer at the neatly packed layers of sponge, custard and jam. Her eyes peering behind him to find no one else in her immediate sightline.

Caitlyn cut in from the door with a pointed "I’m also good, thank you for asking. Nice to see you too."

He finally acknowledged his daughter, pulling her into a hug before beckoning her inside. "Ahh Caitlyn, come in, come in!"

Vi stepped into the foyer of the large house and peered around. She let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding when she realised Caitlyn's mother was absent. Taking the moment to bathe in the grandeur of the house as her mouth dropped open slightly.

Caitlyn must have taken her through a side door that first night. She definitely would have remembered this room.

Vi found herself transfixed, mouth still slightly agape as she took in every ornate detail. Her eyes darted from one luxurious feature to the next. Barely registering Caitlyn's increasingly agitated movements beside her.

Caitlyn's eyes narrowed as she scanned the empty foyer, before rounding on her father with accusing eyes. "Where is Mother? Why must she always insist on making some grand entrance?"

Tobias patted her shoulder reassuringly, his eyes twinkling with fond amusement. "Now, now, darling. Your mother's just powdering her nose."

Caitlyn scoffed, clearly not buying the innocent explanation. "Of course she is." she muttered under her breath. Crossing her arms as she positioned herself protectively closer to Vi, who continued to take in the room.

The foyer was a breathtaking display of opulence. Soaring ceilings adorned by crystal chandeliers that cast dancing patterns across marble floors. A grand staircase curved gracefully upward. It's mahogany banister gleaming with generations of careful polishing. Antique furniture lined the walls, delicate end tables supporting priceless vases. Plush Victorian chairs that looked too pristine to have ever been sat in.

What caught Vi's attention however, was the enormous oil painting dominating the wall above the stairs.

The formal family portrait featured a much younger Tobias and who she assumed was Cassandra, posing regally. Between them sat a chubby cheeked baby Caitlyn in an elaborate christening gown. Her wisps of bright blue hair and bright eyes unchanged even after all these years. Vi couldn't help but coo at the image of her girlfriend. Earning herself an embarrassed elbow to the ribs from present day Caitlyn.

Her eyes paused on one of the cabinets, piled high with various trophies and silverware spilling out onto the floor. It looked slightly cluttered and out of place in the carefully orchestrated room.

Caitlyn's eyes were also drawn to the pile of trophies. She sighed exasperatedly, turning to Tobias, "Did you really bring those out just for Vi?"

Tobias hummed innocently in that same tone he took on the previous weekend, after having been caught in his spying. "Hmm? No, we're just moving things around, you know how it is.” He brushed her off and places a hand on Vi’s shoulder, steering her towards the cabinet. “Violet, take a look. All Caitlyn's, you see."

He pointed them out proudly as he walked Vi over. Giving her a tour of Caitlyn's achievements in chronological order, ranging from age seven through twenty two. Vi nodded along, listening attentively to Tobias’ bragging as Caitlyn sighed.

They were up to a hunting trophy won at age fourteen when a door slammed at the top of the stairs. Heels clicked on marble floors as a voice cut through from the top of the staircase.

"Oh my, Caitlyn, you've never brought back one this handsome before… And through the front door, no less!"

The three occupants of the foyer twisted to watch as the owner of the voice descended with an elegance that had Vi shaking in her work boots. Her dress sweeping lightly over the edges of the staircase as she floated down the steps.

Caitlyn might have had steam coming out of her ears as Vi flushed when she made eye contact. Begrudgingly, she found she was impressed by the grandness of the entrance.

"Mother!" Caitlyn exclaimed indignantly, but Cassandra paid her no mind as she continued her descent.

"Cassie, maybe we should-“ Tobias attempted to intervene, but his wife cut him off with a wave of her hand.

Cassandra's eyes roamed appreciatively over Vi as she laughed. "Honestly, if I had known about your proclivity… Well, I’d certainly have been less inclined to set you up with my friend's daughters."

"Mother!" Caitlyn huffed again, while Vi turned an even brighter shade of red.

Finally reaching the bottom of the stairs, Cassandra clutched Tobias' arm, tilting her head up at him. "Tobias, dear, isn't she handsome? The Arvinos will be absolutely furious."

Tobias smiled down at his wife fondly. "Yes, dear."

Caitlyn let out a mortified groan, looking like she wanted nothing more than for the floor to swallow her whole.

Cassandra turned to Vi directly, extending her hand. "Cassandra Kiramman. Of course, you must be the Violet my daughter cannot stop talking about. Welcome to our home." Her smile was practiced but seemed genuine. A perfect blend of warmth and authority that made Vi feel simultaneously welcomed and intimidated.

Vi quickly grasped the offered hand, praying her palm wasn't sweaty as she shook it. "Just Vi is fine," she managed, her voice coming out steadier than she felt. "Uh, thanks for having me." She silently congratulated herself on remembering basic manners despite her racing heart.

Cassandra's eyes lit up with approval, a stark contrast to her earlier scrutiny. She gave Vi's hand one final squeeze before letting go. "Strong grip and dessert," she remarked, her tone sly. "A woman who knows how to make a proper first impression."

Vi couldn't help the slight furrow that formed between her brows as she processed Cassandra's words. While exceedingly polite on the surface, there was something lurking beneath that polished exterior. It set Vi on edge. Every statement seemed to carry hidden meaning, like a carefully crafted puzzle where Vi only had half the pieces.

The contrast between mother and daughter couldn't have been more stark. Where Caitlyn was refreshingly direct, sometimes to a fault, her mother wielded words like precisely aimed arrows. Each one carrying layers of subtext Vi wasn't sure she was equipped to decode.

Caitlyn took that as her cue to cut in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I saw you peeking at us through the windows, Mother."

Cassandra's carefully crafted expression faltered for just a moment. She quickly recovered, shooting her daughter a tight smile. "Must have been the wind, dear," she placated, leaning in to place a kiss on Caitlyn's cheek.

Mother and daughter maintained intense eye contact. Clearly having some sort of silent conversation. Leaving both Vi and Tobias to glance awkwardly between them. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife as the two Kiramman women engaged in a wordless battle of wills.

Vi shifted uncomfortably, searching for anything to break the painful silence when an arm looped through hers.

She found herself being swiftly dragged along. Nearly breaking her neck as she whipped back to make sure Caitlyn was still with them. Her girlfriend trailed behind, looking thoroughly unamused by her mother's antics.

Cassandra hummed pleasantly, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "Now, how about a tour?"

Tobias hurried along to Vi's other side, casting a nervous glance at his wife. "Please make it a quick one, dear. I should check on the roast." He carefully extracted the trifle from Vi's hands with an apologetic smile.

"Of course, darling." Cassandra turned back to her husband with a conspiratorial smile that did nothing to ease Vi's growing anxiety.

Vi watched with barely concealed panic as her last line of defence against Cassandra's attention abandoned her. Caitlyn was still too mortified to be of any use. Leaving Vi to fend for herself with the two Kiramman women.

Cassandra lead Vi through the halls with the practiced grace of someone who had hosted countless social gatherings. Vi found herself automatically matching the older woman's stride. Caitlyn trailed after them like a dark cloud on a rainy day.

Vi was tense and Cassandra hummed thoughtfully as they walked. Her grip on Vi's arm tightening ever so slightly. "Caitlyn tells me you're quite the boxing enthusiast." she mused, her eyes glinting with interest. "If your physique is any indication of your skill, we simply must see you in action someday." She punctuated the remark with an unmistakable squeeze of Vi's bicep.

“Uh- Well…” Vi swallowed hard, fighting the urge to pull her arm away as her cheeks flushed even darker.

She wasn't used to such direct compliments. Especially not from someone as intimidating as Cassandra Kiramman. The only thing keeping her grounded was the reassuring presence of Caitlyn nearby. Though her girlfriend's obvious mortification wasn't exactly helping.

She casts a pleading look at Caitlyn, who seemed too busy stewing in her own humiliation and annoyance at her mother's behaviour.

Cassandra pulled Vi through the winding corridors at a brisk pace, waving a dismissive hand at various doorways as they passed. "Piano room, drawing room, guest bathroom," she rattled off without pausing. Vi wondered if she was supposed to be remembering any of this, her head spinning slightly as she tried to keep track of their path through the mansion.

Just as Vi was starting to suspect Cassandra had a specific destination in mind, the older woman's pace slowed. Vi felt her stomach drop at the knowing smile that spread across her host's face. "And of course, Caitlyn's bedroom," Cassandra announced with a theatrical flourish. "Though I'm told you may find this one familiar." she added lightly.

Vi twisted around to shoot an outraged glare at her girlfriend, mouthing 'you told her?!' with wide eyes. Caitlyn had the grace to look away, offering only a sheepish shrug in response, thoroughly cowed by Vi's betrayed expression.

Cassandra patted her on the shoulder reassuringly, though Vi felt nothing of the sort. "Now dear, no need to be embarrassed. Tobias and I are quite used to it."

Vi balked at that, but the woman just continued talking. "What with that whole Arvino fiasco." Cassandra sniffed derisively. "I'm sure Caitlyn has already filled you in."

Finally snapping out of what must have been some sort of out-of-body meditative experience, Caitlyn's defensive voice cut through the tension. "They were all lies!"

Cassandra turned to her daughter and eyed her reproachfully. "Yes, well dear, you certainly didn't try very hard to dispel that reputation. I seem to recall you rather enjoying the fruits of that particular rumour." she chided.

Caitlyn seemed sufficiently scolded and elected not to push the topic further. Instead, she sidled up to Vi’s other side. "Mother, please unhand my girlfriend," she said through gritted teeth.

Cassandra obliged with an elegant laugh, finally releasing her grip on Vi's bicep. Vi barely had time to restore circulation before Caitlyn's hand replaced her mother's. Pulling Vi protectively into her side.

The older woman sighed theatrically as she watched her daughter's display. "Oh darling, there's no need to be so possessive. I was merely being hospitable." Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she turned to lead them toward the dining room. "Come, dear. Let's not keep the food waiting. Your father does get rather pouty when his roast goes cold."

Vi frowned as they abandoned the tour, confirming this was all some elaborate ruse.

Vi watched as Cassandra glided ahead of them with an effortless grace. Her heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floor, each step precise and measured. The way she moved through her home reminded Vi of a queen surveying her domain. Somehow managing to make even the simple act of walking to dinner feel like a grand procession.

Vi found herself unconsciously straightening her posture as she followed. Still pressed close to Caitlyn's side.

Caitlyn leaned in close, whispering in Vi's ear, "I'm so sorry about her. She's just... like this. Try not to let it get to you." Her warm breath against Vi's neck helped calm some of Vi's frayed nerves. Though her heart was still racing from the intense encounter.

The dining room was just as grand as the rest of the house, with a long mahogany table that could easily seat twelve set for their intimate lunch of four. 

A wave of relief wash over her when she noticed only one set of cutlery by each plate. Her research on formal dining etiquette had abandoned her brain the moment Cassandra has entered the foyer.

They took their assigned seats, with Caitlyn quickly sliding into the chair next to Vi and directly across from Cassandra. Purposefully putting as much distance as possible between her mother and girlfriend.

Vi felt Caitlyn's hand come to rest on her thigh, gripping tightly as mother and daughter engaged in some sort of silent standoff. Seemingly communicating through eye contact alone.

She had never been more grateful for a man's presence than when Tobias emerged. Wearing an apron and oven mitts, proudly displaying a large tray with a perfectly cooked topside of roast beef.

Her mouth watered as the aroma of rosemary wafted over, and she enthusiastically praised Tobias' efforts. Her voice seemed to break whatever telepathic battle was happening between mother and daughter. They echoed her compliments to the chef.

Tobias gave a mock bow and handed Cassandra the carving tools before hurrying out to grab the side dishes. Vi offered her help, but he waved her off, returning minutes later balancing dishes filled to the brim. Roasted vegetables, stuffing, and all the trimmings of a traditional Sunday lunch.

As they settled around the table, Cassandra took charge of carving the meat with practiced precision. She made a show of giving Vi an especially generous portion. "You'll need the protein to maintain those impressive muscles." she commented with a knowing look that made Caitlyn sink into her chair.

"Mother," Caitlyn warned under her breath, but Cassandra merely smiled innocently.

“Don’t slouch, dear.”

Vi waited patiently as everyone received their food before enthusiastically digging into her pile of roast meat and potatoes. "This is excellent, Tobias," she complimented yet again.

Part of her had been wary of consuming a Kiramman made meal, but it seemed cooking skills were not inherited, paternally at least. She couldn't imagine Cassandra Kiramman having ever set foot in a kitchen.

Tobias was bashful, waving off the praise. "Well, the roast is my specialty. Sunday tradition around here, perfected over the years."

Cassandra tutted, setting down her carving tools. "Don't be humble about it, dear." She turned her attention to Vi. "Caitlyn tells us you're quite proficient in the kitchen yourself."

Vi shrugged, swallowing another bite. "I'm not bad."

Caitlyn tutted, the sound identical to her mother's. Vi's eyes widened as she glanced between them but no one else seemed to notice. "She's being modest," her girlfriend added, and now Vi could very clearly see the similarities between Caitlyn and her mother.

"She has this incredible collection of cookbooks," Caitlyn continued proudly. "At least a quarter of that overfilled bookshelf is dedicated to them."

Cassandra's eyes lit up with interest as she turned to Vi. "Are you a big reader, Violet?"

Vi nodded, swallowing another bite of roasted beef. "Yeah, when I have the time."

Cassandra perked up, reaching over to smack Tobias lightly on the arm. "Well then, once we're done here, I simply must show you our library."

Vi blinked, trying not to combust at the thought that some people had actual libraries in their homes. "You have a library?!" she asked, unable to hide her excitement.

Cassandra nodded sagely. "Yes, though no one else in the family seems to enjoy it quite as much." She sniffed delicately.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. "It's all fiction," she argued. "You could have at least stocked something of interest."

Cassandra looked genuinely offended at the suggestion. Honestly, Vi found herself understanding the reaction. Tobias chuckled, breaking the tension. "I've never been much of a reader either, I'm afraid."

Vi watched as Cassandra smiled fondly at her husband, her expression softening. "Oh yes, I remember those days at the institute library. You would come up with the most creative excuses to 'study' there."

Tobias flushed slightly. "Well, I had to find some way to get your attention."

"Darling, you spent an hour in there one afternoon, with your book upside down." Cassandra said with a laugh that made her seem years younger.

Vi felt herself starting to relax as she watched the couple's playful exchange. A glimpse of the warmth beneath Cassandra's intimidating exterior. Caitlyn however, seemed intent on making this lunch as painful for her mother as it was for her.

No matter that Vi was an innocent bystander.

"Oh, speaking of old friends..." Caitlyn interjected with a slight edge to her voice, "Grayson was asking after you the other day, Mother."

The effect was immediate. Cassandra's knife stilled mid-slice, and an uncomfortable silence descended over the table. The older woman's lips pursed as she shot Caitlyn a disapproving look. Tobias cleared his throat nervously.

Caitlyn smirked and took a viscous bite of her roast whilst making victorious eye contact with her mother.

Vi glanced between each family member cautiously, cheeks full of roast potatoes as she catalogued each reaction. Already preparing for the inevitable debrief with her girlfriend later that night. She chewed slowly as the silence in the room grew more and more awkward by the second.

"Ah yes, quite the... vivacious woman, Grayson," he offered weakly, attempting to break the tension.

“Quite.” Cassandra stated primly. She took a long sip of her wine. All the while maintaining eye contact with her smirking daughter over the glass rim.

Chapter Text

“You know, back in Ionia they make a traditional savoury trifle.”

Vi paused at Tobias’ unnerving statement. Her spoon halfway to her mouth, as she cast a sidelong glance at Caitlyn.

Her girlfriend was staring down at her bowl of trifle with a furrowed brow. Reluctantly savouring Vi's sweet concoction. The treat coming at the cost of enduring her parents' company for another half hour.

Lunch had been a rather stilted affair, with Caitlyn and her mother locked in what appeared to be a non-verbal battle of wills. Vi found herself overindulging in golden-crusted potatoes. Using them as a stoppering mechanism to keep her mouth occupied. Preventing her from blurting out her most inappropriate thoughts.

Chief among these being whether Grayson and Cassandra had once been romantically entangled. A question that certainly wouldn't have helped ease the tension.

After polishing off her fourteenth spud, Vi had set her fork down resolutely. Deciding it was better not to risk throwing up on Cassandra Kiramman's dining table. At the clatter of cutlery, Caitlyn's head had snapped over. With speed and an obviously fake sigh, she’d attempted to grab Vi and make their excuses.

Her escape attempt was thwarted when Tobias asked, with a dejected expression, if they wouldn't stay for dessert. Vi found herself succumbing once again to the man's guileless charm.

Caitlyn glared daggers at her father from the moment of Vi’s hesitant acceptance. Her disapproving stare only intensifying as Vi dished up generous portions of trifle. Larger portions meant more time.

When she finally looked down at her own serving, her scowl softened marginally as she took her first reluctant bite. Her expression betraying that she thought the dessert was admittedly delicious. Despite the lingering taste of Vi's betrayal still fresh on her tongue.

Vi tore her gaze away from her moping girlfriend, recalling Tobias' disturbing revelation. "Savoury trifle?" she asked, too curious for her own good.

He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's layers of minced meat in gravy, sandwiched between cooled mashed potato and garden vegetables. My mother used to make it for every holiday."

Vi froze, hiding her grimace at the mental image. "Oh, that sounds... nice." she managed with a strained smile. Just as Caitlyn made a disgusted noise in the back of her throat while staring at Vi's less experimental trifle. Vi discreetly pinched her girlfriend's thigh under the table.

"Oh, it was absolutely repulsive!" Tobias chuffed good-naturedly.

His wife shot him a haunted look that made Vi wonder just how many savoury trifles the woman had endured at the hands of her mother-in-law.

Cassandra dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, clearly trying to banish the memory. "Well, at least we've moved past that particular tradition.” Cassandra pondered for a moment before adding, "Though after tasting this, perhaps we should create a new one. A sweeter trifle every Sunday, hmm Violet?"

Vi felt her face grow warm at the unexpected compliment. She shifted in her seat, unsure how to respond, when Caitlyn suddenly straightened beside her. "Vi's a very busy person." Caitlyn interjected quickly, her tone sharp. "I'm sure she doesn't have time to make you desserts every weekend."

At that Vi paused because she definitely already did make desserts every weekend. Powder loved her chocolate chip cookies.

"Oh, it's really not that much trouble," Vi said with a shrug, focused intently on her spoon. "If you guys like it that much, I could-“

She cut herself off as she caught Caitlyn's betrayed glare from the corner of her eye. Suddenly finding the pattern on her dessert plate fascinating. A small, satisfied smile played at the corners of Cassandra's lips.

Caitlyn straightened in her chair, narrowing her eyes at her mother. She deliberately stuffed her last spoon of tirfle into her mouth.

"Mother," she said firmly, standing up from her chair with a stern expression. "Vi and I really should be going. We have quite a bit of work to do before tomorrow." Her tone left little room for argument, at least not for Vi who stood to follow. Cassandra Kiramman seemed to have plenty room left to argue.

"Nonsense!" Cassandra waves her hand dismissively. "It's much too late to be driving, Caitlyn."

Vi shot a side glance out the dining room windows to see the late afternoon sun still peeking in the sky.

Caitlyn crossed her arms and flatly replied, "It's barely four in the afternoon."

Cassandra shook her head. "You know they've forecast a hailstorm, nasty business. Much too dangerous."

Vi once again glanced out the window and squinted at the very clear looking sky. It was barely spitting with light flecks of rain hitting the glass.

"Right, darling." Tobias looked at his wife then daughter before nodding the affirmative. "Best you girls stay the night." Caitlyn opened her mouth to argue but her mother sternly added, "I won't have you crashing my car again.” Caitlyn's mouth snapped shut as Vi's eyes widened.

Caitlyn suddenly appeared rather sheepish under her mother's meaningful stare. Looking a far cry from her usual indignant self, "That wasn't my fault." she muttered, sounding distinctly unconvincing even to Vi’s ears.

Vi felt the colour drain from her face as she recalled every single time she'd willingly gotten into a vehicle with Caitlyn behind the wheel. Her girlfriend's aggressive driving style suddenly took on a more worrying context.

"Now then," Cassandra announced, standing gracefully from her seat. "Violet, I simply must show you the library." When Caitlyn quickly moved to follow, Cassandra shooed her away. "Oh no, darling. Your father needs help clearing up.”

"But Mother-" Caitlyn began to protest, but Cassandra rolled her eyes with a dismissive wave.

"Besides, you never did enjoy all those dusty old books, did you darling? Remember?" Cassandra tutted as she rounded the table and latched onto Vi.

Caitlyn huffed and made eye contact with Vi as if to check whether she should push back more. When Vi gave her a reassuring nod she deflated, "Fine, I'll join you soon." she muttered petulantly. Her voice carrying plenty of attitude. Clearly regressing into her teenage self around her mother.

Cassandra led Vi through what felt like an endless maze of corridors. Her heels clicking purposefully against the polished floors. "You know, Violet, that's the first time she's willingly tried to join me in the library since she was a little girl."

Vi nodded along, trying not to get whiplash from the number of corners they'd turned. She wondered how it was possible for someone's house to have this many corners. Each corridor was decorated with some art piece or antique that she was sure someone more cultured would appreciate. Powder would love this stuff.

Cassandra continued her commentary on her daughter, seemingly oblivious to Vi's growing disorientation. "Always more into the numbers, that one," she shook her head with a sigh.

Vi just nodded along, wondering if the woman abandoned her here how long it would take to find her way out. She was lucky Caitlyn had taken her in through a side door that first night. She could imagine a very real scenario where she'd stumbled into her parents' bedroom during her hasty exit.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of twists and turns, they arrived at a set of large oak doors in what Vi thought might be the east wing. Though she honestly couldn't be sure anymore. For all she knew, they could be in a different building by now.

As they entered, Vi couldn't help but gasp. The room was absolutely massive. Lined floor to ceiling with mahogany bookshelves that were packed to bursting with novels. The walls were painted a deep navy blue that somehow made the vast space feel more enclosed and cozy.

Vi found herself instantly more at ease here than anywhere else she'd been in the manor. Her eyes were drawn to a large brown leather Chesterfield sofa on one side of the room that looked perfect for falling asleep on. If this was her house, she might never leave this room.

She turned to find Cassandra watching her reaction with obvious pleasure, a small satisfied smile playing at her lips. Vi forgot her earlier attempts to maintain her cool as she gestured wildly at the endless rows of books.

"These all belong to you?" she asked incredulously as her eyes roamed over what must be hundreds of books.

Cassandra nodded. "Well, some are on loan. But yes, the majority have been in the Kiramman family for decades, or were purchased by myself." She seemed pleased as she waved a hand for Vi to explore as she pleased.

Vi walked along the shelves, pausing as she spotted a familiar series lining one of the shelves. "You've read this?" She was surprised to see the modern crime thriller series, having expected mostly classics given the stature of the library. This particular story featured a female Piltovian detective as the protagonist was tough on crime but soft on love. Vi had a working theory that she would end up with her far more brash partner in law.

Cassandra drew closer, pulling up her reading glasses from where they hung around her neck. She squinted and hummed, "Yes, you enjoy them?" Vi nodded and Cassandra smiled fondly. "The protagonist reminds me of Caitlyn," the older woman admitted. It was good to know the woman was sitll fond of her daughter. Despite having suffered Caitlyn's goading throughout their lunch.

Vi noticed five books bearing the author's name, though she thought they had only published four. She had never heard of this particular title. She reaches up to run her hand along the spine but hesitates, instead pointing out the imposter questioningly.

"Ah yes," Cassandra hummed. "Well, the author's a friend of the family. We were kindly loaned an early copy of the next instalment."

Vi's mouth dropped open, and Cassandra looked pleased. "Of course, it's not allowed to leave the premises, but I'm happy to let you read through when you return next Sunday."

She was aware she was once again being manipulated into agreeing to another Sunday lunch. Maybe Caitlyn would be upset, but Vi still nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely," she agreed, deciding to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. “If Caitlyn wants me to.” She adds.

Cassandra seemed even more pleased with Vi's response. Reaching up to pull out the fifth instalment. She handed it to Vi, who traced the cover in awe, fingers hovering just above the pristine dust jacket.

"May I ask you a personal question, Violet?" Cassandra's abrupt question caused Vi to fumble, nearly dropping the one of a kind book. She managed to catch it, heart racing at the near disaster.

Vi eyed the woman warily. "Uh, yeah. I suppose."

Cassandra's next words came as more of a statement than a question. "You seem like a bright girl, switched on, hmm?"

Vi frowned, trying to judge whether she was being insulted. "Uh, thanks?" She paused, before adding defensively, "Is that the question?"

Cassandra paused for a moment. Her perfectly manicured fingers trailing along the spines of nearby books. "Well, I just can't help but wonder why you do what you do? You're certainly not the typical demographic for your line of work."

Vi's frown deepened. "Demographic?"

Cassandra eyed her calculatingly. "Smart, young, beautiful?"

Vi flushed and squared her shoulders, not sure whether to be offended or flattered at this point. She felt like she was being talked in circles as the woman was anything but straight-forward.

"There's nothing wrong with being a janitor, if that's what you mean." she answered, carefully placing the book back in its place before crossing her arms across her chest.

Cassandra shook her head. "Oh, you mustn't get me wrong, it's a noble profession. Where would society be without caretakers to take care of us after all?" She chuckled, though her expression quickly fell away to one of careful inquiry. "I'm just curious how you found yourself in the profession?"

Vi shrugged, not quite willing to share her life story with someone she still wasn't sure was judging her or not. "I applied," she said bluntly. "It's a steady job with great benefits."

Cassandra's eyes widened slightly as she nodded. "Of course, of course. But is it your plan to remain in this role forever?"

Vi felt her hackles rising as she recalled her conversation with Benzo earlier in the week. She was struggling to think of a less biting response than 'none of your business' when Caitlyn burst into the room, slightly frazzled.

Both Vi and Cassandra turned to look at the panting woman. She had clearly sprinted across the unnecessarily large mansion after clearing up. The front of her jumper was slightly damp with what Vi could only assume was dishwater, considering she wore a rubber glove on one hand. Still waiting for her to speak, Caitlyn held up a rubber-gloved finger as she caught her breath.

Flushing as she realised the bright yellow glove was still there, she snapped it off before pointing at her mother. "Father needs you downstairs," she exclaimed finally. "He can't find the good teapot."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "Did he check the drawing room cabinet?"

Caitlyn shrugged. "You'll have to ask him yourself."

Cassandra huffed exasperatedly and moved towards the door. Patting her daughter lightly on the shoulder as she brushed past, plucking the glove from her fingers. As her heels clicked further away, Caitlyn called after her, "I'm going to show Vi around!"

Cassandra didn't turn and simply acknowledged her with a hand in the air as she left.

Caitlyn turned to Vi and moved closer. "Are you okay? What did she say?" Vi quickly schools her expression into something less prickly as Caitlyn takes her hand. Her girlfriend’s thumb worrying over her knuckles as she tries to catch her eyes.

Vi considered telling Caitlyn about her mother's line of questioning, but that would mean discussing the topic again. She was already sick of theafter Benzo brought it up earlier in the week. The last thing she wanted was to have the same conversation with Caitlyn.

What if Caitlyn asked the same questions as her mother and Benzo? What if she also thought Vi was wasting her potential? Vi was already feeling defensive, and she didn't want Caitlyn to end up on the receiving end of that. Better to just let it go.

Vi shrugged. "Nothing. So, you gonna give me the real tour?"

Caitlyn studied Vi's face for a moment, clearly wanting to press the issue. But something in Vi's expression must have warned her off because she just squeezed Vi's hand and offered a small smile.

"Alright then," she said softly, tugging Vi towards the door. "Let me show you where I used to hide when Mother insisted on those awful piano lessons."

Caitlyn's tour proved far more entertaining than the embarrassing excursion they’d gone on with her mother. Vi much preferred her house tours without a side order of humiliation.

Her arm looped through Vi's as they strolled through the halls. Caitlyn seemingly had no particular direction in mind. Instead she was content to wander and point out anything that caught her attention.

Vi found herself smiling as she noticed that rather than highlighting the clearly expensive art or architecture of the building, Caitlyn chose to share memories with her.

There was a warm, nostalgic glisten in her eyes that made Vi feel increasingly at ease in these intimidating surroundings. As Caitlyn brought the space to life with her stories, Vi began to see beyond the grandeur of Kiramman Manor. Catching a glimpse of the home that had been built within its walls.

Caitlyn paused at a window and pointed out a massive oak tree visible through one of the windows. It stood proudly in the centre of the gardens, rounded and clearly well maintained by what Vi assumed was the Kiramman’s team of gardeners. The light spittle of rain and wind causing the leaves to dance under the glow of the sunset. No hailstorm as of yet.

"I made it my mission to reach the top of that when I was twelve." she admitted with a sheepish grin. Though Vi could detect a hint of childish boastfulness hat had not been washed away even a decade later.

Vi shook her head with a fond smile. "No wonder your mother's gone grey."

Caitlyn flushed and tugged her away with a quiet, “It was smaller back then.”

“So were you.” Vi quipped and bumped her shoulder teasingly into Caitlyn’s as they walked. The tree following them in their periphery continued down the corridor.

Through the cross-hatched windows that lined the corridor, the setting sun cast a patterned shadow across the floor. Vi found herself absentmindedly trying to place her feet in the gaps between the shadows. As if they were cracks in a pavement she needed to avoid for good luck.

"Did you make it to the top?" Vi asked, glancing up from her feet and back at the tree through one of the windows.

Caitlyn hummed affirmatively, pride evident in her tone before adding. "Broke my arm afterwards. Father screaming at me to get down made me lose my balance." She wiggled the arm looped through Vi's as if remembering the feeling. "Couldn't shoot my rifle properly for months."

Vi frowned and hugged Caitlyn's arm closer to her body with a subtle flex of her bicep. Feeling oddly protective of a younger Caitlyn she'd never known.

As they continued to pass by the windows overlooking the grounds, Caitlyn gestured to some buildings in the distance. "Those are the kennels. We've got two dobermans, they’re usually running around the place, but I asked father to keep them out of the house today. They get quite... overexcited when they see me."

"Can’t blame them," Vi teased as she squinted out of the window. In the distance she could make out the kennel sitting at the edge of the property line. It looked like a miniature house, with burgundy walls and a tiled roof. About four times the size of a normal persons shed. "What are their names?"

Caitlyn went quiet for a moment, muttering something unintelligible under her breath. Vi grinned knowingly at the flush on her girlfriend's cheeks before slowly asking, "Would you mind speaking up?" Already knowing this would be delicious and wanting to savour the moment.

"Newton and Isaac," Caitlyn stated louder this time and gave an annoyed huff at Vi's laughter. "They shouldn't have let a child name them." she pouted.

"Caitlyn Kiramman knew who she was from a very young age..." Vi said slowly and leaned into her. Putting her weight deliberately into Caitlyn's side to make her stumble. Forcing her girlfriend to look at her to make sure they were steady. "A nerd." she finished with a smug smile.

Caitlyn dropped her head into Vi's soft pink hair, inhaling deeply as if to ground herself. "I think I'm going to return you to my mother. She can keep you actually," she threatened into Vi's head, which shook in disagreement.

Vi scoffed, "You wouldn't dare."

Caitlyn emerged and blinked down at her. "She's been pestering me about whether you’d be her guest at a foundation lunch next month."

Vi chuckled nervously. "And you told her no, right?"

Caitlyn just shrugged and pulled Vi along, who spluttered at the lack of response.

They neared the door of what appeared to be another elegant spare bedroom. The corridor looked more familiar to Vi, so she suspected that Caitlyn's bedroom was around here somewhere. The room looked like a carbon copy of Caitlyn's in terms of layout. Only lacking any personality, which made Vi wonder why her girlfriend had paused here of all places.

Caitlyn leaned against the doorframe with a wistful smile. "And this is where I found Mel and Jayce making out one summer when I was sixteen.”

Vi's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"

Her eyes darted around the room with sudden intense interest. Taking in every detail as if she'd been taken to one of the seven wonders. "This very room, huh?" She walked further into the room. Examining a perfectly innocent lamp with exaggerated fascination. "And was this lamp here at the time? What have you witnessed, poor thing.” She marvelled, poking at it as if it was a historical artefact.

Caitlyn watched Vi's theatrical investigation with growing amusement.

"Mmm. It was quite traumatic. I’d just confided in Jayce about having my first crush on Mel." Caitlyn continued, a maudlin look in her eyes. "Broke my little heart. Of course, at the time I wasn’t aware they were seeing each other. Jayce felt so guilty he let me boss him around the entire summer."

Vi paused, processing this information. "Wait, you had a crush on Mel? As in Principal Medarda?"

Caitlyn nodded, though she quickly added, "It was nothing really. She was much older, just a silly teenage infatuation. I think of her like a sister now.” Vi notes Caitlyn's placating tone, as if trying to head off any potential jealousy over her childhood crush. Her girlfriend's hands fluttered nervously as she rambled. Something about how she absolutely didn't feel that way about Mel anymore, before adding, "Besides, Mel is very much not into women."

Vi paused at that, her mouth falling open slightly as memories of hip thrusts and Sevika's sly whispers came flooding back.

For once, she managed to engage her brain before her mouth. Considering that perhaps exposing her bosses personal life wasn't the best career move. Her jaw snapped shut with an audible click.

"Oh yeah, straight as they come, that one!" Vi nodded with perhaps a touch too much enthusiasm. "I mean, you'd have to be to get with Talis!" She could feel her eyes going slightly manic. Judging by Caitlyn's bemused expression, she wasn't being particularly convincing.

Thankfully, her girlfriend seemed more preoccupied with unburdening herself of her secret teenage crush. Vi's odd behaviour went without suspicion.

Caitlyn pulled her away from the scene of Mel and Jayce's crime, leading her further down the corridor to the only room Vi actually recognized.

"Where the magic happened," Vi joked, as she was tugged into Caitlyn’s bedroom.

She was aware of the lingering awkwardness around her midnight disappearance from this very room. Caitlyn seemed equally conscious of it. Her eyes falling to the rather imposing bed that dominated the space directly in front of them.

Vi squeezed Caitlyn's hand apologetically and moved to step in front of her, breaking the woman's staring contest with her bed frame. Her eyes held some lingering sadness as she bit her lip, seemingly debating saying anything before speaking.

"It hurt me a little when you left. It felt like I'd lost you even though it wasn't anything at the time." she admits and Vi's heart squeezes.

"I'm sorry, I won't leave like that again, ever." Vi promises. "I'm glad you found me in the end. Didn't take you too long." she adds and Caitlyn chuckles at that.

"You were leaving a trail of soapy footprints."

Vi grins and tugs provocatively Caitlyn's sweater, still damp with dishwater. "You're the one lathered up this time."

She smirks and Caitlyn's eyes darken at the suggestive wording. Suddenly she's being backed up and the back of her knees meet the edge of Caitlyn's bed. The contact catches her off guard and her back falls to the mattress with a thump. Caitlyn presses her advantage. Using the opportunity to crawl onto the bed and settle her arms either side of Vi’s head.

Caitlyn leans down to press her lips firmly against Vi’s. Her lips gently coax Vi's mouth open and she hummed smugly when she gains entrance. Vi shifts as she feels a knee pressing quite firmly at her apex and she involuntarily moans into her girlfriend's mouth. The pressure grows a little more insistent and she shifts against it, trying to gain some relief.

It all felt very good but there was a pressing thought that prevented Vi from responding further. In fact, it had her pulling away, breathing heavily as she broke the kiss and stared up at Caitlyn with dilated eyes.

"Cait, we're in your parents' house!" Vi protested, her eyes darting nervously toward the door. She felt utterly scandalised.

Caitlyn raises an eyebrow, an amused smile playing at her lips. "You didn't seem to mind last time."

"Well, I didn’t know last time." Vi countered, her cheeks flushing. "We can’t. I won’t be able to look poor Tobias in the eyes, much less your mother."

Caitlyn's expression shifted to one of mock offense, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Are you really turning me down right now?"

"I'm just..." Vi squirmed as Caitlyn pressed closer again. Her knee was still very much rooted in its place between Vi’s legs. In any other circumstance she would welcome the intrusion. However, she was now more than conscious of the Kiramman families distinct lack of boundaries. She was also still recovering from the carb laden hit she’d taken from their lunch earlier. "I’m packed full of fourteen penetration preventative roast potatoes." She admitted, the words carrying a note of mournful finality that had Caitlyn rolling off her.

Caitlyn pouted as she relented, flopping dramatically onto her bed with a sigh. "Did you really eat fourteen potatoes?"

"Yep.” Vi confirmed and rolled onto her side, peering down at her girlfriend who was laying flat on her back.

"That’s impressive.” Caitlyn twisted onto her side to face her and tucked her arm under her head.

“Thanks.” Vi whispered as they stared at each other.

Vi gazed at Caitlyn, reaching up to gently tuck a strand of dark hair behind her ear. Her fingertips brushed against Caitlyn's cheek in the process. Her girlfriend's eyes fluttered closed at the tender touch. Caitlyn caught Vi's hand before she could pull away, pressing it against the side of her face and kissing the palm softly.

"Cait, can I ask you something?" Vi whispered, and Caitlyn's eyes opened to meet hers. She nodded seriously, clearly picking up on Vi's hesitant tone.

Vi paused for a moment. Gathering her courage before blurting out the question that had been nagging at her mind.

"So like, did Grayson bone your mom or what?"

The Kiramman women made it through afternoon tea and dinner with far less fanfare than lunch.

Caitlyn seemed too drained from the earlier events to engage in another battle with her mother. For her part, Cassandra appeared hesitant to push Vi further after their conversation in the library. Though she continued to heap attention on her in ways that made Caitlyn flush with embarrassment.

Tobias regaled them with increasingly outlandish stories from his youth. Each one making Caitlyn sink lower in her chair with mortification. When he made to pull out the childhood photo album, she finally called it a night, citing their early start in the morning.

Vi had never slept on anything as luxurious as Caitlyn's bed. The mattress seemed to cradle her perfectly, and she drifted off almost immediately. It felt like mere minutes later when Caitlyn was shaking her awake. Hissing about needing to leave before her parents woke up.

They crept through the halls like thieves, Vi struggling to keep her eyes open as she followed Caitlyn's lead. Just as they reached the foyer, the unmistakable sound of a rifle being cocked froze them in place.

Obscured in the dark of the early morning, Cassandra Kiramman sat in one of the elegant armchairs. A hunting rifle balanced across her lap as she methodically polished the barrel. She looked perfectly put together despite the early hour. A stark contrast to Vi's disheveled appearance.

Vi responded to the tense moment with an enormous yawn that echoed through the foyer. "G'morning," she mumbled sleepily, apparently too tired to be properly intimidated. The woman inclined her head in Vi’s direction, setting the gun down on the coffee table.

"Caitlyn, darling," she called out, drawing closer to the pair. "Do try to visit more often." Though her words were directed at her daughter, her eyes lingered thoughtfully on Vi for a moment. She pulled her daughter down for a hug and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Caitlyn sighs at being caught in her mother's stakeout and answers with a dutiful "Yes mother" before tugging a half asleep Vi out of the door. Vi glances over her shoulder and waves goodbye at the woman as she's unceremoniously piled into the passenger seat of the car.

She snoozes throughout the twenty minute drive back to the academy. Periodically jerking awake when Caitlyn weaves the car between lanes. She but can appreciate her girlfriend doing her best to keep the ride smooth to not disturb her sleep. It wasn't working.

Were she more awake she might have recalled Cassandra's words about a car crash and been more afraid.

They pulled up to the staff parking lot just before six am and Vi couldn't help but mourn her beautiful hours of sleep. Now, after having been caught by Cassandra anyway, it seemed entirely unnecessary. She informed Caitlyn as much and received an apologetic kiss as a bribe for her forgiveness, which she granted easily.

They made out in the front seat of Caitlyn's car for a few minutes before Vi reluctantly broke away. Saying she should probably head in and get ready for her shift. She needed to text Powder as well. She had cancelled their dinner last night after realising Caitlyn's parents were going to hold them hostage. There was grovelling to be done and excuses to be made.

Caitlyn hummed a reluctant "fine" and released Vi's seatbelt for her with a pout. Vi smiled and pecked her lips again before exiting the car.

Still foggy from sleep as she shut the door behind her, she shivered slightly, seeing her breath misting in front of her in the early morning air. An idea came to mind.

Leaning down, she tapped the window, as if to draw Caitlyn's attention despite it already being fixed on her. She breathed out against the glass. Fogging up the window and slowly tracing a cartoon heart with a waggle of her eyebrows. Satisfied, she drew herself up and began walking away only to turn as she heard the car door open.

Twisting, she found Caitlyn drawing up close to her. The woman captured her lips once more as she murmured, "One more." against Vi's mouth.

Vi grinned into the kiss and when Caitlyn broke away she smirked, "Satisfied?"

Caitlyn opened her mouth to respond but froze, her eyes locking on something over Vi's shoulder. Vi turned her head to follow her gaze and her stomach dropped.

Dread pooled in Vi's stomach as she locked eyes with a familiar figure exiting the staff building. A knowing smirk spread over Sevika’s face as her eyes roamed over their compromising position. Still very much tangled together in the middle of the parking lot. Vi quickly broke away, but it was too late.

Vi's heart dropped. After all their careful planning and early morning sneaking around, they'd been caught.

The woman's smug smirk widened as she hitched her gym bag further up her shoulder. With a simple nod in their direction, she moved off, strolling towards the gym for her morning session. Vi then recalled the words she’d uttered many times before.

Nothing good ever happens before six am.

Chapter Text

The frost dusted ground of the staff parking lot glittered like crushed diamonds.

Pristine and untouched save for a single path worn clear by Vi's relentless pacing. An erratic set of footprints littered the ground in front of Caitlyn's car. The friction of her heavy work boots had melted and scuffed away the delicate crystalline coating. Leaving dark, damp asphalt exposed in an endless figure-eight pattern.

It was still early enough that the sane faculty members were tucked safely in their beds. The parking lot quiet save for the melodic chirping of birds and the rhythmic stomping of Vi's boots against the frozen ground.

"She’s going to tell everyone," Vi muttered, running her fingers through her hair. "All of it. The press is going to have a field day..."

Caitlyn leaned against her car, only half-listening to Vi's spiralling monologue. Her attention had been caught by the misty heart Vi had drawn on her car window earlier. The cause of their downfall.

Now, as the morning warmed, it was slowly dissolving, droplets trailing down the glass like tears. She pulled out her phone, carefully framing the shot before snapping a picture. All the while Vi continued to rant obliviously. The phone disappeared back into her coat pocket just as smoothly as it had emerged.

"We just can’t panic, okay?" Vi continued rationalising, more to herself than to her girlfriend. Her pacing hadn't slowed. "We need to think this through logically. There has to be a way to contain this."

Caitlyn crossed her arms, eyes tracing over Vi's manic form as she moved back and forth through the parking lot. "I'm not panicking." she said flatly.

Vi clenched both hands into fists, her nails pressing crescents into her palms. "We just have to remain calm."

Caitlyn frowned at the action, her fingers twitching as if to capture the hands and stop them causing pain to her girlfriend. "Okay. Maybe you should-“

Vi twisted abruptly to face Caitlyn and pointed an accusing finger at her. "Calm down, Caitlyn!"

"I'm calm!" Caitlyn's voice rose a little in frustration. Barely louder than her speaking voice, but it was enough to snap Vi out of her pacing.

Vi blinked back, stopping in her tracks looking perturbed. "There's no need to yell," she said, sounding affronted at her girlfriend's tone.

Caitlyn pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled. The air misting up in front of her giving her the appearance of a smoking dragon. "Sorry," she sighed, her posture resigned. "Are you okay?" Her hand reached out to catch Vi's no longer flailing hands. She unfurled Vi's fists and intertwined their fingers.

With her newly secured grip, Caitlyn tugged Vi closer, who immediately sagged into her. Vi buried her head in the crook of Caitlyn's neck and mumbled a small "Yeah" into her skin with a sigh. Caitlyn squeezed her hand and leaned her head back to glance down at Vi.

"Would you like me to go speak with her?" Caitlyn asked seriously.

Vi snorted into Caitlyn's shoulder and asked teasingly, "What are you gonna beat her up for me? I think she's out of your weight class, babe." She couldn't help but smile at the mental image of Caitlyn attempting to grapple with Sevika in her honour.

Caitlyn huffed. "Obviously not, I'd take my rifle."

Vi smiled and shook her head. "It's okay, I’ll go speak with her." Vi paused before adding with a sly twist to her smile, "It's totally my fault anyways."

Caitlyn pulled back and narrowed her eyes questioningly at Vi. "How so?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Too irresistible for my own good. Should've known you'd come back for another taste." Vi grinned, her smile etching into the skin of Caitlyn’s neck.

Caitlyn scoffed and pressed an aggressive kiss to the side of Vi's head before releasing her hold. "Don't you have damage control to do?" she called teasingly as she rounded the car to the drivers side.

Vi begrudgingly waved goodbye as Caitlyn reversed out of her spot. Wincing at the dark skid marks her tires left on the tarmac as she sped away. With a heavy sigh, she turned and began her unfortunate walk of shame across the academy grounds towards the gym.

As expected, she found Sevika already laying down on the bench mid-set. Their eyes met briefly, and that insufferable smirk returned to Sevika's face before she refocused on her lift. Vi pouted as she made her way over and lingered menacingly by the bench. Much like she would on a normal gym day when someone was deadlifting in the squat rack.

She eyed the three plates on each side of the bar with reluctant respect as she impatiently waited for Sevika to re-rack the bar. She didn't want to kill the woman after all. Or did she? It would certainly solve her problem. No one would doubt her story...

An ego-lifting Sevika crushed by the weight of an unattainable personal best. That would definitely make for a better story in the school newspaper.

The bar hit the rack with a resounding thunk as Sevika sat up, sweat glistening on her forehead.

She simply stared at Vi, her expression unreadable save for the slight quirk at the corner of her mouth. Vi returned the look flatly, crossing her arms over her chest. She could totally wait this out. Anything she said would only incriminate her further anyway.

Vi lasted approximately three more seconds before blurting, "Whatever it is you think you saw, it wasn't what it looked like."

Sevika raised a single eyebrow.

Vi felt her eye twitch. Damn, she was good. Not a single word and Vi was already crumbling under the pressure.

"Okay, fine," Vi huffed, throwing her hands up in defeat. "Maybe it was exactly what it looked like. But you can't tell anyone, okay! Especially not Powder!" The words tumbled out in a rush, a desperate plea that had Sevika's other eyebrow joining the first.

Sevika didn't respond. Instead, she leaned down to pick up her water bottle, shaking it slightly before taking a long, deliberate sip.

Her judgemental eyes raked over Vi, who bristled under the scrutiny, drawing herself up to her full height.

Fine. If that's how she wanted to play it.

"You spill, and I tell everyone about you and Medarda!" Vi threatened, jabbing a finger in Sevika's direction.

Sevika's eyes narrowed dangerously. For the first time since Vi had entered the gym, she spoke, dropping the bottle from her lips as she stood to her full height. Vi huffed in annoyance as she was forced to crane her neck up to maintain her glare at the older woman.

"Don't threaten me, kid. I was around when you were in diapers." Sevika warned, her voice low and dangerous.

Vi deflated immediately, shoulders slumping as she mumbled, "Sorry. Just... please don't tell Powder."

Sevika rolled her eyes. "I have better things to do than gossip about your love life with a teenager."

Vi puffed out a relieved breath and nodded. "Cool, yeah, didn't think you would. Never doubted you." she added cheerily as Sevika gestured for her to load another plate on the bar.

"So, your girl trouble. Whole time it was her?"

At her nod Sevika hummed thoughtfully. "How'd you manage to score a Kiramman?"

Vi scoffed, offended. "With my charms!" she exclaimed, gesturing down at her biceps.

Sevika gave her a long, unimpressed once over.

Vi slumped against the wall, her earlier bravado evaporating. "To be honest, I don't know." she admitted quietly. Her early doubts about what Caitlyn saw in her came rushing back, now crystallized by someone outside their little bubble knowing. The first thought wasn't congratulations. It was questioning why a Kiramman would stoop to Vi's level. It felt like having all her fears validated in one unimpressed look.

Vi must have looked more pitiful than she thought because Sevika's hand landed heavily on her shoulder, giving her a not-so-gentle pat. "I'm only kidding. What, do you want me to tell you you're a catch and she'd be lucky to have you?" Sevika asked dryly.

Vi widened her eyes, perking up. "Yes actually, that would be nice to hear."

Sevika grunted as she used the hand on her shoulder to shove her back. Falling victim to Vi's wide eyes, she sighed. "You're a catch and she'd be lucky to have you."

Vi grinned, deciding to ignore the sarcastic delivery. "You're such a sap," she gloated and dodged the reactionary swipe from Sevika as she backed out of range. "Promise you're not going to tell anyone?"

Sevika glowered. "Why bother? You can't keep a fucking secret anyways. Powder's probably onto you already."

Vi sniffed at the insinuation. "Whatever. You're getting slow." she called over her shoulder as she exited the gym. Deciding it was best not to stick around too long and provoke the woman any further.

The morning chill seemed to have intensified during her brief time in the gym. Seeping through her jacket and making her shoulders hunch. She quickened her pace, boots crunching against the frozen ground as she headed for her apartment.

Vi shivered as she made her way back across the grounds, shoving her hands deep into her jacket pockets. Her breath came out in visible puffs as she muttered under her breath,

"What does Sevika know anyway? I can totally keep a secret."

Vi was having a fantastic week.

She couldn't help but feel a little smug as she went about her daily routine, knowing she was proving Sevika wrong with each passing day. Monday, Tuesday and even Wednesday passed without so much as a hint of exposure. Everything was going perfectly.

Her relationship with Caitlyn was better than ever. Her girlfriend's parents seemed to like her. And most importantly, Powder remained completely oblivious.

She whistled cheerfully as she strolled through the hallways after finishing up in the lunch hall. Not even Benzo's attempts to apologise after their talk last week could dampen her mood. She'd been giving him the cold shoulder ever since that day.

Today she felt almost delirious in her happiness.

Vi had already memorized Caitlyn's class schedule by heart and found herself almost skipping in the direction of the science wing. Knowing she had a free period right about now.

Though she was well aware that Caitlyn preferred to use these rare free hours to catch up on grading, Vi couldn't help herself. She had already prepared several excuses for why she absolutely needed to empty the trash can in that specific classroom at this specific moment.

If she happened to distract her girlfriend from her work in the process, well, that could hardly be blamed on her.

She had confirmed that Powder would be joining her for dinner that evening for some sorely missed sister time. With her ever growing pile of school work and Caitlyn keeping Vi busy, they hadn't seen much of eachother since the previous week. She had already picked up the ingredients to bake some cookies to send off with Powder that evening.

As she passed one of the janitor's closets, a quiet sniffle made her slow her steps.

She paused, tilting her head to listen more carefully. Pressing her ear against the door, she heard it again. Unmistakably the sound of a child crying. After a moment's hesitation, she knocked gently and cracked the door open.

Inside, she found Isha curled up in the corner, hands pressed firmly over her ears, looking up at her with big, watery eyes.

Vi glanced around the hallway as if to spot the perpetrator that had upset the kid both her and her sister had grown fond of. When no one appeared in her immediate field of vision she quickly slipped inside and crouched down to the girl's level.

"Hey kid," she said softly. "What's wrong?"

Isha just shook her head fiercely, tears leaking from her tightly closed eyes, hands still fixed resolutely over her ears. Vi frowned, trying unsuccessfully to catch the girl's gaze. Her eyes roamed over the girl’s small form and noticed her rocking back and forth slightly. Her fingers pinching tugging at the strands of hair by her ears.

"Uh, are the Piltie offspring being jerks again?" Vi hedged, her hands hovering over the kid unsure if a hug would help or hurt the situation. She quickly dropped them back to her sides when the girl flinched.

Isha opened her eyes just to shake her head firmly before sinking further into her corner. Vi sighed and straightened up, hands on her hips as she considered her options. Powder would be in class right now. Calling her sister for backup wasn't an option.

Then she remembered where she had been heading in the first place. Caitlyn was one of Isha's teachers. She’d probably know how to help.

“Okay, hold on a second.” Vi whispered as she fumbled with her belt clip for her janitorial communication device.

Vi pulled out her walkie-talkie, knowing Caitlyn would have it nearby during her free period. "Cait, come in. Over."

Isha peered up at her, unable to help her curiosity as Caitlyn's voice crackled through the radio. "Vi? Is everything okay?"

Vi glanced down at Isha before responding, "Uh yeah, strange request. Could you come meet me in the supply closet near Talis' classroom?"

There was a pause before Caitlyn responded, "I'm not fooling around with you in a supply closet, Vi. At least not during-"

Vi quickly cut her off, very aware of her young audience. "It's not that. Just come, please?"

Her pleading tone must have conveyed the seriousness of the situation because Caitlyn qucikly agreed.

Minutes later, Vi heard the familiar click of heels approaching and opened the door to let her girlfriend in. At Caitlyn’s questioning gaze she simply pointed down at Isha. The kid peered up at them both at the sound of the door opening, hands still clamped over her ears.

Caitlyn inhaled sharply as she immediately crouched down to Isha’s level. Vi follows her down resulting in them pressing against each other at one end of the closet. Vi tries to shrink back into the wall and make herself seem smaller to give Isha as much room as possible.

"What happened?" Caitlyn demanded with a side glance at Vi who shrugged. Isha flinches at her voice and her hands clutch tighter over her ears.

"Don't know. Found her like this." Vi glanced at Isha worriedly.

Caitlyn took in the scene with a thoughtful hum. Her eyes roaming over Isha's hands still fixed securely around her ears and the way she was tugging at her hair. She let out a breath and an understanding expression came across her face. When she next spoke it was quietly, a whisper much lower than her usual tone.

"It gets loud around here, right?" Vi watched as she leaned down to catch Isha's eyes. Gesturing meaningfully to her hands and then pointing up at her own ears.

Isha blinked and slowly nodded her agreement.

"Quite overwhelming sometimes." Caitlyn stated softly, and Isha nodded again. "I have some comfy headphones in my classroom for when it gets to be too much. You may borrow them if you'd like. Would you like that?"

Another nod from Isha, and Caitlyn smiles warmly. She stands and brushes the creases out of her skirt. "Okay, let's go." She holds out her hand, and Isha slowly unfurls herself from her corner. Her hands finally falling away from her head to reach up. Grasping Caitlyn’s securely.

Vi watched on in awe as Caitlyn pulled the girl out from the closet.

She followed silently as Caitlyn led Isha down the hallway towards her classroom. She hung back in the doorway, watching as her girlfriend gestured for the girl to take a seat at her desk. Reaching into one of her drawers, Caitlyn pulled out a pair of over-ear headphones and handed them to Isha. Allowing the girl to slip them on herself.

"Vi, please could you switch off the lights?" Caitlyn called as she handed Isha a notepad and some coloured pencils. As soon as the headphones went on, Isha's entire body seemed to relax, a small smile forming on her face.

Vi flicked off the lights, leaving the room lit only by natural light filtering in through the classroom windows. As the girl began scribbling in the pad, Caitlyn strolled over to Vi, her heels clicking against the floor as she comes to stand in front of her.

"How did you know to do that?" Vi marvelled. "Are you a child whisperer?"

Caitlyn hummed as she glanced back at Isha. "It's nothing. My mother would do the same for me when I was younger. Everything felt much louder back then." She paused before ripping her gaze away to meet Vi's. "She's just a little different, like me."

Vi straightened up and reached down to squeeze Caitlyn's hand. "You're perfect," she said earnestly.

Caitlyn flushed lightly and rolls her eyes. "Alright, charmer. I need you to go let reception know she's with me for the next hour." She then narrowed her eyes. "And find out whose class she should be in right now. I want to know why she was alone."

Vi grinned. "Yes, Professor Kiramman." she teased and brought their joined hands up to kiss Caitlyn's knuckles. She then froze at the delighted gasp that came from the direction of Caitlyn's desk. She'd forgotten about the other presence in the room.

Dropping Caitlyn's hand, she glanced over to find Isha staring at them with wide eyes.

"Damn," Vi muttered and Caitlyn smirked.

"This one really is your fault."

Vi sighed. "Yeah yeah, we’re one for one," she acquiesced. She then turned, pointing at Isha as she slowly backs out of the room.

'Don't tell Powder' she mouthed warningly at the child as she left.

Friday night found Vi half naked and spread eagle across Caitlyn's bed. Alone.

Dressed only in her most comfortable pair of joggers and a sports bra as she flipped through the pages of her book. Her body lying flat on the bed with her arms perpendicular holding the novel directly above her face.

A position that appeared uncomfortable on the surface, but was surprisingly the opposite.

Except for the moment every ten minutes or so when the book would slip out of her grasp, direclty onto her in the face. Those moments were uncomfortable.

The apartment was unseasonably warm. Caitlyn always insisted on keeping the heating on high, claiming she ran cold. Though Vi had her suspicions that it was a ploy to get her naked. Especially considering how much cooler the apartment had been during her first visit.

She heard footsteps approaching and continued reading. Transfixed by the words on the page she bit her lip absently. Not bothering to look up as Caitlyn's presence drew closer.

Vi had maintained her position for hours already. Having arrived shortly after dinner to find Caitlyn hunched over her desk, determined to finish grading all her papers for the week. Vi was a victim of her own hubris, having distracted too close to the sun.

Taking up one too many of Caitlyn's free periods over the course of the week. She found herself suffering at her own hand as Caitlyn had apologetically waved her hand at the pile of papers on her arrival.

Vi didn't mind too much. She knew her girlfriend found it difficult to truly relax with the thought of unfinished work lingering in her mind. They would have the entire weekend to spend together after all.

Besides, the newest novel Cassandra had recommended to her was proving to be quite the page turner.

Now though, as the clock crept towards eleven, it seemed Caitlyn had finally finished her work and was ready to give Vi her undivided attention. Unfortunately for her, Vi’s mind was now elsewhere. Specifically in nineteenth century Demacia.

"What are you reading?" Caitlyn asked, peering over Vi's shoulder with interest. Her hand splaying suggestively across Vi’s exposed abs.

Vi hummed, completely enthralled in the page and mumbled something unintelligible in response. Caitlyn narrowed her eyes as she leant down to catch a glimpse of the cover. Vi absently tilted the book upwards to give her a better view.

Two silhouetted women in what appeared to be period dresses were intertwined on the cover. Their bodies locked in an intimate embrace against a graphic of the moonlight sky. Stars were dotted around the embossed cover, glittering as they reflected the low light of Caitlyn’s bedroom lamp.

“Say yes to heaven?” Caitlyn’s eyes traced the bold lettering of the title skeptically as Vi continued to ignore her. At Vi’s absent hum in reply she huffed and plucked the book from her grasp.

“Hey!” Vi cried out as she attempted to swipe it back without moving from her comfortable position. Caitlyn stepped out of range with ease and she gave up instantly. Flopping back onto the bed in defeat.

Her girlfriend pursed her lips she skimmed over the page. “Cerulean orbs glittered in the moonlight as their bodies fused together. Cecelia’s hands traced up her lovers corset until they finally laid claim to the ample breast that lay beneath.” Caitlyn blinked, her eyes widening as they roamed further down the page.

“Cerulean? Seriously?”

"Your mother recommended it." Vi whined defensively, her face flushing.

Caitlyn's brow furrowed disbelievingly. "My mother recommended poorly written lesbian erotica to you?" She paused before adding. “You’re in contact with my mother?”

“We text sometimes.” Vi shrugged as she eyed the book now hanging limply from Caitlyn’s hand.

“You text.” Caitlyn stated with a flat stare.

Vi just rolled her eyes and reached out making a grabbing motion towards the book. “Give it back, please? It was just getting good.”

Caitlyn sighed, relinquishing the book to Vi's eager grasp. Not before her eyes caught on a particularly salacious paragraph. Shuddering at the newfound knowledge that her mother had read these same words.

"I think I need a shower now," she muttered.

Vi hums in acknowledgment, already fully re-absorbed in the pages of her book. Caitlyn huffs and collects her robe from the closet, throwing a judgemental glance her way as she disappears into the ensuite.

She remains completely enraptured by the sordid tale of Cecilia and Victoria until the sound of her ringtone rips her away from their world. She reluctantly gropes around the nightstand. Wondering who would could possibly be calling at close to midnight. Probably Powder.

Her eyes didn't leave the page as she picked up the phone. She opened her mouth to greet her sister only to be interrupted by a man's voice that had her reeling back in shock. A man at this hour?

"Sprout, I don't know if I can take this anymore." it was unmistakably Talis, his voice strained and desperate. "Every time I'm in the gym she just glares at me the whole time. It was an accident! Like I wanted the mental image of Sevika naked with my ex-"

"Oh my god!" Vi blurted out at the insane lore that had been dropped in her lap before realising her mistake and slapping a hand over her mouth.

"Hello? Who is this? Cait?" Jayce's voice turned suspicious.

Vi blanched as she pulled the phone away, finally noticing it was Caitlyn's device that she had picked up so presumptuously.

A long beat of silence passes as she debated on whether to hang up. She heard rustling on the other end as Jayce moves around. "Cait, if you don't respond I'm coming over to check on you."

Panic seizes Vi as she realises her compromising position. Sprawled on Caitlyn's bed at close to midnight half naked. It would take Jayce less than a minute to make his way over from his apartment next door. There'd be nowhere and no time to hide. Explaining away her presence could prove difficult.

Just as she opened her mouth, Caitlyn re-entered the room in her robe. Freshly showered and fiddling to remove one of her earrings.

"Yes, it's me Caitlyn. Please do not come over!" Vi responded in a shrill tone with her best attempt at Caitlyn’s accent. Wincing at how terrible the imitation sounded even as the words left her mouth.

Caitlyn froze, looking offended before spotting her phone in Vi's hand. 'Who is that?' she mouthed. Vi showed her the screen in panic, watching Caitlyn's eyebrows climb as she urgently mouthed 'Hang up!'

"Who is this? Put Caitlyn on right now," Jayce demanded.

"This is Caitlyn. It's late, I must retire now, toodle pip!" Vi blurted in desperation.

A long pause followed. "Vi?" Jayce asked hesitantly.

Both women winced. Vi hung up and threw the phone across the bed as if it had burned her. They stared at the device in shared horror for a long minute until a knock at the door made them jump.

Vi avoided Caitlyn's blank stare, ashamed.

"My fault." She mumbled.

"Two-" Caitlyn pointed at herself before turning her finger on Vi, "-for one."

Chapter Text

“Let me in. Cait, let me in. Let me in, Caitlyn!”

The grating sound of Jayce's distant voice filters through the door. His pitch alternating from low to high in the same manner Vi’s did when trying to annoy Powder. Caitlyn huffs, "He's so irritating," she mutters as she reaches down to grasp the belt of her robe.

The knocking persists, only growing louder as Caitlyn jerkily ties a knot at her hip to secure her modesty. All the while cursing under her breath aimed at the man who knocks.

Vi's eyes involuntarily drop down to Caitlyn's cinched waist. Suddenly distracted from their second or third impending exposure of the week. She couldn't help it. Cecilia and Victoria's activities had gotten her riled up…

Caitlyn sighs as Jayce continues to knock. "We could leave him out there?" Vi suggests hopefully, her eyes fixed securely lower than her girlfriend’s eye level.

Caitlyn shakes her head, her expression morose as if she was sucking on something sour. "He has a key." She says bitterly, spitting the words out like a lemon seed.

Moments later Jayce knocks again, calling out a warning, "I'll use my key!" He draws out the last word teasingly.

"You should probably put a shirt on…" Caitlyn grouches, whilst eyeing her exposed abs as if she'd never see them again.

Vi sighs, flopping back onto the bed and staring up at the ceiling. Waving her hand to acknowledge the sadly uttered instruction. She hears rather than sees Caitlyn exiting the room and the sounds of the apartment door opening.

A muffled conversation leaks into the room and Vi tilts her head to stare mournfully at her abandoned copy of Say Yes to Heaven. She hadn't even had a chance to mark her page. Her debrief of Cecilia deflowering her lover would have to wait until next week.

Cassandra was going to be so disappointed...

The vaugue conversation from the living room grows louder, morphing into what could only be described as an argument. A high-pitched yelp has Vi quickly rolling to her feet, wondering what on earth was going on. She had never heard such a girlish squeal coming from Caitlyn. Pulling on the nearest sweatshirt she could find, she quickly padded out to the living room and blinked at the scene before her.

Caitlyn had Jayce's neck secured in a tight hold with her arm, a headlock of sorts. The living room was a far cry from its usual state of tidiness with pillows strewn about everywhere. On the floor beside the doorway lay the stuffed form of professor Schrödinger.

Vi quickly picked him up and dusted him off, holding him securely against her chest for safety.

They both watched on as Jayce struggled to escape the tight hold. His right arm flailing to hit behind him with a pillow at Caitlyn's head. He yelped again and Vi reached down to cover Schrödinger's beady eyes. It was now dawning on her that it wasn't Caitlyn she had been hearing at all.

"Uh, Cait?"

On hearing her enter, they both stilled and two heads swivelled in her direction. Vi watches as both their eyes fall lower to her torso and looks down to see what they were staring at. She had grabbed one of Cait's sweatshirts in her haste to investigate the noise. It was an oversized grey one with the Piltover Institute logo embroidered firmly in the centre. The words 'Scholastic Decathalon Champions' threaded in much smaller lettering at the chest. There was no denying who the sweater belonged to.

Jayce stops struggling as his mouth drops open.

Caitlyn smirks as she eyes Vi in the doorway proudly. "Told you so." she brags, releasing her hold on Jayce’s neck.

"It’s real? You actually got a real girlfriend? Vi is your girlfriend?"

At that Caitlyn huffs, "You don’t have to phrase it like that," she mutters whilst shoving him off her and by proxy the couch. He falls to the floor with a thump still staring baffled at Vi. She returns the stare with her own, unsure of how to respond to his perplexed expression.

Jayce pulls himself up to sit on the floor, leaning back against the couch as he processes this new development. His eyes dart between the two women, a mix of confusion and amazement playing across his features. "So... how long has this been going on?"

"Officially, three weeks and four days," Caitlyn answers simply.

Vi' wonders if it had really only been that long. She felt like she had known Caitlyn forever. This was the longest she'd ever managed to keep something from Powder, she notes. She smirks thinking back to her conversation with Sevika. A visit to the gym to brag about her newly found secret keeping skills would have to be scheduled.

Caitlyn continues, "Although the first time we made love was the evening before my first day. Remember, when you and Mel took me out to that bar nearby."

Vi winces and pinches the bridge of her nose at the unnecessary addition. "Cait, why would you tell him that?" She walks over and takes a seat on the couch next to Caitlyn who shoots her an apologetic look and snatches her hand up. Her girlfriends thumb strokes over her knuckles soothingly.

Jayce scrunches his nose up and eyes their joined hands warily. "I thought you said you went back to your parents' place that night."

Caitlyn nods again and Jayce's eyes light up, meeting Vi's. She nods, solemnly.

Jayce whirls around to face them on the couch and points an accusing finger at Caitlyn. "I can't believe you're still showing off the mansion to girls." Caitlyn flushes and mutters something about the bed being more comfortable. He chuckles and pats her on the shoulder. "Well, can't say I'm too surprised.” He adds gesturing to Vi. “Had an inkling that night you knocked your head. Thought it was just a fling though."

Caitlyn draws herself up indignantly. "I do not have 'flings'."

Vi raises a skeptical eyebrow and mutters under her breath, "That's not what your mother said."

Caitlyn whips around to stare at her, betrayal written across her features. Before she can respond, Jayce interrupts with a low whistle.

"You already met the parents?" He looks impressed. "Wow sprout, you work fast."

Caitlyn's frown deepens. "They ambushed Vi at the bakery. She's too nice to resist.” Vi nods sombrely in agreement, though her eyes dance with amusement.

Jayce suddenly sits up from his position on the floor, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, am I top of the list for best man at the wedding?"

Vi chokes on air at the suggestion of marriage three weeks and four days into their relationship. Caitlyn, however, seems completely unfazed as she seriously considers the question.

"Yes, I suppose. Though you might have to settle for joint maid of honour with Mel. She enjoys such things." Caitlyn sniffs and Vi's eyes widen.

Jayce smirks and waggles his eyebrows at Vi.

Caitlyn glances at Vi and notes her expression, clearly interpreting her wide eyes as something else. She quickly adds, "Of course, Vi will also have a say on such matters. Though I'm sure she will have her sister as her maid of honour." Caitlyn nods firmly at Vi who at this point can only tiredly return the gesture. Caitlyn smiles, pleased. "Well, that settles that."

Jayce bursts into peals of laughter, rolling around on the floor as both Vi and Caitlyn peer down at him bemused. "Oh Cait, I can't believe I missed out on seeing you in a relationship all these years. It's gold."

"Thank you," Caitlyn states simply and happily squeezes Vi's hand as Jayce wipes a tear from his eyes.

There's a pause and Vi wishes he would leave now.

"Can you leave now?" Caitlyn asks bluntly, seemingly having had the same thought.

Jayce stands, unbothered at the candid dismissal. "Yeah, sure sprout. Try not to get married without me, yeah?”

Caitlyn scoffs. "Don't be ridiculous, Jayce. I would need to propose first, and weddings take months of planning. You can't just rush into these things."

Jayce hums and shoots a look at Vi who sinks deeper into the couch. He leans down an presses a kiss to Caitlyn's head before straightening up. "Sorry for invading your space. I was worried when someone else picked up."

"It's okay." Caitlyn hums, leaning back into Vi's side, their hands still clutched together. Vi watches him reach for the handle, relief flooding through her at the prospect of finally being alone with Caitlyn again.

"Oh Jayce," Caitlyn calls out suddenly, and Vi struggles to hold back her groan, wishing her suffering would end. "What was it you were calling about at this hour anyway?"

Vi and Jayce make startled eye contact. There's a newfound bond forged in the fire of their shared suffering.

"Uhh, It's late. I'll tell you in the morning. Toodle pip!" He darts out the door, slamming it shut just as quickly and Vi flinches at the sound.

She blinks and glances at Caitlyn who merely shrugs in response.

Vi spins idly in her janitor's chair while slowly chewing on a bite of the sandwich she had packed herself.

Bacon, lettuce and sun-dried tomato. She had ran out of regular ones and the borrowed jar from the academy kitchens had been taking up space in the back of her fridge for months.

She's reclined the chair back until it's almost horizontal. Leaving her feet dangling two feet off the floor to enable her spinning.

It's a small room, so the activity means Loris is resigned to the opposite corner to avoid her twirling legs. His form obstructed behind a pallet of toilet rolls that had arrived at the start of the week. Both of them hoping the other takes up the task of unloading them across the academy. It had been two days.

Loris hunches over a caesar salad with more croutons than lettuce and eyes her flailing legs in annoyance.

The ceiling of the janitor's office blurs slightly as she continues her lazy rotation.

Vi hums thoughtfully before voicing, "You know I think sandwiches might be one of my favourite foods..." She ponders out loud between bites.

Loris grumbles in a disagreeing manner and Vi continues to spin. She frowns up at the ceiling.

"You don't agree? They're so versatile." He grunts a little, acknowledging her point and she continues.

"You know I was on a date once and she made me a sweet and savoury sandwich." Vi brags, emphasising that she has been given two sandwiches. Her mind casts back fondly to her picnic with Caitlyn. She takes another bite of her sandwich to hide her growing smile, remembering how perfect the day had been.

Loris doesn't grunt this time, instead choosing to snort.

Vi tilts her head up and eyes him as he shakes his head disbelievingly. "What? I've been on dates!" She protests. She's still spinning so she has to crane her neck around every few seconds to glare at the man.

Loris shakes his head again, opening his mouth to speak for what Vi suspects might be the first time in the entire semester, when the door to the janitor's office suddenly slams open.

They both jump at the unexpected noise. Vi's freezes, her mouth half closed around the sandwich. Her spinning chair jerking to an abrupt stop as her feet hit the ground.

"Ugh, Mel is driving me crazy!" Caitlyn announces, with a disgruntled look on her face. She only had eyes for Vi as she marches across the room making a beeline towards her. Vi braces herself against the handles of her chair as her girlfriend practically throws herself in her lap.

Vi grunts as the wind is knocked out of her. The impact causing the chair to reset from its reclined position and her upper body springs forward. The momentum of Caitlyn joining her on the chair spins it a half a turn. Vi's boot clad feet skid against the tile as she brings them to a shaky stop.

She watches as her girlfriend snatches up the other half of her sandwich from its parchment paper plate on the desk and takes a furious bite. She slowly loops her free arm around Caitlyn's waist to make sure she doesn't fall off.

Chewing slowly Vi finally swallows down her own bite and makes bemused eye contact with Loris, still in his secluded corner of the room. She doesn’t think Caitlyn had noticed him.

Vi stares at the man for a long moment. Marvelling at how such a large man could blend into the background so seamlessly. It was almost supernatural how he could make himself seem invisible despite being well over six feet tall and built like a brick wall. She had to give him credit, he had mastered the art of fading into the scenery. Or the pallet of toilet rolls in this case.

He's eyeing the scene with an astonished expression that Vi finds quite rude.

Vi decides to ignore that they have yet again exposed themselves and instead curiously cranes her neck to look at Caitlyn. "What happened, babe?"

Caitlyn shakes her head and tears off another bite. Vi watches as she chews furiously, her eyes fixed on the crumbs left behind on the parchment paper.

She squeezes Caitlyn's hip encouragingly and feels some tension leave her body. Waiting patiently for Caitlyn to voice her thoughts. Eventually, Caitlyn meets her eyes with a frustrated breath out of her nose.

"I spoke with Mel to follow up on the Doyle situation." She explains and Vi nods along. She recalls the name as the professor she had dutifully tracked down the day they found Isha alone. She had delivered it to her girlfriend who had quite scarily promised swift action.

Vi shifts uncomfortably in her chair, remembering her encounter with Professor Doyle. The elderly man had been profusely apologetic when she'd tracked him down. Practically in tears as he explained he was overdue for a new prescription, gesturing to his glasses sadly. Poor excuse in Vi's opinion, but who was she to judge an old, blind man.

She'd ended up spending twenty minutes listening to him ramble about the declining standards of optometry services and his collection of vintage spectacles before she could politely excuse herself.

Vi had considered the morality of delivering his name to her girlfriend like some kind of academic bounty hunter. Eventually, after around two seconds of thought, her desire to be a good girlfriend won out. Her bounty had been a kiss. Worth it.

"Well, she said he apologised and they let him off with a warning!" Caitlyn cries, snapping her back to the present.

Vi hums thoughtfully, "Oh, well maybe it really was an accident then? The guy is super old..." Vi ponders as she thinks back to the previous week.

Caitlyn huffs, shifting on top of her. "Accident or not, the man has a duty of care! It's unacceptable. What if she was hurt?"

Vi frowns at the thought. "She's okay. You're not wrong. If it helps, the guy did seem really sorry, he teared up a little. Seems like a sweetheart." Vi shrugs and Caitlyn scoffs, turning to glance down at her skeptically.

"You say that about everyone. You said that about Loris."

Loris finally takes that moment to announce his presence with a grunt from his obstructed corner. His hulking form standing up from his position behind the pallet of rolls.

Caitlyn shrieks having only just noticed his presence.

In her startled state, Caitlyn's hand flew out and knocked what remained of Vi's sandwich out of her hand. The half-eaten lunch went sailing through the air in a graceful arc. Vi watched in horror as it tumbled end over end before landing with a soft plop on the linoleum floor.

Loris paused in his exit, turning back to survey the scene with what Vi swore was a look of sympathy. Without a word he bent down and scooped up the fallen sandwich with his massive hand. Depositing it into his cleaning cart with practiced efficiency.

Vi's shoulders slumped as she watched her lunch disappear into the depths of the cart. She mourned quietly, eyeing the spot where her sandwich had met its untimely end.

The squeaking of Loris's cart wheels echoed through the small room as he disappeared down the hallway. The sound growing fainter with each rotation. They sat silently in their shared chair. Listening to the rhythmic squeak-squeak-squeak until it faded completely into silence. Neither of them quite knew what to say after that particularly uncomfortable encounter.

The quiet stretched between them for several long seconds. Broken only by the soft sound of their breathing and the gentle crinkle of the sandwich wrapper as Caitlyn fidgeted with it in her lap.

"I think you hurt his feelings..." Vi whispered in awe, staring at the closed door.

Caitlyn whirls around to face her, eyes wide. "Why on earth didn't you tell me he was in here?" she hisses, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment.

"Sorry," Vi says with an amused grin, "He's kind of hard to miss, to be fair.”

Caitlyn groans and buries her face in Vi's shoulder.

Vi hesitates before saying, "Is this a bad time to mention we're even?"

Caitlyn groans even more, pressing her face harder into Vi's shoulder.

Vi reaches back and reclines the chair once more, deciding she could extend her lunch break a little. Class wouldn't start for another fifteen minutes anyway.

Caitlyn sighs into her neck and Vi hums, "You know you don’t have to worry. Isha knows she can come to us. Plus she has me looking out for her and I'm pretty strong, don't know if you've noticed."

She feels Cailtyn’s smile against her neck as a well manicured hand reaches up to squeeze Vi's bicep appreciatively. "Not really," she teases, her fingers trailing along the defined muscle. "You'll have to demonstrate later."

Vi's breath catches at the suggestive tone in Caitlyn's voice. Her grip tightening instinctively around her girlfriend's waist. "Is that right?" she manages to say, trying to keep her voice steady despite the way Caitlyn's touch is making her skin tingle.

Caitlyn nods before leaning back. She breaks the remaining quarter of the sandwich in her hand into eighths. She offers the larger of the two portions to Vi, who obligingly opens her mouth wide and allows herself to be fed the final bite. Vi grins up at her girlfriend, cheeks stuffed.

Caitlyn pops the other bite in her mouth and moans appreciatively. "What is this anyway?" she asks curiously.

"BLST." Vi answers simply.

Vi pushed the heavy library doors open with her shoulder, dragging the industrial vacuum behind her.

The wheels caught on the threshold and she cursed under her breath, giving it an extra hard tug to free it. The sound echoed through the quiet space. Earning her an immediate glare from Ms. Grimshaw, the librarian who seemed to have a personal vendetta against any noise above a whisper.

Rolling her eyes, Vi began her usual route through the stacks. She'd chosen this time specifically because most students were in class. Leaving the library relatively empty. The vacuum's drone would hopefully be less disruptive. Though Ms. Grimshaw’s pursed lips suggested she disagreed with that assessment. Vi wished she could see the uptight woman try to use a vacuum silently.

At least she didn't have to deal with organising the books. That task fell to Grimshaw, who took an almost disturbing amount of pleasure in reorganising the chaos students left behind. Vi was perfectly content with her cleaning duties. Even if they came with disapproving stares.

As she rounded the corner toward the silent study area, she spotted a familiar figure hunched over a stack of books by the window. Ekko looked up at the sound of her approach, his expression falling as he noticed the vacuum she was dragging.

His head fell pitifully onto the table, forehead pressed against the pages of one of the many open books that littered his table. Vi held her hands up in a surrendering motion. "You're acting like Grimshaw right now." He simply groaned in response.

"What are you working on?" she asked, curious at what could have Ekko so miserable.

Vi rests the vacuum against one of the shelves before walking closer to peer at the pages of the book.

She shudders at the unnatural combination of letters and numbers. Interspersed with symbols she couldn't begin to understand. Her eyes squint as the squiggles begin to blur into each other the longer she looks.

"Physics," Ekko mumbles into the paper bitterly.

Vi has to restrain herself from immediately offering up her girlfriend as a tribute. They had just gotten even and she was not going to be at fault for the next exposure. She stills and her eyes roam over the books warily, "Not sure I can help you there little man."

She sighs at Ekko's pitiful whine in response, unable to leave the guy to suffer. Even being in the presence of these books was making her feel ill. "But why don't you just ask the new professor, I hear she's good. What's the name? Kira-something or whatever." She chuckles easily and Ekko lifts his head to squint at her.

"Kiramman?" He states slowly.

"Yeah, that sounds right." She nods easily.

Ekko narrows his eyes and drops his pen. Vi, having sufficiently distracted him from his physics work, which she's sure Caitlyn would not be pleased to discover, watches as his mouth opens as if to say something before snapping shut.

"What?" she asks curiously.

Ekko rolls his eyes before saying, "You know I know, right?"

Vi pauses for a long moment and stares blankly at the pages of Ekko's book. The far too long equations blur into vague shapes in her mind as she responds, "I don't know what you think I know you know." Sometimes if she just talked long enough people would get confused and let things go. Ekko never did though.

"I know you know what I think you know I know."

Vi furrows her brow and mouths the phrase trying to figure out where to go next. She eyes the textbook before her and her eyes light up. "You know, true knowledge is knowing you know nothing." She states wisely and sagely taps the textbook laying on the table. "There's some physics for you," she smirks.

Ekko swats her hand away with a defeated groan, "That's philosophy," he grumbles.

Vi grins, "I know."

"My brain is fried, this isn't fair. What are we even talking about?" he complains.

Vi shrugs with a triumphant smile. "Physics.”

Ekko, seemingly not content to let her have the win, snaps his fingers and points at her. "Professor Kiramman. I know you're-" he glances around the empty bookshelves and cups his hand over his mouth and whispers, "dating."

Vi considers throwing Ekko out of the window. She then sighs and slumps defeatedly into the chair opposite the kid. "You have pen on your face." she mutters childishly after noting the transfer of ink from Ekko's cupped hands to his cheek.

He glances at his reflection in the window and wipes the stain away. "So, I'm right."

Vi stares blankly at him for a long minute before nodding. Mentally marking down another tally on her half of the exposure chalkboard. She was having a hard time keeping track at this point. Was it three-two to Cait now?

Ekko whispers, "Yes, I knew it!"

She slouches further down in her seat and mutters "Please stop using that word. 'Knew', it doesn't sound real anymore."

Ekko pays her no mind and smirks. "Oh, Powder owes me so many cogs."

She narrows her eyes at him. "You guys bet on my love life?" Ekko pauses a little too long before answering a "No?"

Vi grunts, mulling over the situation. At least Powder didn't know, given that she had lost the bet. Although apparently she had her suspicions, which the entire school seemed to share. This was not good. At this rate Powder would be the last to know and she would be furious.

Ekko coughs and she snaps her eyes up from the squiggles of his textbook. "Why didn't you tell me? Tell Powder?" He asks curiously and she balks.

"Need I remind you of the 'Fortune Fiasco'?" she asks incredulously, gesturing her hands up as if to frame the headline in the air.

Ekko had the decency to look a little ashamed at the reminder and winced guiltily. "Okay, but that was like four years ago. We were fourteen!" He exclaimed and pointed an accusing finger at her. "You're telling me if you were fourteen with full creative control of the news, you wouldn't have run that story? It was too good a scoop!" He rationalized and Vi huffed because she totally would have done the same at fourteen.

"I still don't know why that's on your mind now. You know I'm still barred from the Piltover Post. They revoked my press badge..." He grumbled, still bitter at the four year old loss.

"It's not about the newspaper," Vi sighed and picked up a pen from the table. Idly scribbling on one of the notepads as she spoke. Mostly to avoid eye contact with Ekko. "Just all the shit that happened after." She sighed as she drew miniature cupcake doodles in the borders of the page.

"We didn't mean for it to break you guys up." Ekko said quietly, his voice small.

Vi shakes her head. "We weren't even together. I didn't mean that, anyways. Just the stuff with Powder."

Ekko furrows his brow, "What stuff."

Vi sighs, "You were too busy going through puberty." Ekko kicks her under the table at that as she continues, "She didn't talk to me properly for weeks."

"Well yeah, because she was fourteen. We were immature." Ekko argues and Vi raises an eyebrow. "We were more immature."

Vi nods. "I know, sometimes I forget you guys aren't kids anymore." She bites her lip and meets his eyes. Ekko groans as he notes the familiar glint in her eyes. She reaches across to pinch his cheeks, stretching his face in and out whilst cooing. "All grown up!"

Ekko backs his chair up until Vi can no longer reach him and slaps at her hands, "Stop doing that!" He cries.

A sharp shush comes from behind Vi as Ms Grimshaw's head pokes around the corner glaring at them. Vi jumps up and immediately shushes Ekko as well. Shooting the librarian an apologetic look on his behalf with a contrite shrug. It's returned with a cold stare as the librarian slowly backs away.

Ekko and Vi hold their breath until the footsteps grow lighter and Vi whirls back around. "I think you're right. I should tell her. I'm going to tell her." Vi nods as if trying to convince herself.

Ekko nods along seriously, "Better make it quick. Half the school knows."

Vi nods, "Tonight." Before walking over to her vacuum and maintaining eye contact with Ekko as she flicks the switch. The loud whirring of the machine filling the library.

Ekko slumps and begins resignedly packing up his books. He holds up his notepad now covered in Vi's doodles and calls loudly over the roar of the vacuum. "Next time you're with your girlfriend, steal the answers for me?"

She glances around wildly to see if anyone heard and lightly shoves the laughing teen as he exits, looking far too pleased with himself.

The last thing she needed was to add more tallies to her exposure chalkboard.

Chapter Text

Regret flooded Vi the moment Ekko rounded the corner.

What on earth was she thinking saying she would break the news to Powder tonight? And to Ekko of all people, the only person likely to hold her to her commitment.

She finished vacuuming the library in a trance as her mind raced on how to go about tonight. Almost knocking over a bookshelf had it not been for Ms. Grimshaw's beady eyes on her, as per usual. The old librarian had cat like reflexes despite pushing seventy. Luckily, she was present enough not to add cascading domino of bookshelves to her plate and quickly made her exit.

As she clocked out, dread settled in her stomach like a stone. This was going to be a disaster. Powder had been through so much already. How was Vi supposed to drop another bomb on her? Maybe she could soften the blow somehow. Food. Food always helped.

She decided to employ an age old Kiramman tactic.

Tobias' delicious potatoes would often lull her into a false sense of security. Her insulin-spiked brain primed to agree to whatever Cassandra wanted. Much to Caitlyn's chagrin who chided her for not resisting harder. It didn't work.

At least Vi had learned a thing or two. She thought as she clocked off and made her way home.

On arrival she quickly set about pulling out her largest boiling pot and heating up some water. A massive bag of Powder's favourite pasta shells sat on the counter as she waited for the boil.

Once it was steadily bubbling, she poured in half the bag before pausing. She considered the topic of the evening and tipped an extra quarter in. Pausing again she shrugged and poured in the last quarter. Crumpling the now empty plastic bag with a pleased smile and dusting off her hands.

Vi was just portioning what could only be described as a suspiciously giant helping of pasta into Powder's bowl when she heard the front door slam. The jingle of keys followed, then the familiar thud of shoes being kicked off against the wall. Footsteps approached, growing louder as they neared the kitchen.

She could feel an ominous presence enter the room behind her. Vi chose to focus on the pasta, aware of the looming figure growing closer. A hand suddenly darted over her shoulder, attempting to snag an early bite, but Vi swatted it away with practiced ease.

"Good day at school?" she asked, still not facing her sister as she meticulously poured sauce over the steaming pasta.

Powder's face appeared in her peripheral vision. Peering down delightedly at the enormous bowls while completely ignoring the question. "What's the occasion?" Powder asked, eyebrows raised in suspicion at the mountain of pasta shells.

Vi shrugged, carefully avoiding eye contact. "Nothing. Just a craving." She slid the bowl toward her sister. Desperately trying to throw Powder off her nervous scent, at least until she could properly overdose her with carbs.

Vi grabbed her own bowl and quickly made her way out of the kitchen, feeling Powder's curious stare burning into her back. She could hear her sister's footsteps close behind as she made a beeline for the living room.

Dropping down onto the couch, Vi positioned her bowl carefully on her lap. Trying to appear nonchalant despite her racing heart. Within seconds, Powder appeared and settled onto the cushion beside her. Though unlike Vi who sat properly, Powder turned to face her fully. She drew her knees up to her chest, creating a makeshift holder for her bowl as she balanced it precariously against her legs.

Vi could feel her sister's eyes on her as she scooped up her first bite, the weight of her stare making the pasta seem suddenly tasteless in her mouth. She chewed slowly, deliberately avoiding Powder's gaze, knowing that her sister wasn't going to let this go easily.

"So, how was school?" Vi asked again, trying to steer the conversation toward something familiar. It was a question she'd asked a thousand times. Maybe routine would settle her nerves.

Powder narrowed her eyes at her and stabbed her fork into the dish. She slowly moved the fork up to her mouth and took a bite. All the while her eyes remained fixed on Vi who in turn stuffed as many pasta shells as she could in her mouth to avoid speaking.

"Terrible." Powder answered eventually, her tone dry.

Vi looked up at that with wide eyes, momentarily distracted from the original goal of the evening. "What?" She asked worriedly through a mouthful of pasta shells. The sound muffled as she quickly swallowed. "What?" She repeated, clearer this time, and added, "Why, what happened?"

Powder rolled her eyes exaggeratedly. "Professor Kiramman, she's the worst!"

Vi blanched, her fork slipping from her hand back into the bowl with a loud clink. "Oh. Uh, I thought you liked her." Vi asked slowly, her heart sinking a little. Already debating whether she could somehow kidnap Ekko before he snitched in the morning.

"No way. She's so uptight!"

Vi straightened, her brow furrowing, suddenly feeling defensive. "Well, I don't think-"

"Like she definitely needs to get laid. And if she's already getting laid, that person needs to do a better job."

"Hey!" Vi barked and opened her mouth to come to her girlfriend and her own defence when she paused. Slowly glancing over at Powder, she recognised the evil look in her eye and deflated into the couch. Setting her full bowl of pasta on the coffee table with a clink.

"How long have you known?" She asked with a sigh.

Powder smirked, twirling pasta around her fork. "Well, Isha confirmed it."

Vi frowned and muttered "snitch" under her breath.

Powder continued, "But you've also been disappearing off to places all term and I know you don't have any friends." Vi's mouth dropped open in offence. She prepared to cry out that she does so have friends when Powder added with an eye roll, "Loris doesn't count."

Vi's mouth snapped shut and she crossed her arms over her chest with a displeased huff.

Powder continued to list things off. "You have like five different Piltover Institute sweatshirts in your closet! I know you're not a scholastic decathlon champion."

Vi sighed, "Alright, I get it-" but Powder continued.

"You're now a regular member of a rifle club, which was never believable by the way."

Vi slid further down the couch.

"You were spotted getting coffee with Cassandra Kiramman last week. Like all over the real newspapers, though no one knew who you were. People think you're either her side piece or personal trainer."

Vi flushed and muttered, "We were doing books and brews." Her ears turned pink at the look she was given. "I didn't name it," she said defensively.

"Also you told me you hooked up with a 'classy chick from piltover', then made heart eyes at each other during the whole welcome assembly. She might be less subtle than you."

Powder finished and they fell into an awkward silence.

Vi stared at the blank TV screen, her thoughts racing. So Powder had already known the whole time. That's fine. If Powder already knew, then the task of telling her was way easier. Still, she had expected a bigger reaction.

She chanced a glance at her sister before quickly looking away and asking, "You're not mad?"

Vi felt a foot poking at her leg and looked over again. Powder was frowning at her.

"Why would I be mad?"

And there it was.

Vi chewed her lip, scrambling for the right words. "I don't know, I thought maybe... because she's your teacher?"

Powder stared at her incredulously. "That's what you're worried about? Vi, I'm graduating in a few months." She paused, a frown spreading across her face. "Why are you acting so strange about this?"

Vi opened her mouth but no answer comes out, she shrugs helplessly. Powder looks at her for a long moment before humming thoughtfully.

"Super secret sister spot?" She says and offers a small smile. Vi considers the word before nodding appreciatively. She stands, setting her near full bowl down on the coffee table and Powder groans. "You have to carry me though."

Vi raises an eyebrow, "What, your legs don't work?"

Powder flattens her hand against her stomach, "It's not my fault you attacked me with pasta."

Vi huffs and turns with her back to the couch, squatting down. "You didn't have to eat it all." She grunts as she feels Powder clamber on her back from the couch. "I thought you'd grow out of this. Grab the blanket." She says, wincing as a little of her hair is trapped between Powder's fingers. She leans back so Powder can snatch up the blanket draped over the end of the couch.

"Never, piggybacks until your bones disintegrate from old age. Not far off now." Powder chuckles as her arms wind securely around Vi's broad shoulders. Vi stands and puffs some hair out of her face as she begins to make her way to the door.

"That won't happen. I drink so much milk." She brags and feels Powder shudder.

"I know, it's gross."

Vi had a habit of drinking the stuff straight after the gym directly from the bottle. Powder hated is, as did Caitlyn she had discovered. They reach the door of the apartment and Vi carefully manoeuvres them through the doorway and out into the corridor.

"Just you wait until you're the one with disintegrating bones." Vi chides in defence of her milk as they reach the stairwell. She huffs as she takes the steps one by one with her annoying load murmuring insults in her ear.

"Don't you have healthcare now? Why are you complaining, we can just get new bones."

"Shut up." Vi scoffs, purposefully loosening her grasp on Powder's legs a little as if she was dropping her. Powder shrieks and clutches Vi's shoulders more tightly. A difficult task given they were shaking from laughter.

"Kiramman should wise up and leave you."

"Stop insulting me literally behind my back," Vi grunts as she pants her way up the final flight of stairs. Her thighs burn from carrying her sister's weight all the way from their apartment, but she wouldn't admit that for anything.

A soft laugh vibrates against her shoulder blades as Powder kicks her legs forward. Feet pushing down on the exit bar of the roof door since Vi's hands were occupied.

Vi moves forward, and Powder's straightened legs push the door open with practiced ease. Her sister's hand reaches across to flick on the lights as they exit to the roof. The routine was perfected over years of escaping to their rooftop.

The night air hits them with a chill that makes Vi thankful she remembered the blanket. Their roof sanctuary is mostly barren. Dotted with a few satellites that no longer connect to anything and old washing lines stretching from one end to the other. Remnants from before the building housed the academy.

Now that gravity was less of an enemy, Vi easily carries Powder the rest of the way across the staff block's roof. She dodges the hanging lines with practiced steps before approaching a pair of weathered plastic chairs. With an exaggerated groan, she unceremoniously drops her sister into one. The chair creaking against the concrete under the sudden load.

Powder grunts and immediately sets about cocooning herself in half the blanket as Vi drops into the neighbouring chair. Stretching her legs out with a relieved sigh.

The other half of the blanket is tossed over Vi's lap, the soft fabric settling over her tired legs. Vi accepts it gratefully, tugging it up higher around her shoulders as a breeze whistles across the rooftop.

They both lean their heads back against their chairs, gazing out at the horizon. The academy resided on the outskirts of the city. They had set up their chairs facing away from the urban sprawl. Looking out over the grounds of the academy and beyond into the tree line. There wasn't as much light that way, so on cloudless nights like tonight, they could see the stars twinkling brightly in the velvet sky.

Vi mildly noted that they were facing the direction of the rifle club. She wondered if out there, somewhere in those woodlands, Grayson was committing another murder.

"Remember when you took me up here when I got my first period?" Powder asks out of nowhere.

The words break Vi out of her true-crime stupor, and she glances at her sister with a fond smile. "You thought you were dying," she says with a nod.

Powder huffs. "Well, who wouldn't. Anyway, do you remember what you said to me?"

Vi hums, looking back up at the sky as she casts her mind back. "Chocolate helps?" she guesses, and Powder shakes her head, kicking at her ankle under the blanket.

"You said I could tell you anything. That we're sisters and there was nothing too scary or embarrassing that we couldn't handle together." Powder says seriously, and Vi can see where this is going.

Still, she can't help but let out a low whistle. "I was so corny," she laughs, and Powder rolls her eyes.

"You still are." Powder shifts in her chair, pulling her knees up under the blanket. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you hide it?" she asks, and the hurt in her tone has Vi pulling her gaze away from the landscape and meeting Powder's eyes.

Vi flounders for a moment, opening and closing her mouth as she tries to find words that will make Powder feel better. The truth sits uncomfortably in her chest, pressing against her ribs.

"I was going to pretend it was the whole Fortune thing," she starts, then shoots Powder a sharp look when her sister opens her mouth to interrupt. "I know, you were a kid." She sighs, shoulders slumping. "I spoke with Ekko this morning and he made me realize that wasn't really it."

The night air feels heavier now, pressing down on her shoulders. "I knew you'd ask. I've been asking myself the same thing all day. I thought maybe it was because she was your professor, but that wasn't really it either."

Vi reaches out, finding Powder's hand under the blanket and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I guess I wanted to keep it for me for a while. I've never really had something just for me." She admits with a frown. Suddenly aware of how selfish it sounds, knowing she had hurt her sister all just so she could have this one precious thing.

"I know it was selfish." she whispers, tilting her head up as if to pretend she was looking at the stars, but the rapid blinking gives away her teary eyes. The guilt at the hurt she'd caused crashes over her like a wave, Powder's quiet question echoing in her mind.

Then she feels the hand in hers squeeze tightly.

Vi hesitantly turns to meet Powder's eyes and finds a small sad smile on her face. Powder squeezes her hand again and Vi sees she's also holding back tears.

"I can't believe you sometimes." Powder says softly. Vi frowns, looking down as if to stare at their connected hands under the blanket. "Sis, I don't think you've ever been selfish in your life. Everything you've done has been for others. First Dad, then me."

Vi shakes her head, "Vander, I didn't-"

Powder cuts her off. "You did everything you could for him. And you deserve to be selfish now." Powder states resolute, though she does add, "Even if it's in ways that don't make sense."

Vi chuckles and a tear does roll down her cheek now. "I'm glad you know." She feels a weight lifting off her shoulders now that Powder was okay with it. "Keeping it secret was stressing me out." She admits and Powder raises an eyebrow.

"I can tell. Got a little grey in your pink." Vi's hand flies up to her hair as Powder breaks into peals of laughter.

Vi shoulders Powder under the blanket. Her sister's laughter abruptly stops as the plastic chair precariously wobbles on two legs. They both hold their breath, wondering whether the seven-year-old plastic will finally give out. It unceremoniously falls back onto four legs without so much as a creak.

They don't make good plastic like that these days, Vi thinks as Powder steadies herself and shoots her an unimpressed look.

They sit in the comfortable quiet, both staring out into the now inky blackness of the school grounds. Vi checks her phone and absently notes that Powder has overstayed her curfew, not a rare occurrence. Today, she decides not to mention it.

Her sister seems content to stare out into the abyss. Vi takes the opportunity to open her text thread with Caitlyn and subtly snap a picture of the night sky.

The flash on her phone ruins the moment, and Powder looks over with a raised eyebrow. Vi flushes but continues her mission. Typing out her intended message alongside the slightly blurry picture of the stars.

Vi: The stars are pretty but you're prettier

Vi stares at the message, awaiting the expected response. Within seconds, a thumbs up appears in reaction to her message. She grins dopily down at her phone, knowing it meant Caitlyn was preening on the other side.

Powder peers over her shoulder. "Damn, a thumbs up?" she asks, and Vi twists her phone away.

"She just texts like that," she says defensively.

A moment later, a picture appears of Caitlyn's telescope set up by her bedroom window, alongside a new message.

Cait <3: It’s possible, though unlikely, that we’re looking up at the same star right at this moment. The idea is quite romantic. Will I see you tonight?

Vi: Sorry babe, with Pow. Tomorrow?

Vi stares down at the thread until the customary thumbs up makes its apperance.

Powder has craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the phone and falls back looking quite pale. "I'm disgusted." Vi pouts, feeling like she felt when she had to defend her and Cassandra's reading choices from Caitlyn. Powder continues. "I was worried about you being alone next year. Now I'm thinking you'll never be alone again."

Vi's eyebrows draw together confused, "You were worried about me?"

Powder shrugs and pulls her hands out from the blanket, fiddling with one of the many rings on her fingers. "Well, since Ekko and I are graduating. I don't know. Things are changing."

Vi's brow furrows, not liking the route of the conversation. "That's a long time away. I haven't changed." She states stubbornly.

Powder lowers her gaze and mumbles, "You've changed a little. I think it's because of her. She's good for you."

Vi's more confused now and looks at Powder for an explanation.

"This is the first year you haven't remembered."

Vi frowns, "Remembered what?" She asks before the sad look on Powder's face has it dawning on her. "Oh..."

Powder nods. "Yeah, this Sunday."

"Fuck," Vi whispers to herself, her heart sinking as the realization hits her. She had completely forgotten about the anniversary. Her stomach bubbles with shame as she recalls the complete lack of thought she'd given him lately. Between work and Caitlyn, Vander had somehow slipped from her daily thoughts.

Powder nudges her with her shoulder. "Hey, it's not a bad thing to move on. It's been almost eight years."

Vi nods jerkily. "I know, it just doesn't feel right to forget him."

Powder nods. "I miss him," she says quietly, and Vi's heart squeezes at how she sounds so much like her younger self. Picturing them, sitting in these same chairs almost seven years ago, Powder much smaller. Vi much smaller.

"Me too." She sighs and looks up at the sky, taking a deep breath of the fresh air into her lungs and breathing it out shakily. "Do you think- Would you mind if-."

Powder groans and buries herself deeper under the blanket. "Spit it out, it's getting freezing up here."

Vi bites her lip and clutches the blanket tightly in her fist. "Can I bring her? On Sunday?" She asks softly and Powder looks over with wide eyes. "I want him to meet her."

Powder takes a moment to consider before hesitantly nodding. "If you're sure." She seems to trust Vi's judgment. “Morbid date, sis.” She adds flatly,

Vi smiles, relieved, and sinks into the plastic chair.

"Now can you give me a ride back?" Powder wheedles.

At that, Vi jumps up and bolts towards the exit door, ignoring the outraged cry from behind her.

It seemed fitting that this year it fell on a Sunday.

The anniversary of Vander's death had always carried a lot of negativity for Vi. The very last day of November. In previous years those around her would find her to be more agitated and easily upset this time of year. More prone to drinking.

This year it felt different. Everything felt different. Instead of dread she had some excitement, a new development in her life to share with him instead of disappointing him year after year.

Vi didn't like to think it but it was also likely the last year they would all carry on this little tradition. Powder, Ekko, Benzo and Sevika at his side every year on the dot. Who knew where Benzo would be this time next year. Surely he wouldn't fly back from his sunny retirement beach to visit a graveyard.

Powder and Ekko would be off too. They might not make it. This time next year it could just be Sevika and her lingering awkwardly by a tiny gravestone.

So Sunday was rather fitting, she thought. It had a note of finality to it that she could appreciate.

Vi nervously kicks at chunks of gravel in the parking lot as she stands waiting outside of Sevika's truck. The old clander is running with both Powder and Sevika inside, the low rumble of the engine providing a constant backdrop to her thoughts. Vi had elected to wait out in the cold for Caitlyn. There was only so much teasing one could take before seven.

Powder had already made at least three comments about her 'piltie girlfriend' in the two minutes they'd been in the parking lot.

She has her hands shoved deeply in the pockets of Vander's leather jacket as she waits for her girlfriend to arrive. The familiar worn leather offers some comfort against both the chill in the air and her growing nerves.

She might have been nervous that Caitlyn wasn't coming if she didn't know her so well. Vi had told her seven o'clock, which meant she would arrive at precisely seven. Two minutes from now. Hopefully.

Vi glances down at her phone, the screen illuminating her face in the growing darkness. 6:58 AM. She kicks another piece of gravel, watching it skitter across the asphalt before disappearing into darkness. From inside the truck, she can see Powder making faces at her through the window, clearly enjoying her sister's discomfort.

Sevika, for her part, seems content to fiddle with the radio, seemingly unbothered by having to wait.

A tap on the window draws Vi's attention and she looks over, annoyed. Prepared to rant at Powder only for the reflection of what can only be described as a ghostly apparition to appear. A woman dressed in an all-black Victorian mourning dress. Her face blurred by the glass. She probably thought they were grieving for her and had gotten lost.

Spinning around with a yelp, Vi holds her fists up prepared to fight for her life only to balk when Caitlyn's bemused expression meets hers.

"Good morning," Caitlyn smiles softly.

Vi sags against the truck and clutches at her chest as if to slow her rapidly beating heart. "Fuck me, how long have you been standing there?" She gasps.

Caitlyn peers down at her wrist watch which reads 7:01 AM. "One minute."

Vi straightens up as her heart slowly returns to its normal rhythm. Her eyes roam over Caitlyn's outfit with confusion that she's sure is showing on her face. "Um, what are you wearing?" She asks hesitantly. The dress is long, falling to the ankles with intricate buttons lining up the centre of the torso to the base of her neck. Her girlfriend's hands are adorned in black leather gloves and a black veil sits perched on her head.

Caitlyn glances down and answers simply "A dress."

Vi bites her lip, "Nevermind. You look beautiful." She says and it's true, even if Vi is a little scared. She also hopes the two inside the car can't hear her because she's endured enough teasing today and her dad was dead. She takes Caitlyn's hand and kisses her cheek, adding softly, "Thank you for coming."

Caitlyn smiles down at her "I'll always be there for you. Whenever you ask." She responds just as soft.

They both jump when Sevika abruptly honks the horn. Vi glances behind her and glares at Powder who’s mock gagging in the backseat.

Vi shoots Caitlyn an apologetic look before wrenching the door open and shoving her sister. Her other hand still clutched in Caitlyn's as she mutters, "Move over."

Powder slides away from Vi's pushy hands to the left side of the truck and Vi clambers into the middle, pulling Caitlyn in behind her. Caitlyn shuts the door and Sevika glances at all three of them in the rearview mirror. She settles her stare on Caitlyn and pops her gum before looking away and adjusting the side mirror.

"Someone sit in the front, I'm not a fucking taxi driver," she grunts as she begins to slowly drive out the parking lot.

Powder sighs and clambers over the middle console. The heel of her shoe digging painfully into Vi's thigh as she uses her as a step stool to make the move.

"Hey, that hurts!" Vi cries and Caitlyn reaches down to rub her thigh soothingly.

"Baby," Powder mutters as she settles into the seat. Sevika sighs wearily and waits until she's buckled in before exiting the lot.

Once they're on the move Powder turns in her seat to look at both Caitlyn and Vi with wide innocent eyes.

"Powder," Caitlyn acknowledges with a nod.

"Professor K."

Caitlyn frowns. "You may call me Caitlyn outside of the classroom. You're an adult after all."

Vi glances back and forth between them warily.

"Okay Caitlyn," Powder says the name slowly as if sounding out the letters. "Ever been to a grave before?" She asks innocently and Vi groans.

Caitlyn seems unbothered and answers, "Yes."

Powder twists more in her chair, intrigued. "Whose?"

Vi snaps, "Powder!"

Caitlyn answers still unfazed, "My grandparents on my mother's side and my hamster."

Vi's eyes widen. She stays quiet as Powder asks the obvious follow up because she too is curious. "How'd the hamster die?"

Caitlyn frowns, "Nobody knows. We found his body in the billiard room."

Vi gawps as she realizes she had walked over the final resting place of Caitlyn's hamster many times.

"Okay, enough death talk," Sevika grumbles and reaches over to turn on the radio.

Powder is still staring at them and Vi glares back at her. Caitlyn pays them no mind and turns to look out of the window at the greying sky. Flecks of early rain hitting the windows and leaving tiny streams with the momentum of the car.

She leans over to Vi absentmindedly, still looking out the window and whispers, "Sevika drives quite slowly."

Vi shushes her and Powder grins.

Chapter Text

Sevika’s questionable music taste served as sufficient distraction for the remainder of the drive.

The loud drums and electric guitar reverberated through Vi's soul. Vibrating the cab of Sevika’s already unstable truck. Thankfully, pulling Powder’s attention away from her teasing to instead focus on the raucous sounds filtering out of the speakers.

As soon as the music began Powder groaned and placed her palm on the dashboard as if to block the sound waves.

"Really, this shit again? Come on, at least let us see what's on the radio." Powder reached out to turn the dial on the aging leather of the console but her hand was promptly swatted away. Sevika barely spared her a glance.

"Show some respect, kid. They’re pop rock icons." She turned the dial and the volume in the cab grew louder.

Caitlyn leaned forward suddenly. Nearly head butting Vi as she shouted directly into her ear, "What is this?" Vi startled violently, having been staring blankly at the back of Sevika's head ever since she'd started the music.

"You like it Kiramman?" Sevika called over her shoulder. Vi watched in slow motion as Caitlyn opened her mouth, likely preparing an honest yet blunt 'no' that would have her thrown out of the truck on her ass. She quickly jabbed her with her elbow and shook her head, desperately mouthing 'say yes'.

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes, trying to make out what Vi was saying just as the bridge of the song began with the crashing of drums that had them both wincing.

"Well?" Sevika called impatiently over her shoulder.

"It's certainly loud!" Caitlyn answered and Vi held her breath. Luckily for them, Sevika took the comment at face value and nodded.

"Right, pure fucking artistry!" Sevika declared proudly. Vi let out a long relieved breath.

Powder sighed and turned to look out the window. Vi slumped in the middle seat, still half asleep from the early hour in spite of the jarring music. Feeling Caitlyn's gloved hand tense in hers at the crashing of drums, she glanced over and noted her girlfriend's rigid posture. Nudging her with her shoulder she mouthed 'you okay?' and Caitlyn quickly nodded with a strained smile.

Vi’s eyes narrowed as her girlfriend stiffened further as the chorus crashed over them. That wouldn't do.

Sitting up, she shuffled forward as far as her seatbelt would allow. Releasing Caitlyn's hand, she placed both her palms on the headrests of the front seats and leaned forward. She wasn't taking any chances with balance, given the already dubious suspension on Sevika’s truck.

Poking her head through the centre console, she ignored Powder's palm which pushed at her head in protest of her close proximity.

"Respectfully," she began, her voice raised to be heard over the music as Sevika caught her eyes in the mirror, "Could we turn it down a touch?" Sevika grunted displeased at the suggestion and Vi quickly added. "With respect."

"My truck my rules." Sevika responded as she gestured with her hand for Powder to pass her a pack of cigarettes laying on the dash, steering with the other.

Vi glanced back at Caitlyn who had closed her eyes and stilled in the back of the truck. Squaring her shoulders she turned back and widened her eyes as large as possible, jutting her bottom lip out in a pout. Peering up at Sevika in the mirror as she pitifully uttered "But my dad's dead."

Sevika sighed aggravated and turned the dial to bring the volume back down to a more tolerable level. "You only get one of those a year." She grunted and raised a warning eyebrow at Vi in the mirror, who beamed with a pleased nod as she flopped back into her seat.

"What? I get one too, right?" Powder complained.

Sevika scoffed, "One dad equals one dead dad card a year." she stated and Powder let out a disgruntled groan, shooting Vi a glare in the mirror.

"I was saving that to get out of track and field day." She hissed bitterly and let her head thunk onto the glass of her window. Staring out into the early morning despairingly.

Vi knocks her shoulder with Caitlyn who shoots her a grateful smile as her body relaxes. Vi feels her chest puff up as she takes up Caitlyn's hand, which had been edging its way towards recapturing hers.

The rest of the drive is quiet with Powder mourning the loss of her get out of jail free card. The only sounds are the light patter of rain on the ceiling of the truck and the tapping of Sevika's finger on the wheel in time with the terrible music.

Vi finds herself feeling more subdued as they grow closer to the cemetery. The familiar winding roads are empty in the light of the overcast Sunday morning.

Occasionally she spots one or two people roaming the streets. An elderly couple on a morning stroll before the rest of the world woke. A half-asleep jogger being pulled along by his eagerly leashed border collie.

Eventually, they all fade out to barren streets as they near the outskirts of Piltover, where the city met the edge of Zaun.

They'd chosen a spot right on the border purposefully. Vi at the time had taken Powder and hightailed it up to the academy. Wishing to never set foot in the place that reminded her so much of his pain and suffering.

Of course, there were plenty of cemeteries closer, there was even one on the outskirts of the park by the academy, but it didn't feel right to Vi.

Zaun was all Vander had ever known. It didn't feel right to bury him amongst all those snooty Piltovians. So their ghosts could look down on him and sneer.

So she had settled for this place. A quiet site that lingered in no man's land. It had the landscape of Zaun but was well kept enough to signify that some Piltovian citizens were also resting here. Bright yellow sunflowers would bloom in the summer around his grave. She'd spent more than she should on the plot at the time but it had been worth it. Benzo and Sevika had pitched in to get him a nice enough headstone, not that he would have cared for stuff like that.

Vi stared out at the passing scenery, guilt gnawing at her insides as she wondered if it had been selfish to put him here.

Not to have him closer so she could see him everyday. Or to leave him back in Zaun where he belonged. To put him in this purgatory where they'd stop by on special occasions...

A hand squeezed hers tightly. Vi blinked, tearing her eyes from the landscape and meeting Caitlyn's gaze as she repeated her own question from earlier. "You okay?"

Vi shrugged and nodded at the same time. Caitlyn's eyes roamed over her face worriedly before biting her lip. Vi watched as she reached into her purse with a glove adorned hand, pulling out a pack of gum from her pocket and offering it to her. Vi peered down at it and chuckled, accepting and taking two pieces into her mouth.

"Sharing is caring..." Powder called over her shoulder, though with less snark than usual. Vi knew the day was getting to her too. It always got to both of them.

Sevika hummed in agreement and reached back, an expectant palm up. Caitlyn passed the gum forward and shot Vi a small smile.

The truck's engine made a concerning choking sound as they approached their destination.

Sevika cursed under her breath, pressing down on the gas pedal which only resulted in more concerning noises from under the hood. The vehicle sputtered and jerked before rolling to a stop halfway up the steep country road leading to the cemetery.

"Fucking perfect..." Sevika muttered, yanking up the handbrake with a screech that made Vi's teeth clench. The truck groaned ominously, the metal protesting as it struggled to hold their weight on the incline.

Vi's eyes widened as she felt the truck shift slightly backwards before the brake caught.

Sevika turned the key in the ignition, the engine sputtering to a halt with one final pathetic wheeze. "Piece of shit." she muttered. Drumming her fingers against the steering wheel as she squinted through the windshield at the remaining distance.

"We could just park here and walk up?" Vi suggested, trying to keep the eagerness out of her voice as the truck gave another concerning creak. "It's not that far."

Powder nodded rapidly from the front seat, already reaching for her seatbelt. "Yes, yes, absolutely yes. Let's do that."

Sevika grunted her agreement, clearly not thrilled but aware enough of her truck's limitations. "Fine. This is your fault for bringing an extra body."

Vi quickly turned to Caitlyn who was too busy frowning, affronted at being referred as a pound of flesh, gesturing urgently. “Let’s go, yeah?." She practically shoved her girlfriend towards the door. Not trusting the ancient vehicle's ability to keep them from rolling back down the hill.

Powder was already scrambling out of the passenger side. Her feet hitting the wet pavement as she shot a distrustful look at the truck. "One of these days this thing's gonna kill us all." she declared, earning a glance from Sevika. She popped open her carton of cigarettes unbothered.

Sevika then narrowed her eyes at Powder. Bringing the cigarette to her lips and lighting it with practiced ease. She took a long drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke into the misty morning air. "You could always walk home."

Powder crossed her arms with a dramatic pout, slumping against the side of the truck. "Never mind.”

Vi helped Caitlyn down onto the road, keeping a steadying hand on her elbow as they both looked up at their destination. The small cemetery sat nestled further up the hill, its iron gates barely visible through the morning mist. At least Sevika’s truck got them this far.

Rounding the back of the truck, Vi was careful to keep her distance from the rear as she reached into the bed to retrieve the bouquet. The forget-me-nots and white roses lay where she'd placed them earlier. Slightly damp from the morning mist but otherwise intact. She lifted them gently, cradling the delicate blooms in her arms.

Powder's familiar eye roll at the choice of flower was right on schedule. "You make me sick." Her sister's teasing held less bite than usual, softened by the solemnity of the day.

Vi just shrugged, running her thumb along one of the pristine white petals. Let Powder think she was being sentimental, she wasn't entirely wrong.

But Vi kept to herself the real reason for choosing the forget-me-nots. How their pure blue shade reminded her of Powder's hair. How she thought Vander might appreciate the company. So he wouldn’t get too lonely when they inevitably left his side.

The rumble of another vehicle approaching had them turning to look down the hill. Benzo's vintage beetle trundled along the road and into view.

Sevika scoffed as the tiny car that was dwarfed by her truck steadily made its way up the hill. Passing by them slowly as if rubbing in their failure.

Ekko's smug face appeared in the passenger side window as he stuck his hand out of the window, flipping them off. His eyes widened on noticing Caitlyn standing with them as he quickly tucked his hand back inside, looking admonished.

Powder cackled as he weakly called, “Sorry Professor K!”, out of the window. His voice growing faint as they managed the hill without issue.

Sevika took a deep drag of her cigarette and set off on the short walk up the hill. Vi followed suit with Caitlyn in hand. Powder eventually joining them after wiping hysterical tears from her eyes.

The small party crested the hill to find Ekko and Benzo already waiting at the entrance. Powder immediately perked up, practically skipping over to where Ekko stood. Without missing a beat, the two launched into an elaborate sequence of hand movements. Their signature handshake that had only grown more complex over the years.

Vi watched the display with poorly concealed envy, turning to Sevika with pleading eyes. Before she could even voice her request, Sevika's palm shot up in a stopping motion.

"In your dreams, kid."

Vi rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms. "Whatever, don't need you anyway. I have a handshake with my girlfriend now." She emphasised the word girlfriend with a pointed look.

"No we don't?" Caitlyn interjected, confusion evident in her voice.

Vi's shoulders slumped as she let out a defeated sigh.

Benzo chuckled, "Violet, how are ya?" he asked. Vi eyed him warily as he opened his arms for a potential crushing hug. She rearranged the flowers to her side and fell into a side hug as he patted her back. They hadn’t been speaking as much lately, mostly owing to Vi’s avoidance of topics surrounding the ‘future’. Today would serve as a truce of sorts.

"And Professor Kiramman, pleasure as always! Dressed for the occasion I see," Benzo greeted with a portly chuckle.

"Just Caitlyn is fine, how are you Benzo?"

"Ah you know, I'm getting on these days. Not as young as I used to be. Say, is Violet the one that's been feeding you these days? I'd noticed more of my eggs going to waste."

Caitlyn smiled apologetically as Vi's mouth dropped open, appalled. "Yes, well Vi is an excellent cook."

Benzo chuckled, "Don't I know it. Better than me. Can't blame ya!"

Caitlyn smiled as Vi wondered how many of those eggs her girlfriend had consumed to affect the supply and demand curve of the entire academy.

Ekko shuffled over to Vi, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Hey Vi, Professor K..." Vi rolled her eyes but couldn't help grinning as she pulled him into a one-armed hug, careful not to crush the flowers.

Powder suddenly clapped her hands together, her voice carrying a forced cheerfulness. "Right, shall we get this dead dad show on the road?" Despite her jovial tone, there was an unmistakable strain underneath. Vi reached out with her free hand, settling it on her sister's shoulder and giving a reassuring squeeze.

It was a modest grave, as far as headstones went.

Vi had gotten the best one she could afford at the time, pooling together what little savings she had with Benzo and Sevika's contributions. But standing here now, she couldn't help but think that even the finest Piltovian memorial stone wouldn't have been enough to mark the man.

Vander had needed something more like a boulder to truly capture the effect he'd had on everyone in his life, everyone in the Lanes. The small granite marker seemed almost apologetic in comparison to the giant of a man who lay beneath it.

Vi set the flowers down gently on the grass where his feet would lay and stood back. Studying the familiar etching of his name. The stone might be modest, but the memories it held were anything but.

They had a yearly tradition.

Stand around and stare down at the dirt where a little stone marked his body and give him the highlights. Sevika, not typically the emotional one, always got the ball rolling.

"I'm fucking someone new." Sevika stated bluntly as she respectfully stomped out her cigarette on the ground, just to the left of his grave. Vi didn't flinch as Caitlyn gasped, clearly having expected something more appropriate for the setting. Powder and Ekko's hands flew up to their ears with identical grimaces. Benzo nodded along contemplatively.

"The sex is good but it's different this time. There's feelings there or whatever. You'd like her I think." Sevika finished and looked round at Benzo expectantly.

Caitlyn snapped her jaw shut. Ekko and Powder tentatively lifted their hands from their ears.

Benzo as usual began sobbing and mumbling intelligibly. They usually allowed him to vent and tire himself out. Vi caught the word 'retirement' more than once and tried not to flinch. Ekko was sincere as always, updating Vander on his final year and his plans for graduation.

Vi sighed, already knowing what was coming. This was Powder's favourite part. Using their father's grave like some kind of confessional booth. Her sister had a particular talent for saving up her most outrageous misdeeds for these annual visits. Gleefully unburdening herself while Vi was forced to stand there and listen without being able to do anything about it.

It was a genius strategy really. What was Vi supposed to do? Lay into her in front of their dead father's headstone?

Though Vi had to admit, there was something almost sweet about how Powder still felt the need to confess her sins to Vander. Even if she did it with a melancholic glint in her eye. As if their father's spirit might materialise just to give her one of his stern but loving lectures.

Powder bounced on her heels, throwing her hands up dramatically. "So yeah, almost got expelled again. But!" She held up a finger as if anticipating Vander's ghostly disapproval. "Before you get all disappointed dad on me from beyond the grave, it was totally justified this time. I mean, who just leaves the chem lab unlocked like that? That's just asking for trouble." She crossed her arms with a huff. "Besides, the new lab actually looks way better after the renovation. You're welcome, Piltover Academy."

Vi sighed as Powder turned to her with a winning grin.

"Right, well my turn." Vi had always felt like her updates were a little underwhelming, it was why she dreaded this day year on year. Knowing that if Vander could hear them he'd be disappointed in the lack of anything real happening in her life. This year was different though.

"Uh, dad I want you to meet someone. This is Cait, my girlfriend." She squeezed Caitlyn's hand tightly and smiled slightly as Caitlyn took her cue to hesitantly call out a formal "Hello" and wave with her other hand.

Powder let out a shrill wolf whistle that echoed through the cemetery, earning her a sharp elbow from Ekko. She just snickered.

Vi squinted a little through cloudy eyes as she continued. The hand not in Caitlyn’s clenching and unclenching in a fist.

"You used to tell me I had a good heart. All the time. It was really annoying." Vi chuckled wetly, looking away from the overgrown grave and up at the sky to keep tears at bay. "Always telling me not to ever lose it…" Her voice cracked a little, "Well, surprise, I lost it to her!" Vi joked and Caitlyn wrapped her hand around her waist. Supporting her wilting frame as she continued in a whisper. "And she's taking great care of it..."

Vi bit down hard on her lower lip, fighting back the telltale burn behind her eyes that threatened to turn her into a blubbering Benzo-esque mess. Her shoulders trembled with the effort of holding it together until a small hand slipped into her free one. Powder stood beside her, eyes glistening as she offered a watery smile.

"You always make our speeches look bad." she complained half-heartedly, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. Vi pressed a firm kiss to the side of her head, whispering a sorry that she didn't mean at all.

Sevika cleared her throat loudly, breaking the emotional moment. "Right, well if we're done with the sappy shit, I need a drink." She jerked her thumb over her shoulder in the direction of the exit. "First round's on me, in honour of the old man."

Vi wiped at her eyes with her free hand and nodded gratefully at the suggestion.

Vi held her own more unsavoury and personal traditions for this day.

Ones that involved dropping Powder and Ekko back at the academy before their curfew hit. Usually, she and Sevika would make their way to the nearest bar where Vi would proceed to drink herself into oblivion. Desperately trying to numb the ache that always seemed to intensify this time of year. The ritual would typically end with Sevika having to cut her off. Dragging her unresponsive body home to sleep it off.

But this year felt different.

As they approached a booth in the far corner of the bar, Vi caught Sevika giving her an expectant look. Already reaching for her wallet to start their annual descent into inebriation.

"Just a water for me," Vi stated firmly, meeting Sevika's surprised gaze with quiet defiance. Some traditions, she had decided, were meant to be broken.

They slid into the booth, Caitlyn opposite her while Sevika remained standing. Vi traced her girlfriend's stare to a sticky patch on the table, likely left over residue from the previous occupants' spilt drink. Sevika raised an eyebrow, "What, no drink?" she questioned and Vi shook her head.

"Nah, not feeling it this year. Grab some napkins as well?" Sevika shrugged and turned to Caitlyn with a smirk.

"And you professor? Let me guess, cocktail. Something sweet?" She asked and Caitlyn tore her gaze away from the sticky patch to narrow her eyes at Sevika.

"Whiskey, neat. Aged Ionian if they have it." Sevika's eyebrows rose as she pulled back with a chuckle.

"They won't," she answered before turning to walk to the bar.

Vi nudged Caitlyn's foot with hers, "I thought you didn't like to drink?"

Caitlyn's face suddenly flushed as she turned to Vi, mortified. "Oh god, I just wanted to impress her! I panicked and ordered what mother’s usual." She buried her face in her hands, peeking through her fingers at Vi with embarrassment.

Vi whistled lowly, "Wow, hate to tell you but there's no impressing Sevika. Been at that game for years," she added sagely.

Caitlyn slumped a little as Sevika returned. Setting Vi's water and napkins in front of her with a grimace before handing Caitlyn her whiskey. She then slumped in the booth next to Caitlyn and cracked open her beer on the edge of the table.

Vi took a napkin and wiped at the sticky patch on the table, watching pleased as Caitlyn eyed the movement with relief. Relaxing her arms onto the table, hand around the whiskey making no move to drink it.

They sit in content silence with Sevika pulling out her phone to flick through her messages.

Vi couldn't help but notice the curious glances being thrown their way in the dimly lit bar. Caitlyn, still dressed head to toe in black from the memorial, cut an imposing figure against the bar's weathered wooden interior.

The sight of Vi's bright pink hair walking hand in hand with Caitlyn's ghoulish silhouette must have been something. She caught more than a few patrons doing double-takes. Their eyes traveling from Vi to Caitlyn's severe black ensemble with obvious confusion. One man actually stopped mid sip of his beer, mouth hanging open as they passed.

Vi watched as Caitlyn leaned close, speaking in hushed tones about her upcoming lesson plans. She struggled to focus as a foot absently stroked up and down her ankle under the table. The gentle brush of fabric against skin was soothing, grounding her after the emotional weight of their earlier visit.

"And then for Thursday's lecture, I thought we could explore the implications of-" Caitlyn's enthusiastic planning was cut short by Sevika's blunt interruption.

"You gonna drink that?" Sevika looked up from her phone, eyebrow raised at Caitlyn's untouched glass.

"Hmm?" Caitlyn blinked, peering down at her whiskey as if just remembering it was there. "Oh, um. Well yes of course!"

Vi could only watch in barely concealed horror as Caitlyn proceeded to neck the entire glass. She was pretty sure it was meant to be a sipping whiskey. The glass hit the table with a solid thunk. When Caitlyn's watery eyes met Vi's across the table, Vi had to bite back a sympathetic wince.

Sevika chuckled, reaching over to pat Caitlyn's shoulder with enough force to shove her forward slightly, as she coughed against the burn. "Damn Kiramman, I'm impressed."

Vi frowned at that. Really? That was all it took to impress Sevika?

"Let me grab you another." Sevika was already sliding out of the booth. "It's going on your tab though."

Caitlyn opened her mouth to decline but another coughing fit overtook her as Sevika walked away. "It burns," she whispered to Vi, her voice raspy from the assault on her throat.

Vi traced her finger around the ring of water left by her glass, sighing forlornly. "At least you impressed her," she said, trying not to let her bitterness show.

"Every breath is fire," Caitlyn answered simply as Sevika made her way back to their table. Another beer and glass of whiskey in hand.

Eventually, Caitlyn was saved by the bell. Or rather, the chime of Sevika’s text alerts.

Vi watched with disgust as Sevika's eyes roamed over her phone screen. Eyes bright with barely concealed lust, her fingers flying rapidly over the keypad before clicking it shut. She stood with a sly smirk and waggled her eyebrows at Vi. "I gotta go."

Vi groaned as Caitlyn peered between them carefully. Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at Sevika from where she was nursing her third glass. "Are you going to make love to your woman? The one with the feelings?" She accused, point her finger as her other hand brought her glass up to her lips and miscalculated. Some of the drink dripping onto her dress.

"Please don't answer that." Vi pleaded with a visible shudder, just as Sevika's face transformed into that of a cat who'd gotten the cream.

"Yes," Sevika answered simply, her smirk growing wider.

Vi groaned and slumped forward onto the table.

Caitlyn nodded sluggishly, raising her glass in Sevika's direction. "Good for you. I believe in sexual liberation for all women."

Sevika raised an eyebrow, "Noted."

Vi waved her hand desperately, "Can you just go now?"

Sevika nodded, polishing off the last of her beer before eyeing Caitlyn. "You good?” 

Vi nodded and Sevika smirked, shooting her another sly look to which Vi responded with a glare.

”She’s good for you, kid.” Sevika stated simply with a genuine smile. Vi stared after her shocked at the sappiness as she exits the bar. 

When Vi's gaze finally broke away from the door, she turned to find Caitlyn staring at her with dark eyes.

Her girlfriend abruptly stood and stumbled over to the other side of the booth. Sliding in next to Vi, essentially locking her in between the wall and her body.

"This is where I first saw you." Caitlyn stated ominously, her stare expectant. "Do you remember?" she demanded and Vi nodded slowly, a fond smile peeking out the corner of her lips.

"I charmed you." Vi chuckled and Caitlyn pressed further into the booth. Compressing Vi into as little space as her mass would allow.

Caitlyn's hand reached up to cup Vi's face, squishing her cheeks aggressively between her thumb and forefingers. "I wanted you to charm me," she almost hissed, and Vi felt her stomach coil. Her eyes darted from Caitlyn's to the surrounding bar where they were now receiving some looks.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Vi asked, though it came out muffled by the fact her face was still being squeezed by Caitlyn.

"Let's go." Caitlyn grasped her hand and tugged her from the booth desperately. Vi allowed herself to be led along by the stumbling woman as they exited into the chill night air. She hoped Sevika has settled their tab.

Caitlyn took a few unsteady steps. Tugging Vi behind her on the cobblestone paths that led towards the academy before her heel inevitably caught. Vi's hands reached for her waist to steady her.

She huffed in frustration, yanking off one heel with an unsteady hand. "These shoes are impossible!"

Vi chuckled, watching her girlfriend's precarious balancing act. "Here, swap with me, okay?" She knelt down, gently guiding Caitlyn's hands to rest on her shoulders for support. The frilled edge of the mourning dress drooped over Caitlyn's bare feet as she shivered in the night air.

She sat back and quickly removed her own trainers. Far more practical for nighttime wandering.

She helped Caitlyn slide her feet into them before eyeing the abandoned heels with resignation. Begrudgingly, she slipped her sock-clad feet into the formal shoes. Immediately wobbling as she tried to find her balance.

Caitlyn let out a sudden giggle at the sight, which Vi quickly silenced with an indignant cry.

"This is for you!" She pointed accusingly, though her stern expression was betrayed by her own barely suppressed laughter.

They made their way through the darkened streets toward the staff building with intertwined fingers. Vi's occasional stumbles in the heels only added to their shared amusement.

Their progress marked by hushed laughter and soft breaths mingling in the cool night air.

Chapter Text

For the first time many months, Vi found herself strangely alone on a Saturday afternoon.

It was the last week of term before the Christmas break. Which for Vi meant relaxation, too many hot chocolates and general holiday cheer.

For those who had the unfortunate luck to actually attend the academy, it meant mock exams.

Caitlyn had been missing in action for the last couple of weeks as she prepared the seniors for the test run. Vi had expected to be showered with the affection she’d missed out on this weekend. Having counted down the days until the final physics sitting had taken place on Friday. Only for Caitlyn to rain on her parade when she kindly reminded Vi that she was also responsible for grading the papers.

Powder, in turn had been busy taking said papers, to which Vi had endured endless complaining. Her last sitting was the following Friday. Which meant Vi still had another week of her whining to get through.

Vi had been barred from disturbing both her sister and girlfriend today. Both of them preferring to troll through text books in their respective study spaces.

Of course, Vi had protested and tried to sneak her way into an invitation to Caitlyn's apartment only to be rebuffed. Her only consoldation was Caitlyn promising that they would have plenty of time together over the break.

Vi couldn't help but smirk, remembering how Caitlyn had sulkily invited her to the Kiramman's traditional Boxing Day hunt earlier that week. She had been grading papers in her office when Vi brought her coffee. Between sips she had muttered something about her mother insisting Vi attend this year.

"It's dreadfully boring." Caitlyn had warned, though her pout suggested she very much wanted Vi there despite her complaints. "Everyone stands around in ridiculous outfits pretending to care about foxes, while drinking far too much mulled wine."

Vi had grinned at that. Already imagining Caitlyn in one of those fancy riding outfits described in one of her period novels. "Count me in, babe. But only if we get matching ridiculous outfits."

The way Caitlyn's face had lit up before she quickly schooled it back into a put-upon expression was absolutely worth whatever stuffy social event Vi had signed herself up for.

But Boxing Day was not for another three weeks. And right now, Vi was decidedly alone.

She had already been to the gym earlier in a desperate attempt to burn off some of her restless energy. But her usual routine of pumping up her back muscles had done nothing to stave off her growing boredom. At least Caitlyn had enjoyed the post workout pictures. A customary thumbs up gracing her image in reaction.

Vi had hoped she’d take the bait and come over but it was a futile effort. Her response had been cruel and accusatory.

Cait <3: I know what you’re doing.

Scorned, Vi had reacted hastily with a thumbs down. She hadn’t deigned to offer any further response, feeling slighted after having laid her back bare.

The silence in her apartment was deafening after a term of constant chatter and chaos. She had grown used to having someone around.

Vi even found herself missing Sevika. She pouted eyeing the seven unanswered messages she’d shot her way since the morning. There was a temptation to stomp down the hallway and pound on her old friend’s door. It was strong, but she had an inkling she wouldn't find her alone.

With no one to annoy and far too much pent-up energy still thrumming through Vi’s veins, there was only one logical course of action left.

She had decided to use the opportunity to perform an in-depth spring clean of her apartment. Over the course of the busy term it had grown dustier and dustier.

Currently she stood in her kitchen having cleaned out her cupboards. Throwing away many of the fancy expired items she'd borrowed from the academy kitchens. A plum, ginger and ruby port chutney? She didn't even remember borrowing that one. A chilli jam, a juniper fruit compote and a fig balsamic were all tossed over her shoulder into the trash.

Only one item remained, she stared down at the box of elderflower and mint tea leaves.

Biting her lip she recalled earlier in the term when Caitlyn had proudly presented her the box. Assuring her that she would love this one.

Vi, hesitant after many attempts at varying flavours, had gently sipped the flowery brew. Caitlyn's hopeful eyes had been too much and she had assured her she loved it whilst covering her choking. The box had sat idle at the back of her cupboard for months.

Guiltily her eyes moved from the box to the bin and back…

Cupboard space was a limited resource in her tiny staff apartment. With a heavy heart she tossed the box in the trash deciding that Caitlyn would never need to know.

Vi set her hands on her hips, a proud smile spreading across her face as she surveyed her now spotless kitchen. A light sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead from the afternoon's cleaning efforts, but the results were worth it. Deciding she'd earned a break, she headed for a quick shower.

As she emerged in a tank top and pyjama pants, humming contentedly while towelling her pink hair dry, her eyes fell on her well-worn copy of 'Say Yes to Heaven' waiting on the coffee table.

She grinned excitedly. Reading was so much more enjoyable when there wasn't an annoyingly accented voice criticising the prose over her shoulder. Vi much preferred losing herself in the romance without the running commentary. Unless it was from Cassandra of course. She was so insightful...

She practically skipped over to her record player, setting it up with practiced ease. Soft, slow music began filtering through the room as she made her way to the couch, book in hand.

Cassandra had promised, without spoilers, that the next chapter was 'salacious'. Vi couldn't wait, despite the unnerving feeling at receiving said message from her girlfriend's mother.

Settling into a prone position on the couch, she wiggled until she found comfort. Opening to her bookmarked page, she picked up where she and Cassandra had left off last week...

Waves crashed against the jagged cliffside in a frothy mist as Victoria clutched her coat tighter around herself. Unshed tears lingered in the corner of her eyes as her bare feet clutched the wet grass at the crest of the cliff.

She stared out across the roaring ocean as footsteps grew closer behind her. Whirling around she found herself face to face with the woman who was the cause of her emotional turmoil. Her boyish clothes a stark contrast against Victoria’s own dress flowing in the wind.

“Oh Cecilia, why must you insist on confounding me so!” Victoria cried, her arms wave wildly and her ample bosom sways with the movement. “You are but a junior enforcer and I am a councillors daughter. We are two worlds apart and yet I can dream of nothing but you.” Victoria cried as she fell into her lovers.

Strong arms surrounded her, cradling her with a steadiness against the strong winds.

”My love, do not think for them. Think of what you feel. Do you love me?”

”I-” Victoria gasped and cut her self off. Cecelia pulled back and looked into her eyes. Brown met cerulean with imploring and earnest affection.

”Tell me.” Cecilia urged, her voice low with want.

“I do. I love you!” Victoria exclaimed as tears finally spilled down her cheeks. Cecilia hushed her, pressing a gloved hand to her lips.

“I love you, too.” Cecilia promised. Her words a quiet and solemn contrast against the roaring winds and crashing of waves.

“Oh Cecilia, take me now! Make me yours on this cliffside! Unravel me with your-”

Vi felt a small weight land on her stomach over the blanket, drawing her attention away from the dramatic seaside encounter.

Reluctantly ripping her eyes from the page, she slowly lowered the book and peered over the edge. There, meeting her gaze with defiantly beady eyes, sat her furry nemesis. Mister Cheese.

There was a moment's pause where they stared into each other's eyes as Vi digested the situation.

The stillness was broken when she finally gathered her wits and screamed. Throwing the blanket off with a high-pitched yelp and scrambling for purchase, only to fall in an undignified heap to the floor.

Vi heard scurrying footsteps in the direction of her kitchen as she regained her wits, reaching up and clawing desperately for her phone. With trembling fingers, she opened the group chat she and Caitlyn had set up for exactly this moment.

Trying despearetly to recall the code they had assigned to such an eventually. Was it code black? Blue? Dammit, fuck the code.

Vi: Code! Help me!! Code!! He’s here, he touched me!!!

She then proceeded to spam the chat with around twenty throwing up emoticons.

A minute passed as she eyed the thread nervously. Twitching at every scattered sound coming from her kitchen. Finally, after what felt like the longest minute of her life, she received the expected response.

Cait <3: Strike team mobilise.

The message appeared from Caitlyn in the chat. Followed by three consecutive and ominous thumbs up reactions.

Less than five minutes passed before the door to her apartment slammed open with a thud. Vi was stood on the couch clutching a pillow for protection as they entered.

Ekko and Powder came through first, dressed head to toe in lacrosse gear raided from the school's athletics shed. Helmets on and thick shin pads adorning their bodies like armour. They raised their lacrosse sticks high in preparation.

"Where is the fucker!" Powder cried, tapping her stick on the floor menacingly.

Isha followed shortly after Powder wearing a wartime Brodie helmet, clearly made of styrofoam. Most likely stolen from the theatre department. In her hand she held a tiny water pistol.

Finally, Caitlyn emerged from behind them with a stony expression. She wore no armour and, unlike the others, showed no fear. Clutched under her arm was a rifle, which Vi was thankful to see was also of the water variety.

"Where is he?" Caitlyn asked, her mouth set in a grim line.

Vi slowly dropped the pillow and pointed in the direction of the kitchen. Caitlyn nodded and eyed each of member of her battalion and barked, "To your positions!" The three scrambled to each of their respective rooms leaving Vi's front door wide open. Ekko went to mark the bathroom door, Powder and Isha taking the bedroom as Caitlyn marched further into the room.

"Vi!" She snapped and Vi blinked, "Position!" she ordered holding up a hand for Vi who took it, she hopped off the couch with a hurried nod. Sliding into position by the front door.

Caitlyn marched over to the kitchen's entrance and stood in the doorway pausing for just a moment. Everyone watched with bated breath. The calm before the storm.

Vi eyes roamed over her girlfriend's back as she tensed before throwing a look over her shoulder, "Dead or alive." Caitlyn stated firmly before disappearing into the kitchen.

Silence fell over the remaining occupants of the room as they eyed the kitchen door warily. Vi held her breath, meeting Powder's eyes across the room who widened them impatiently. Vi could only shrug in response.

Suddenly, movement erupted from the kitchen. Clanging sounds and the distinct noise of a plastic water gun being rapidly pumped. The sound of water spraying and feet shuffling across the linoleum filtered through. A loud crash had Vi wincing, already mourning her pitiful collection of dish ware.

Ekko shifted in his position at the bathroom door as if to go help, but Vi held up a warning palm. "We stick to the plan," she told him calmly.

"What if she needs help?" Ekko asked with wide eyes, flinching as a louder crash came from the kitchen.

Vi turned to look at the doorway with a distant expression. "It's him who needs help."

A series of crashes and thuds sounded from the kitchen before finally Caitlyn's voice snapped out a warning. "Incoming!" Just as she did, a ball of brown fur streaked out of the kitchen doorway. Everyone screamed.

Caitlyn exited immediately after, a wild look in her eyes as she shut the door behind her securely.

The furry menace made a beeline for Vi's bedroom only to be batted away by Powder's lacrosse stick, all while the girl continually screamed. She hit him in the direction of Ekko in the bathroom who yelped and batted it right back at her.

"You asshole!" Powder screamed as the streak of fur returned to their direction, only to be met with the spraying of Isha's water pistol, that had it turning tail toward the door.

Vi saw him coming and met his eyes across the battlefield.

With no options except the front door, he darted for the outdoors. But Vi knew he would have something else up his sleeve. He had grown a bit predictable. At the last minute, he tried to turn for the safety of the couch.

She lunged across the living room, using the pillow still clutched in her hands to bat his furry little body away. He skidded out onto the landing of the second floor and out of Vi's apartment. She half-crawled to the doorway and toppled out after him, slamming the door shut behind her. Watching menacingly as he scampered down the hall.

She wasn't done.

Vi stumbled to her feet, pillow clutched limply in her hand as she slowly walked across the public balcony. She smirked, realizing he'd gone the wrong way. The stairs were in the opposite direction. He scampered along the corridor with her ominously following. Barefoot and in her comfiest pyjama pants.

She watched with glee as he neared the edge of the balcony, realizing he was cornered. It was a two-story drop, too high for a little old mouse. She savoured the delicious moment.

He turned to look at her with that same defiant look in his beady eyes that he always carried, and her smile slowly dropped. She blanched as he turned to look out over the horizon again.

"Wait-" She called desperately, diving to the edge of the balcony and landing on her stomach. Her hand reaching out to grab him but it was too late.

Her fingers clutched around thin air as he leaped.

"Nooooo!" she called anguished into the grounds, clutching at her heart as if to stave of the pain. In the distance, she saw an elderly couple glance up at her in shock before glancing away and hurrying off.

He was like a son to her.

Rolling away from the edge and onto her back, she stared up at the ceiling. Footsteps approached and she let her head loll to the side to face her fellow warriors.

Ekko was staring at the edge with abject horror whilst Powder struggled not to laugh. Caitlyn's expression was battle-worn and solemn. Indicative of a warrior who had lost too many in battle. Isha looked a little hungry.

The door to her left opened and they all turned to look. Sevika, with mussed hair and a surly frown, stared down at Vi with an unimpressed expression. "Can you shut the fuck up?"

From Vi's position on the floor, she could see another pair of feet quickly darting out of view behind the woman's imposing form.

Vi jumps up, brushing off her pyjamas with an abashed sorry, and Sevika slams the door in her face. Quite rudely, Vi thinks, and she claps her hands turning to the others.

"Right, well I could eat. How about you guys?" she says lightly with a wink in Isha's direction who beams and nods. Powder also nods in affirmative as she drags a shellshocked Ekko by the shoulder back in the direction of Vi's apartment.

Vi smiles as she nears Caitlyn, taking her hand and drawing her eyes away from the ledge where Mister Cheese had met his untimely end. "Cait?" Caitlyn's eyes were fixed on the spot with battle-worn resignation. At the contact her eyes snap down to their joined hands and her troubled expression melts away into a soft shy smile.

"Have you eaten?" Vi asks.

Caitlyn reluctantly looks away. Not answering directly which is enough answer for Vi in itself. "I should really get back to grading those papers," she says reluctantly.

"Can't grade on an empty stomach, everyone will fail." Vi tells her sagely as she drags her by the hand back to the apartment and Caitlyn doesn't resist.

“I could do with some tea after that. Elderflower?” Caitlyn sighed wearily as she leaned into her side. Vi winced.

Vi returned to the kitchen and could only sigh when eyeing the state of it.

Having only cleaned it spotless that morning, the destruction was particularly painful to witness. She had authorised lethal force when her and Caitlyn had discussed the game plan previously. She didn't realise lethal also meant messy.

Her cutlery drawer was strewn over the floor with knives and forks littering the ground. Water dripped down the cupboards where Caitlyn had sprayed after the little mouse. Her eyes fell to one broken dish. A least the permanent damage had been mitigated.

Caitlyn had sheepishly entered after her, resting her chin on her shoulder as they both surveyed the mess. Muttering a sorry and kissing just under her ear. "I'll clean, you cook." She edged around Vi and started gathering up cutlery to make a safe pathway. Vi hummed appreciatively.

The kids had ventured into the living room and booted up Vi's console, deciding they had helped her enough for one day. Vi set about wrapping her novelty apron over her body. The bikini-clad cartoon falling over her torso as she began cracking eggs into a bowl. A simple omelette was the most she could make out of her disaster zone of a kitchen.

Caitlyn was remarkably efficient in her cleaning and had picked up all of her mess just as Vi poured the eggs into her cast iron. She then lingered by the countertop watching Vi. Though her eyes darted every so often towards the living room, where the sounds of a familiar game score filtered through.

She rolled her eyes and elbowed Caitlyn, "You can go beat them. Almost done here." She assured and Caitlyn's eyes lit up.

She pressed a firm kiss to Vi's lips in thanks and reached down, placing her palm over the cartoon bosom suggestively. "I won't forget this." She stated with a squeeze as she released and quickly dashed out towards the living room.

Vi listened to the sounds of mashing buttons and frustrated yelling from the living room as she plated up their omelettes. Powder's competitive taunts quickly turned to begging as Caitlyn systematically destroyed them both.

"Have mercy!" Ekko pleaded, followed by the distinct sound of his character being eliminated.

Vi smiled to herself as she carried the plates to the living room, where they all gathered around the coffee table.

Her and Caitlyn settled on the floor while Powder and Ekko claimed the couch, both sulking from their losses. Isha decided the most optimal seating arrangement was Vi's lap. Likely for ease of access to the omelette, though Vi didn't mind as she let the kid clamber over her.

Her heart sang knowing she had successfully distracted everyone she loved from their important work to spend time with her.

Even if all they were talking about was work... Vi had zoned out when they started airing their grievances about the difficulty of mock exams. Caitlyn nodding along seriously.

Instead she chose to focus on pick mushrooms out of the omelette. Preparing little mushroom free bites for Isha who happily snatched them up. Only tuning back in when Powder's complaining grew particularly dramatic.

"I just don't understand why we're forced to learn another language. And French of all things!" Powder exclaimed between bites.

Caitlyn hummed thoughtfully, "I understand what you mean. I have also suggested that language be an elective rather than requirement for the senior students."

Powder nodded seriously. "Yes, please! So no one else has to suffer. If I wasn't on scholarship I would have skipped every class."

Caitlyn frowned at that. "Oh Powder, I didn't know you were also part of the scholarship program?"

Powder scoffed, "Seriously, every Zaunite in this school is here on scholarship. Why'd you think all our family's work here?"

Caitlyn hummed. "What does that have to do with it? Surely the scholarships are based on academic merit. That was how I scouted Isha over here from one of the decathlons I attended as an invigilator."

Powder laughed at that, as did Ekko. Vi frowned not liking the direction the conversation was heading.

She eyed her sister warningly as Powder stabbed at her omelette with a fork and looked at Caitlyn. Raising a challenging eyebrow. "You think if this academy cared about academic merit, half of the piltie's would've made it in? I mean you've taught them."

Caitlyn's brow furrowed as she considered Powder's words. Her sister continued. "Don't they tell you prof's anything? You seriously don't know about the contingent clauses?" Powder chuckled.

Vi interrupted with a warning "Powder-" Her sister looked at her with innocent wide eyes.

"Contingent clauses?" Caitlyn asked with a deeper frown.

"It's built into the scholarship." Ekko chimed in and Vi sighed.

"Exploitation of poor parents," He started with a shrug before nodding at Vi, "or guardians. Underpaid labour in exchange for keeping the school sweet on us." He finished and Vi rolled her eyes annoyed.

"You're both so dramatic. Only one exploiting me is you for free food." She kicked at Powder's ankle whilst shuffling Isha on her lap.

The warning in her voice was clear as she eyed them and they both dropped it. Vi returned her focus to cutting up Isha's omelette. She could feel Caitlyn looking at her across the table and avoided meeting her eyes.

Finally abandoning their gaming session after what felt like the hundredth defeat, Powder and Ekko made their way towards the door.

"Some of us have a curfew," Powder grumbled, still sour from her five consecutive losses. Isha followed suit, though not before securing one last snack from Vi's kitchen.

As Caitlyn moved to join them, Vi smoothly intercepted her path, hands finding her waist. Powder lingered in the doorway, making exaggerated gagging sounds until Vi kicked the door shut in her face without looking back.

"What sounds better..." Vi murmured, slowly twisting them around until Caitlyn's back met the closed door. She pressed soft kisses up the column of Caitlyn's neck between words. "Grading boring papers," another kiss, "or making out with your hot girlfriend on a Saturday night?"

Caitlyn's head thudded back against the door as she released a shaky breath. "The second one," she admitted.

Vi hummed her agreement against Caitlyn's ear before capturing her lips in a proper kiss. The eagerness with which Caitlyn responded told Vi that her attempt to leave had been purely for show.

Smirking as she pulled back, Vi watched Caitlyn's lips chase after hers. "You're acting quite desperate," she teased. Caitlyn's eyes blinked open with a slight frown at the loss of contact.

"I took a leaf out of your book." Caitlyn quipped, her eyes narrowed before pulling Vi back in by her collar. Vi groaned as she felt a thigh slot between her legs, its presence more taunting than touching. The urge to press closer was overwhelming.

"You can move closer." Caitlyn whispered against her lips, clearly wanting Vi to be the one to close that final distance.

Well, that was something Vi could definitely do. She grabbed the backs of Caitlyn's thighs and lifted. Wrapping those long legs around her waist as she pressed her firmly against the door, reconnecting their lips.

"Bed," Caitlyn murmured against her mouth.

Vi stumbled across the living room towards her bedroom. A task made significantly more difficult by the fact that her face remained firmly pressed against her girlfriend's.

They made it into the bedroom victoriously, Vi taking the final few steps towards the bed only to trip on an errant dumbbell she'd left laying around. She twisted so that Caitlyn was on top of her as she lost her balance, falling onto the bed with a bounce. Vi winced at the pain in her toe as Caitlyn giggled from her place on her chest.

"This reminds me of my first day," Caitlyn laughed as she sat up, straddling Vi's waist.

She tugged at the bottom of Vi's tank top, sliding her hand up and causing it to ride up to just below her chest. She left it there as she dragged her fingernails back down across Vi's abs and played with the tied drawstring of her pyjama pants. Vi felt taut with anticipation.

"You fell then too," Caitlyn chimed and Vi pouted.

"It was slippy," she defended and Caitlyn hummed.

"You took me down with you. Again." Caitlyn smiled fondly as she tugged at the drawstrings teasingly.

"It's not my fault that you're unstable. I think my presence makes your legs shaky." Vi smirked and Caitlyn raised an eyebrow.

"I'll show you shaky legs," she muttered. Vi waited, expecting her to untie the string. Her stomach was coiled tight as she held her breath, Caitlyn's other hand trailing up and down her abdomen distractedly.

Caitlyn didn't untie the strings. Instead she sat back on Vi's lap and bit her lip. "Can I ask you a question?"

Vi had to hold back a pained cry. "Now?" She responded, her voice strained, and shifted her hips underneath Caitlyn's weight. Pressing her legs together she admitted mentally that okay, maybe she was the desperate one.

Caitlyn nodded seriously and when Vi met her eyes, she realized she looked upset. Vi immediately sat up. "Yeah cupcake, you can ask me anything. What is it?"

"Why didn't you want me to know? About the scholarship, the contingency clauses?"

Vi felt her body tense in a different way at the mention and shook her head. She didn't want to talk about this. "Because it's not important. I didn't think... you'd care this much."

Caitlyn frowned at her and shook her head. "You didn't think I would care?"

Vi sighed and fully sat up, still keeping Caitlyn in her lap. "I didn't mean it like that. Look, Powder is dramatic okay? She makes it out like I'm some prisoner here." She shook her head, "I like my job. I like it here." She assured Caitlyn who nodded hesitantly.

"I didn't want you to feel sorry for me like most people. Try and get me to leave. I guess that's why I didn't tell you."

Caitlyn sighed and Vi's hands wrapped around her to pull her into a hug. "I wouldn't do that. Your choice is your choice."

Vi felt her chest swell with emotion at Caitlyn's words. Lately, everyone else had been pushing and prodding, trying to get her to be something different. Something more. But Caitlyn... Caitlyn wanted her exactly as she was. Not for her potential, not for who she could become, but for who she was right now.

The realisation cemented in Vi's mind that this was the best thing that had happened to her in years.

Caitlyn paused before adding, "Although I am angry with the academy for placing such restrictions in the first place."

Vi nodded as Caitlyn frowned into the distance, her expression darkening as if glaring at the ghosts of the academy's past headmasters.

The silence stretched between them, and Vi's eyes trailed over her girlfriend. The pressure in her lower abdomen now rebuilding as the topic closed. Finally, she interrupted with a strained, "Cait."

Caitlyn glanced down at her with a raised, questioning eyebrow.

"You're still on top of me..." Vi hedged, and Caitlyn peered down, blinking as if just remembering their position.

Caitlyn smirked. "So I am," she said smugly as she leaned down to bring their lips together again.

Chapter Text

Vi blinked awake on the morning of Christmas Day to a surprisingly silent apartment.

Stretching her arms and legs out in all directions she sighed contentedly. Her bones cracked in just the right places allowing her to relax limply back into the mattress. Pausing, she listened closely, expecting to hear something break the every more worrying quiet. Not a peep. It was quiet, too quiet.

She had fallen asleep to the backing noise of Powder and Isha giggling from the living room. Snuggled up in the blanket fort they'd set up and seemingly finding everything hilarious. But now she was met with silence.

Twisting her head around she groped for her phone and squinted at the time. Wincing from the harsh white light of the screen on her sleep sensitive retinas. Eight in the morning? She felt herself grow more awake as realisation dawned on her sleep addled mind. Powder hadn't impatiently shaken her awake at the crack of dawn, insisting they exchange presents. It was a yearly tradition at this point.

Which could only mean one thing. She was up to no good.

With a heavy sigh Vi rolled to the edge of the mattress and slid her feet down bonelessly until they met the floor. Sitting up she closed her eyes and sat in sleepy silence for five minutes. Until the gnawing feeling that powder was causing trouble gave her the final push to rise to her feet.

Hair fluffed up perpendicular to her head and yawning, she padded out to the living room and surveyed the state of it.

The remnants of their annual Christmas Eve movie night littered the coffee table. A concerning amount of candy wrappers. Empty hot chocolate mugs with marshmallow residue clinging to their rims. Half eaten cookies scattered across every surface. The blanket fort they'd constructed still stood proudly in the centre of the room, though now slightly lopsided.

Vi couldn't help but smile at the memory of how easily Isha had been absorbed into their yearly tradition.

She'd tried to resist at first. Still worried about essentially kidnapping the girl from the dorms. Powder's insistence and Isha's devastating puppy dog eyes had her eventually caving. She wasn't so heartless to abandon an orphan duirng the holiday's. Or at least, Powder had told her so during one of the many guilt trips she's endured before agreeing.

Besides, it was nice seeing Powder with someone who could actually keep up with her late night movie sessions. She'd barely made it halfway through the second movie before her eyes had started drooping. Earning an eye roll from Powder who'd dismissively waved her off to bed.

"I have a new sister who can actually stay awake past midnight." Vi had been too sleepy to be properly offended at the insinuation that she was being traded in for a younger model.

Though, she remembered narrowing her eyes at Isha's very awake and mischievous expression as she'd stumbled out of the fort towards her bedroom.

Caitlyn too had been invited to join their Christmas Eve tradition this year. Of course, after Vi had gotten Powder's blessing to extend the invitation.

It was a passing suggestion. Vi having assumed Caitlyn would be spending the day at home with her family. Her girlfriend, rather suprisingly, had lit up at the suggestion. Vi too had grown excited. Caitlyn's enthusiasm had been infectious. Her eyes lighting up at the prospect of curling up in blanket forts and watching movies until dawn. She'd promised to confirm after letting her mother know.

Caitlyn had returned the evening after Vi extended her invitation. Shoulders slumped and expression downright miserable. Vi had already known what she was going to say.

Her girlfirend explained with a frown that Cassandra had insisted Caitlyn be home for the holidays. Wielding maternal guilt with surgical precision to ensure her daughter's compliance. Vi had watched Caitlyn stumble through her explanation. Clearly more concerned about disappointing Vi than missing out herself.

Vi hadn't had the heart to tell her that Cassandra had already texted her earlier that day. Politely declining on Caitlyn's behalf…

Mrs K: Hello Violet, my dear, I trust you are well. I’m writing to inform you that Caitlyn has appeared at my doorstep insisting that she skip our holiday celebrations this year. I simply cannot be without my daughter during the holidays! I’m sure you understand, though you are yet to carry another ungrateful soul within your body for nine months!

Mrs K: Suffice to say, I am sending this message to inform you that Caitlyn’s declination will be at my insistence. She seemed rather distraught at the idea of refusing your offer. Such ridiculousness, borne out of love of course… I'm sure you are not the type to begrudge a mother her daughter's company on Christmas Day? At least, until the both of you are married…? Of course, until then, you and your family are welcome to join us at our home should you wish. And I trust you will still be in attendance for our traditional Boxing Day hunt? Sincerely, Cassandra Kiramman

Mrs K: P.S. Have you reached the climax of chapter fourteen yet? I am keen to hear your thoughts…

Vi had decided to keep the messages to herself for fear of instigating another Kiramman on Kiramman war. She simply pulled her girlfriend in for a kiss, assuring her that it would be fine. They’d see each other on Boxing Day after all. Caitlin had sagged into her relieved and whined something about familial guilt. Vi cooed reassuring whispers in her ear whist writing out her thoughts on chapter fourteen over her shoulder.

After almost a week apart, Vi was feeling Caitlyn's absence acutely. She hadn't seen her since their reluctant goodbye six days ago when Caitlyn left to spend Christmas week with her family. Vi blanched when she realised it was the longest they'd been separated since the night they first met.

Powder had muttered something about co-dependency when she caught Vi checking her phone for the hundredth time. It earned her sister a withering glare. Still, between Powder's and Isha's endless energy, Vi found herself sufficiently distracted.

Now, surveying the aftermath of their evening, she wondered just how late the two had stayed up. What kind of chaos they might have planned while she slumbered peacefully in her room.

Setting her hands on her hips, Vi looked around the empty room for clues, finding none. She padded over to the bathroom and peered inside, empty. The kitchen yielded similar results that had her worry growing. Though, not worrying enough to stop her pausing her search to fix herself a mug of coffee.

Returning to the living room having exhausted her two options, she sat down on the arm of the couch, decidedly confused.

Lifting the scalding hot beverage to her lips for the first sip that would bring life back to her body and brain, she found herself interrupted. A series of rapid and thunderous knocks banged against her door and she startled. Hissing as a few droplets of coffee splashed over the rim onto her hand.

"Fuck me!" she whined. Setting the coffee down on the table and hurrying over to the door only to open it and find herself face to face with nothing.

The sound of rushing footsteps echoed across the balcony. Poking her head out and to the left, she identified a rapidly retreating Powder . Dressed in her bright red winter coat and rushing down the balcony towards the stairs. A giggling Isha over her shoulder, waving a gloved hand back at Vi.

"Pow? Isha?" She called after them, but Powder just kept running. Isha, however, stopped waving and instead lifted a hand up to point behind Vi.

Vi twisted to see what she was gesturing at, only for her eyes to widen as they locked in on a rapidly closing in Sevika. Still in her sleep shorts and tank top and absolutely drenched. Flecks of white powder covered her hair and shoulders as if someone had dumped a snowbank on her... Oh.

It was a set up.

Sevika's eyes zeroed in on Vi standing bemused at her door and she growled in anger, charging towards her.

Vi whimpered, trying to slam the door but Sevika was quicker, wedging her foot in the crack and throwing it open. She yanked Vi out onto the balcony by her collar and glared down at her. The pull and height difference drawing her up on her tip-toes rather humiliatingly.

Now Vi was a good older sister. But sometimes being a good sister meant letting them learn their own lessons, she rationalised.

"They went that way!" she immediately snitched. One hand throwing up in surrender as the other jabbed in the direction of Powder and Isha who were just disappearing around the corner.

Sevika's eyes snapped in the direction of the stairs and she dropped Vi back from her tip-toes onto bare feet with a scoff. As if judging her for giving in so easily. She then launched herself after them.

Vi sagged against the door and fell back into the living room. Stumbling to gain her footing since the door was still open from where she'd been unceremoniously yanked from her own home.

Now very much awake, Vi grabbed her winter coat from the hook by the door. Shrugging it on before bending down to lace up her boots. She retrieved her coffee from the table and walked back out onto the balcony to spectate the chaos unfolding below.

The grounds were empty and covered in a thick blanket of snow. Given there was no one in attendance at the school apart from the few students and staff, no one had been around to salt the ground. Two feet of untouched snow from that night's fall overwhelmed everything in sight.

It was easy to spot her sister. Powder's bright red winter coat stood out like a vibrant beacon against the pure white backdrop, with a matching red blob attached to her.

Vi took a sip of her coffee and watched as Powder struggled her way across the thick blanket whilst carrying Isha on her back. Desperately trying to put some distance between them and a charging Sevika.

Just as Vi emerged onto the balcony, so did their pursuer below. Rapidly closing the gap on the two girls with ease and plowing her way through the heavy snowfall, still in just her tank top and shorts. If Vi were in their unfortunate position, she would be terrified. Sevika put her in mind of a bull fixated on the red cape of her tormentor.

Vi took another sip just as Sevika closed the gap, tackling Powder into the snow with impressive agility. Sevika held Powder down with one hand as Isha escaped. Vi winced as she watched her sister struggle and fail to wiggle out of her one handed grasp. The other hand gathered up as much snow as possible and without ceremony dropped it directly onto Powder's head.

Isha cried out a ferocious war cry and jumped on Sevika's back, using her entire body weight to drag Sevika down into the snow. Vi chuckled, knowing the move wouldn't have been possible had Sevika not allowed it.

Vi watched on for a few more minutes as her coffee slowly cooled in the crisp morning air. When it finally reached a temperature that wouldn't scald her throat, she chugged it down in three large gulps and set the empty mug on the balcony's edge. At this point, Powder had curled up in a pitiful ball whilst Isha warred on.

Grinning, she hurried down the stairs to join in on the fun, pausing at the bottom to tuck her pajama pants into her boots and zip up her coat properly. Following Sevika's well trodden path through the snow, she quickly made her way to where the chaos was unfolding.

Sevika was trying unsuccessfully to shake off Isha, who clung determinedly around her neck like a stubborn koala. All while continuing to pelt Powder with snowballs. Vi's sister had curled into a tight ball in the snow, her red coat's hood secured firmly over her face with just the tiniest gap left for breathing.

Vi considered her next move for approximately two seconds before shrugging and running directly at Sevika. Tackling both her and, by proxy, Isha into the snow. She made sure to angle their fall so the smaller girl landed safely on top of their pile.

She immediately regretted her actions as Sevika turned on her, dragging her off by the hood of her coat. Vi yelped as she fell onto her back into the snow, slightly winded. Her eyes widened as she watched Sevika drop a small snowball on Isha, who was now star fished on the snow, clearly tired out.

Vi smiled at the smaller girls giggles at the light sprinkling of snow that Sevika hit her with. Her smile dropped when moments later Sevika's looming presence appeared above her. Arms filled to the brim with fresh snow.

"Have mercy!" she cried as Sevika smirked. Her hands barely had time to cover her face before Sevika was releasing her arms. All she felt was cold as she spluttered, hands wiping rapidly to clear it off. Vi blinked up at Sevika's smirking face. "Dude, your dandruffs really getting out of control." Powder barked out a sharp laugh from her coat cocoon and Sevika's smirk dropped.

Vi could only whine as another four batches were flung over her face until she lay limp and defeated.

"Okay please, I surrender!" she begged, and Sevika did stop, but not before flinging one last snowball at her head which Vi took with a whimper.

As Sevika left her field of vision, she sat up and glared at Powder who was still curled up in a ball playing possum. "Thanks for the help.," she called over and spotted one eye peering out from the gap in her coat's hood.

"Is it over?" Powder asked warily. Isha seemed unperturbed by the minuscule amount of snow dealt her way. She had apparently been making snow angels during Vi's suffering.

Sevika stood and brushed herself off, nodding in response to Powder's question. Powder emerged from her cocoon and narrowed her eyes at the taller woman.

"How are you not freezing?" Powder balked as she eyed Sevika's state of dress.

Sevika shrugged. "Muscles generate heat. Not that you would know," she quipped, and Powder huffed.

"Rude."

The sound of approaching footsteps had all four of their heads swiveling in unison. Vi's eyes widened as she recognised the elderly couple on their morning walk. The same ones who seemed to have an uncanny ability to catch her at her lowest moments. The last of which had been her dramatic soliloquy from the balcony. Mourning the loss of her mousy nemesis.

Sevika, looking quite the sight in her now soaking sleepwear, rolled her eyes in their direction and waved her hand dismissively. "Keep it moving!" she grunted at them.

The elderly woman gasped, affronted at Sevika's rough behavior, and clutched her husband's arm closer. She shot them all a fierce glare as she practically dragged him away from the scene. Powder giggled deliriously as Isha threw a rather rude gesture at their backs. Vi wondered, not for the first time, what her sister was teaching this kid.

Vi flopped back down into the snow exhausted. She heard Sevika start to walk away and called after her without removing her eyes from the sky. "You're still coming over for Christmas dinner, right?" Silence met her question.

"Right?!" she called louder again, only to be met with the sound of stomping footsteps fading into the distance. Vi sighed dramatically and let her head fall back into the snow.

A snicker caught her attention and she turned her head to find Powder desperately trying to contain her giggles. Their eyes met and that was all it took for Powder to lose control. Descending into full on cackling that had her rolling around in the snow clutching her sides.

Isha caught the contagious laughter next, and soon enough all three of them were howling like lunatics.

Their bodies shaking with mirth as they lay sprawled in the snow. Vi didn't know what was so funny, but every time one of them would start to calm down, they'd catch sight of each other and start up again. Their laughter echoing across the empty grounds.

Christmas dinner was quite the success, if Vi did say so herself.

Sevika had deigned to join them later in the afternoon, freshly showered and arms bearing three scruffily wrapped gifts. The thoughtfulness of which was slightly dimmed by the withering glares she gave each of them as she kicked the door shut behind her. Apparently still cold from that morning's ambush.

Over the years Vi and Powder had settled into a well-practiced routine for Christmas. Gifts in the morning and dinner in the afternoon, followed by a food coma till the next day. The routine was slightly disrupted this year owing to their two additions.

Sevika typically ventured back to Zaun during the holidays, as did Ekko and Benzo. They still had roots there and connections, people to see during special times. Vi and Powder did not, all that had died with Vander.

When Vi had brought them up here she had all but severed her connections to the place. Finding it too painful to revisit with memories of those dark days. So Powder and her usually retreated into Vi's apartment and spent the day horizontal.

This year Sevika had elected to stay behind at the academy and Vi was curious to know why that was. It certainly wasn’t her excellent cooking, though Vi thought it ought to have been.

Despite being used to cooking for two, Vi had turned Christmas dinner prep into a well oiled machine over the years. Running a kitchen wasn't too different from fighting in a ring, she’d discovered. It was all about timing, coordination, and knowing exactly when to strike. Or in this case, when to put the potatoes in.

She'd learned early on that preparation was key. Everything was measured, chopped, and ready to go before she even turned on the stove. Meat timings were written down to the minute, sides were arranged in order of cooking time, and her workspace was kept pristine.

The addition of Sevika and Isha to their Christmas dinner had barely caused a ripple in her carefully orchestrated routine. She'd simply adjusted the quantities, added a few extra pounds of meat to satiate Sevika's protein goal, and proceeded as normal.

The feast had been a resounding success. Vi watched with pride as her guests, her family, devoured the meal she'd prepared with such care.

The heavy scents of roasted meat and freshly baked bread had proven too tempting even for her iron will. Like every year before, she found herself falling into the same trap of overindulgence.

Groaning quietly, she discreetly undid the top button of her pants. Vowing, as she did after every Sunday lunch with the Kiramman’s, that next time she would show more restraint. It was a lie she told herself regularly, but the tradition of it was comforting.

As the early evening settled in, the day's excitement finally caught up with Powder and Isha.

The combination of their early morning ambush on Sevika and the feast had done them in. They'd stumbled into Vi's bedroom and collapsed onto her bed. Now sprawled across it in ungraceful heaps, both drooling slightly in their food induced comas.

Vi and Sevika had migrated to the couch. Nursing glasses of homemade cream liqueur while mindlessly watching the television. It was one of those cheesy romantic hallmark movies that Vi watched in secret.

She was definitely feeling the effects of the drink now. A pleasant warmth spreading through her limbs and making her thoughts fuzzy around the edges.

Staring up at the ceiling, she huffed a breath to blow her fringe out of her eyes. She held her hands up above her face, studying her palms with narrowed eyes. Swallowing as the alcohol gave her the courage to voice the question that had been nagging at her all day. Lolling her head lazily to the side, she fixed Sevika with a sly smile.

"So, how come you didn't head back to Zaun this year?" she asked, her words coming out slower than usual, weighted down by liqueur and curiosity.

Sevika shot her a judgmental look. "Are you tipsy from one drink?"

Vi blinked slowly, eventually registering the question and letting out a drawn out "Nope," followed by a hiccup.

Sevika rolled her eyes. "Your tolerance has really gone down," she said, though she didn't sound too upset at the loss of a drinking buddy.

Vi furrowed her brow. "Cait said drinking makes your brain tissue shrink."

It was Sevika's turn to frown. "Did she say that to make you stop drinking so much?"

Vi shook her head fondly. "No, she was just talking about brains in general. She does stuff like that..." she smiled before continuing, "I wanted to stop. I don't need it as much anymore."

Sevika huffed out a laugh. "Good to hear, kid. Even if you get tipsy off one measly drink." She paused and seemed to consider her next words carefully. "To answer your question, I stayed for her."

Vi blinked. "What question?" she asked bemused. Her mind slowly rifling back through the conversation before landing on it. Her eyes widened. "Oh. For who? Medarda?"

She was suprised that Sevika was entertaining her nosiness. Perhaps it was something about the sentimentality of the holidays or maybe the third glass of liqueur. Sevika nodded, her eyes still fixed on the television and swung back her glass. Taking the rest of her drink down in one swift gulp.

Vi's eyes raced across Sevika's face wildly as her drink addled mind struggled to comprehend what was going on. "So why are you here? And not with her?" Vi asked confused and Sevika frowned, only responding with an annoyed shrug.

This was the first official confirmation she'd gotten that she wasn't crazy. That she wasn't just imagining whatever their relationship was. Finally, Sevika had succumbed to girl talk after years of pressure. Vi knew she had to be careful with her next comment. Treating Sevika with feelings as though she were a skittish cat, ready to take of running at any hint of emotional vulnerability. She had to be very careful.

"Are you guys in love or just fucking or what?" she blurted, with all the decorum of a bowling ball in a china shop, internally cursing herself.

Sevika seemed quite mellow about it though and didn't immediately start pelting her body with pillows. She frowned at the television. On screen a couple stumbled across an ice rink, very clearly faking the skating based on their unnatural gait. The camera cutting conviently above the waist.

Sevika scoffed at the screen and considered the question for a long moment before answering, "For me, both."

Vi gasped and slapped Sevika on the shoulder excitedly before hastily pulling back at the annoyed look she received. "And her?" Vi asked curiously, leaning forward now.

Sevika eyed her enthusiasm with wariness and responded. "Didn't ask. If I had to guess, just fucking." she grunted with an easy shrug that had Vi once again gasping.

"What do you mean you didn't ask?"

Sevika sighed an annoyed breath and placed a palm over her face. "I told her about my feelings..." she spat out the last word as if it were a curse. "And she didn't say anything."

Vi's eyes were wide. "When was this?"

"Last night." Sevika answered.

"Last night!" Vi echoed squeakily.

Sevika nodded. "Yeah, then I left."

"You left!" Sevika nodded again. "Where is she?"

Sevika sighed, a little guilty. "At her place. She doesn't get on with her family."

Now Vi and Medarda were not friends by any means. If anything, the woman kind of scared Vi. What with her holding Vi's employment status in the palm of her hand. But she wouldn't wish being alone of Christmas on her worst enemy. She stood up fully and tugged Sevika's arm. "Get up."

"What?" Sevika asked, annoyed.

"Go to her!"

Sevika narrowed her eyes at her then darted them to the television where the couple had collapsed giggling on the ice. "This isn't a Hallmark movie." she grunted, sneering up at Vi mockingly.

"Yes it is!" Vi insisted and heaved the woman up to her feet using all her strength. "Run to her in the snow right now or I'll be so annoying for the rest of the year."

"There's like a week left of the year..." Sevika smarted with a raised eyebrow as she was pushed in the direction of the door.

"Go to her!"

Vi practically flung Sevika out of her apartment, the woman's coat and shoes following onto the balcony. She knew Sevika wouldn't allow such manhandling if some part of her didn't want to go. She slammed the door shut with a resounding bang.

Through the peephole, Vi watched with bated breath as Sevika donned her coat and shoes with an annoyed grunt. She glanced left towards the stairs, then right towards her own apartment.

There was a long pause where Sevika seemed to seriously consider her options, before eventually, she shook her head and turned right. Vi sighed disappointed, preparing to open the door and let the woman back in, only for Sevika to freeze suddenly. Tilting her head up to the sky as her shoulders drooped in a tired sigh.

Vi grinned victoriously from behind the door.

Sevika turned and glared at the door, knowing Vi would be watching. "Fuck you." she grunted wearily, before taking off in a light jog towards the stairs.

Vi beamed. She opened her door and watched from balcony, much like she had that morning, as Sevika trekked her way through the darkness. The steady snowfall battering her figure as she made slow progress towards the teaching staff's building.

She heard footsteps padding behind her and a disheveled Powder emerged. Squinting over her shoulder at Sevika's now running form.

"Where's she running off to?" Powder asked bemused.

"She's running to love, Pow." Vi stated proudly and held out her arms expectantly for a hug.

Powder frowned looking somewhat disturbed. She batted Vi's arms away sleepily. Leaning into her side as they both observed Sevika disappear into the darkness.

“Gross.”

Chapter Text

Vi startles awake to the sound of her alarm at four am and groans.

She gropes around for her phone to shut off the rhythmic seaside tune that had become the bane of her existence. All the while, Grumbling and cursing at whicever of Caitlyn's ancestors decided a hunt should be their Boxing Day tradition. A hunt that started at the ungodly hour. of six am.

Vi rolls off the couch with all the grace she could muster for the early hour. Falling face first onto the floor with a thud. Briefly, she considers staying there for just a few more minutes, but the image of Caitlyn's hopeful face comes to the forefront of her mind. Big blue eyes and all.

She swallows down her treacherous sleepy thoughts and draws herself to her feet. Before she could convince herself five minutes wouldn't hurt.

Creeping quietly into the bathroom to not wake Powder and Isha, she reaches over into the shower and turns it on. Stripping before sucking down a deep breath, she grits her teeth and ducks her head as she enters. Ice cold water splashes directly onto her face and she resists the urge to cry.

When she emerges from her shower she towels off and redressed in her tank top and shorts. Places both hands on the sink. Straightening as she stares at herself in the mirror and blinks.

Now fully awake she can feel the anxieties she had pushed down until today creeping up.

Caitlyn had informed her the hunt was a tradition for the Piltover Elite. Everyone who was someone would be there. A breeding ground for councillors and rich Piltie's, and now Vi, some random janitor. Her shoulders sag for a moment before she vigorously shakes her head, as if to throw the bad thoughts out.

A hand reaches up to point at herself in the mirror.

"You can do this." She says seriously, her voice cracking with sleep. "Rich old ladies do not scare you..." Vi stares at her reflection critically and lifts up her tank top to display her abs. Slightly less prominent after the previous day's gorging, but visible nonetheless. She flexes her abdomen to emphasize them a little. "They want you." She assures and nods at herself satisfied.

Vi turns away from her reflection and creeps out towards her bedroom.

She'd kindly traded off and allowed Powder and Isha to take residence in her bed while she took the couch. Not that they had asked her before stealing her room, but still, she liked to believe she allowed it.

Now though it gave her the tricky task of navigating her way to the closet without waking them. She needed to retrieve the clothes Caitlyn had sent over for the occasion.

Tip toeing with far more grace than usual, Vi manages to make it without stubbing her toe on the ever present dumbbells strewn around her room. A win in her books. She slowly pulls open the closet and freezes, holding her breath when it creaks.

Glancing over at her bed she lets the breath out when she sees Isha sprawled out still fast asleep. Somehow taking up most of the bed with her tiny body, forcing Powder to curl up in a ball in the small space that was allowed to her. She smirks at the sight.

Reaching up, she grabs the fancy box that had arrived at her door earlier in the week. Vi hadn't even been aware clothing could come in boxes. She exited the room successfully without waking a single soul. Deciding not to push her luck she thought it was best to change in the living room.

Setting the box down on the coffee table and reaching up to fluff out her hair, she eyes it warily. For all her bluster and teasing of Caitlyn about matching outfits she was now facing reality. Today the Kiramman's would essentially be exposing her and Caitlyn's relationship to the world. To Piltover elites watchful and judgemental eyes.

She bites her lip and pulls on the bronze ribbon tied around the box to release the bow. She probably should have tried the clothes on earlier but had put it off in an effort not to realise her growing nerves about the day.

Lifting the lid her eyebrows draw up curiously. Sitting in the centre of the box and resting on the fabric is a business card.

She picks it up and staring at it, eyeing the subtle off-white colouring with an impressed hum. Marvelling at the tasteful thickness, she runs her thumb over the embossed Kiramman crest in signature gold lettering. Flipping it over she smirks as Caitlyn's familiar chicken scratch handwriting comes into view. Squinting as it was almost illegible, she reads, 'I can't wait to take this off you….'

Vi chuckles and tucks the card safely into the drawer of the coffee table before pulling out the jacket.

She lifted the fabric up to eye level, scrutinising it carefully.

It was more a hybrid between a coat and a jacket in Kiramman blue. The fabric was coarse between her fingers, a rough woolen texture that would likely itch against the bare skin. Bronzed leather buttons dotted the lining of the jacket and cuffs and Vi has an inkling they were hand stitched. Peering in the box she found a matching blue pair of trousers and a dress shirt in a slightly lighter shade.

Vi huffed. Caitlyn had insisted that it wouldn't be too expensive and she would take care of it. Since aparantly Vi was doing her a favour by attending. She now realised her girlfriend's idea of expensive differed to hers, by a factor of a few zeroes. Vi was sure just the box cost more than her entire wardrobe.

She stripped down and tugged the trousers on finding them to fit perfectly, if a little snug around the rear. She hadn't been too worried about the fit which was why she was able to put off opening the box until today.

Caitlyn had taken the liberty of very seriously going about her body with a tape measure. Insisting that jackets of this variety always required tailoring. All but ordering Vi to strip to her underwear. Vi of course had obliged with little to no resistance.

Caitlyn had focused all her attention on lining up the numbers on the tape to ensure vi had the best fit. Vi's focus had more so drifted towards the light touch of Caitlyn's fingers over her skin. Nails dragging as she thread the tape around her muscles, with the utmost due diligence.

Eventually, Caitlyn has caught on to her squirming, around the point where she cinched the tape around a muscular thigh a little too tightly. Vi had whimpered for unspecified reasons. Distraction was contagious.

It had been a long evening that ended with the tape measure still tangled around Vi's wrists for far more nefarious reasons.

Now as Vi finished shrugging on the jacket she wondered just how much she was to blame for the jacket being a little too tight at the biceps. Distracting your tailor was never a good idea. Though she wouldn't put it past Caitlyn to have intentionally deducted a few inches.

Vi moved back to the bathroom as light began to creep into the living room. The sun finally deciding to join her in the early hours. She had finished smoothing down her hair, electing to slick it back in keeping with the theme of snobbery, when a light knock sounded at the door.

Straightening she eyed her reflection one last time and whispered her affirmation, "They want you."

She quickly made her way to the door and wrenched it open revealing Caitlyn in her matching outfit to her appreciative eyes.

The only difference in their outfits being Caitlyn's shirt was more fitted cut than Vi's boxy version and seemed to be made of a softer material. Caitlyn's neck was accessorised with a silk golden ascot which was where Vi's eyes chose to rest. Definitely not slightly lower to neckline of her shirt.

"Hey," Vi greeted a little breathlessly. Caitlyn's eyes were also drawn lower to the arms of Vi's jacket.

"Hi. Do a spin." Caitlyn answered as her eyes raked over Vi’s form hungrily. Vi obliged her as usual, stepping back from the door and holding her arms out wide before doing a quick spin on the spot. Smirking as she raised her arms up slightly so that Caitlyn could a good look at the fit of her trousers. Twirling back around and dropping her arms with a smug smile.

When she refaced Caitlyn and met her eyes they were hungry. She promptly clutched her hand around Vi's upper arm and yanking her in for a firm kiss that had Vi's eyes widening. Eventually they fluttered closed.

Vi barely registered the sound of her bedroom door opening. She did register Caitlyn quickly shoving her back at Powder's appalled. "Absolutely not!"

Caitlyn hastily stepped away and reached up to wipe at her mouth with a furious blush. Vi threw an annoyed look at her sister as she straightened her jacket with a cough.

"You couldn't have slept in a little?" She asked at the same time Caitlyn, still flushed, said "Apologies Powder. Your sister lacks restraint."

Vi's mouth dropped open as she turned to stare incredulously at Caitlyn who expertly avoided her eyes.

"She sure does." Powder nodded with a glare in Vi's direction. "Can you maybe not jump your girlfriend at five in the morning? In front of your baby sister no less." She shook her head disappointedly and Vi was just about to protest her unjust framing, when Caitlyn cut in.

"There's no time for this Vi, we have to get going, sorry Powder. We're quite late!" she said, snatching up Vi's hand and dragging her out the door without looking back.

Powder followed them to the doorway with a smirk. "Bye sis, you look ridiculous! Have fun being sacrificed by the rich Pilties!" She called and Vi frowned.

"They aren't," She called before remembering it was five am and lowering her volume. "They aren't going to sacrifice me!" She hissed.

"Suuuuuuure." Powder drawled disbelievingly before slamming the door shut in Vi's face.

Vi turned to narrow her eyes at Caitlyn who had the decency to look a little ashamed as they walked down the balcony towards the stairs. "Lacks restraint?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Sorry." Caitlyn murmured with a guilty smile and Vi rolled her eyes, squeezing her hand.

"It's fine." Vi sighed as they descended the stairs in awkward silence before she continued, "You're not gonna sacrifice me, right?"

Caitlyn scoffed out a laugh, shaking her head. "Of course not. Traditionally we perform sacrifices on Christmas Eve not Boxing Day." She said seriously.

Vi's head snapped in her direction as she slowed to a stop in the middle of the staircase, her eyes bulging wide, "What..."

Caitlyn caught her eye, her face the picture of stoicism, but then the corner of her mouth quirked upwards.

"Oh! You're joking?"

At Caitlyn's affirmative nod Vi let out a relieved breath. "You're getting better at that you know."

Caitlyn nodded with a pleased smile, "I've been practising."

The drive to the rifle club had been no less harrowing than any other time Vi had been Caitlyn's passenger prisoner.

They streaked into the parking lot, cutting off an all-black SUV that had been slowly turning into the lodge. Too slowly for Caitlyn's taste, apparently. Vi clutched her seatbelt as the other car's horn sounded in the background. Her head swivelled to peer at the car now following them in.

Caitlyn, unperturbed, zipped through the graveled parking area to slot them in neatly next to her mother's car.

Vi allowed herself to relax marginally when they slowed to a stop. She loosened her death grip on the seatbelt just enough to restore circulation to her fingers. Though she kept her legs braced against the floor until Caitlyn withdrew the keys from the ignition. Just in case.

She could see quite a few cars lining the spots in the parking lot now, all expensive, untrusted and with personalised lisence plates. Vi struggled to imagine what Sevika's rust bucket would look like parked up next to them.

Vi swallowed her nerves as the SUV pulled up behind. Watching in the mirror as an elderly woman stepped out dressed in similar hunting gear. Caitlyn turned to her with a smile asking "You ready?" Vi smiled, nodding weakly and Caitlyn frowned. "Why aren't you talking? Are you upset?"

Sighing, Vi responded, "No, I'm fine. Just nervous I guess..." she said before adding in a whisper, "I don't want to disappoint your family."

Caitlyn's frown deepened. "You don't have to worry about that. Mother knows you're a terrible shot so no one is expecting you to be an expert marksman." she says reassuringly.

"Not for the hunt!" Vi cries a little offended and Caitlyn's brow furrows.

"Well, what then?"

Vi sighs reaching up to slick back her hair. "Just like, I don't know, socially." Vi admits a little embarrassedly and turns to look away. Her eyes fixed in the passenger side mirror as the elderly woman's family emerges from the SUV.

"Violet," Caitlyn says softly, "Look at me please." Caitlyn urges and tugs slightly at Vi's jacket sleeve, she turns slowly to meet Caitlyn's eyes. "How could you think you could ever disappoint us? Me?" Caitlyn insists as she fiddles with the button on Vi's cuff.

Vi lowers her gaze to her sleeve with a shrug and Caitlyn sighs. "My mother hasn't stopped bragging about you to all of Piltover since the day she met you. My father is already planning our wedding!"

Vi looks up at that as her mouth falls open a little, "Wait wha-" but Caitlyn waves her off as she continues, "You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You could never disappoint us!" She says firmly as she reaches over the console to pull Vi in by her collar for a searing kiss.

She breaks away and whispers, "Don't be so silly. We already look silly, there's no reason to act it." before pressing another peck to Vi's lips and pulling away. Vi groans, watching as Caitlyn pulls down the sun visor to retouch her lipstick. She then shoots her a grin before opening the door, "Come on, I have a surprise for you."

Vi exits the car, wiping at her now stained mouth, and meets Caitlyn at the trunk. Caitlyn unlocks and lifts it up with a flourish to reveal two oversized hats nestled in protective wrapping.

"Are these supposed to be hats?" Vi asks, picking one up in her hands and turning it over bemused. It's a rounded and heavy thing that Vi thinks resembles more of bowling ball than an accessory.

Caitlyn huffs out a laugh and nods. "Why is the dome so..."

"Big?" Caitlyn giggles as she takes the hat and presses it onto Vi's head, failing to suppress a laugh. "They're in the traditional high crown style..." She says as she carefully frees the tufts of Vi's hair that were caught in the sides.

She then dons her own with a flourish and sly smirk. "Ridiculous, no?"

Vi chuckles at the sheer volume Caitlyn's head is now taking up and reaches up to knock on her hat with a smirk. "So ridicu-"

"Ahem." A snide cough cuts her off and they both turn at the interruption. Caitlyn's smile slides off her face as they face the same elderly woman who had exited the SUV observing them. Her hair is greyed and eyes shrewd. She's short barely coming up to Vi's shoulder.

"Lady Arvino." Caitlyn's voice is different now, stiff, deeper and more cold than Vi had ever heard it.

Through the parted doors of the SUV, Vi could see what she presumed to be Lady Arvino's family still gathered. An elderly man in hunting attire leaned against the vehicle, a cigar dangling from his lips. Vi assumed was Lord Arvino himself. Two young women, around her and Caitlyn's age, stood beside him whispering and giggling as they cast glances in their direction.

Vi recalled the story Caitlyn had told her about this family. One of those girls was likely the one who had rebuffed Caitlyn's affections and spread those viscous rumours.

"Young Kiramman. I see you still wield your driver's license with... vigour." Lady Arvino sniffed, and Vi frowned at the underlying insult.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "I see you still do the same with your tongue."

At that the woman gasped and Vi baked. The appalled woman opened her mouth to retort, only to be interrupted.

"Caitlyn! Violet! There you are! You're late." Cassandra's voice called in faux admonishment as she made a beeline for them. Emerging from the gravelled path that led to Grayson's cabin. Behind her, Tobias and Grayson had fallen into step, and at Cassandra's shout they caught each other's eyes. Vi mentally noted the 'look' down for her gossiping session with Caitlyn later.

"Oh my, Violet! Don't you look strapping." Cassandra cooed as she reached them, stepping between them and Lady Arvino, ignoring the woman. Her back was to Lady Arvino rather pointedly as she reached up to brush over the collar of Vi's jacket fondly.

Her eyes caught Caitlyn's, who finally stopped glaring at Arvino to meet her mother's eyes with a raised eyebrow. Cassandra's eyes danced with excitement as she mouthed 'Let me' to Caitlyn who inclined her head. The interaction quick and imperceptible to Arvino with Cassandra's back to her.

On cue Arvino cut in with another "Ahem." that had Cassandra shooting Vi a reassuring smirk before squeezing her shoulder and letting go.

Whirling around with an exaggerated gasp she put a hand to her heart. "Oh Emilia, I do apologise! I didn't see you there." Cassandra raked her eyes up and down the woman before adding, "Though I'm sure you get that a lot, a woman of your... stature."

Caitlyn snorted unsubtly and Vi bit her lip to hide her smile as the older woman fumed. Tobias and Grayson finally reached them as the rest of the Arvino's began to make their way over from the SUV.

"Never actually. Though I suspect most people are not as blinded as you by their daughter-in-law to be?" Arvino returned and suddenly her eyes were on Vi, whose smile dropped even as Caitlyn reached down to squeeze her hand. The action hidden behind Cassandra's back. "Is this the Violet I've been hearing so many whispers about?"

The rest of the Arvino's came to a stop behind their matriarch as the woman eyed Vi with critical eyes. Milky with age but their judgement still sharp on Vi's skin. "Just Vi is fine." Vi answered cautiously and the woman's smile sharpened. "Just Vi. Interesting..."

The man behind her took a deep puff of his cigar and nodded at them. "Cassandra, Tobias." He inclined his head towards them. He didn't acknowledge Grayson, nor her and Caitlyn. Something that the Grayson didn't seem to appreciate.

"Grayson." She cut in drily earning herself a sharp look from Cassandra, to which she smiled. Vi noted it in her internal gossip notebook.

The two girls who had also arrived in the SUV stood back a little, their eyes darting between her and Caitlyn with intrigue. One whispers something to the other whilst eyeing Caitlyn with a smirk and Vi feels Caitlyn's hand grip hers tighter.

Cassandra shot him a sharp smile, "Arman, it has been too long! I didn't think your family would make it this year. What with Sofia's ordeal." Cassandra nodded her head at one of the girls who stopped her whispering and blanched. "I'm so sorry the engagement fell through dear." Cassandra shook her head and reached out for Tobias' arm, patting him on the shoulder. "Of course, I still remember the words your mother said to me when some of Caitlyn's prospects fell through. What's that phrase dear?" She asked him with a mischievous smile.

Tobias hummed, rubbing at his beard thoughtfully before answering, "Plenty more fish?"

Cassandra laughed a shrill laugh, "Yes, that's it! Plenty more fish dear." She assured, her tone saccharine and patronising, though her eyes were cold as they never left Lady Arvino.

Lady Arvino's face turned an impressive shade of red as she eyed Grayson furiously. "This is your premises, is it not? Are you going to allow her to speak to a lady of Piltover in this way!"

Grayson frowned, "Apologies My Lady, I do not know what you mean. It seems to me she is simply offering her condolences for a tragic uncoupling." Grayson drawled flatly with a blank expression.

Lord Arvino drew himself up next to his wife and tossed the cigar to the ground at Grayson's feet. "You have just lost yourself the patronage of the Arvino's." He blustered and Grayson peered down at the cigar in the gravel unperturbed as the man dragged his fuming wife away by the wrist. The two girls hurried to follow throwing fearful glances in Cassandra's direction.

"No, please your lordship, come back. Whatever will I do." Grayson called in a monotone voice, lacking any urgency as they marched away. The doors to the car slammed shut and they exited the lot, tires screeching as they pulled out of sight.

Vi blinked. Grayson sighed and turned to Cassandra with a tired look. "Do you know how many customers you've lost me over the years Cassie?"

Cassandra waved her off with a knowing grin, "Oh relax, we'll double our patronage."

Grayson rolled her eyes though her lips twitched fondly as she looked down at the woman. Vi noted the interaction for later.

Caitlyn nudged Vi gently, squeezing her hand. "Are you okay?" she whispered. Vi nodded and shot her a reassuring smile.

Cassandra turned to Vi and Caitlyn, shooting her daughter a smug smirk. "That was delightful." Caitlyn rolled her eyes as Vi nodded at Cassandra in agreement.

"Violet dear, are you alright? The Arvino's are a nasty piece of work." Cassandra sniffs and Vi nods again.

"Yeah, they're not all like that are they?" She asked a little worriedly.

Cassandra shook her head, looping her arm through Vi's as she tugged her away from Caitlyn who whined out a protest. Cassandra paid her no mind as she reassured Vi, "Of course not, you'll see."

Tobias loops his arm through Caitlyn's and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Grayson eyed the four of them. "May we join the rest of the hunting party now?" She asked sarcastically and Cassandra gestured for her to lead the way. Tugging Vi along as they made their way down the path.

Eventually they made their way to the rest of the hunting party, arriving fashionably late. Vi wouldn't put it past Cassandra to have planned this out. To keep all eyes on them as she proceeded to parade Vi through the group of thirty or so people. Introducing her to councillors and apparent celebrities alike.

Vi didn't recognise a single one of them, much to their bemusement and Cassandra's apparent delight.

Caitlyn had lingered nearby quite ominously. Listening in and every so often asking Vi if she needed to be rescued.

Vi didn't mind though, Cassandra was expertly navigating the interactions for her. Vi found herself having some fun watching the woman make anyone who so much as muttered a comment in her direction flounder.

Eventually, once Vi had been sufficiently shown off, Cassandra released her back to Caitlyn's custody with a pat to the cheek. "Caitlyn? Did you see how sweet Vi was being with the people? Perhaps you should take a leaf out of her book, hmm?"

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, "Bye mother," she answered, grabbing Vi and pulling her towards the marquee Grayson had set up with the weaponry.

Grayson scrutinised Vi as they reached the table before slapping her hand away when she reached for one of the rifles. Instead, she reached under the table and pulled out a much smaller weapon than the rest. She then proceeded to set a bag of pellets down in front of Vi.

"Oh come on! I'm better now!" Vi complained as the woman eyes her with way too much doubt for Vi not to feel offended.

"No firearms license means no live ammunition. Read the sign." Grayson answers as she reaches upwards as if to tap the sign, before realising she's not behind the counter back at the lodge. "Read the sign when you get back to the lodge." She states. Vi grumbled, having already memorized the sign from the many times Grayson had denied her access to live weaponry.

She turns to Caitlyn and widens her eyes, her girlfriend peers down amused. "Can I-"

Grayson cuts in without letting Vi finish her question. "No."

Vi scoffs, shooting her a glare before making her pout more prominent as she turns again to Caitlyn. Caitlyn bites her lip before turning to Grayson. "Can she-"

"No." Grayson repeats and Cait nods, looking sufficiently cowed.

"She said no." Caitlyn shrugs and Vi cries out a wounded cry as she's pulled away from Grayson and her impenetrable will.

Caitlyn pulls Vi off to the side, raising an eyebrow at her girlfriend confused. "You were the one who didn't want to get a license, remember?"

Vi's pout instantly dissolves into a grin as she nods. "Yeah, I know. I just wanted to complain." She doesn't mention to Caitlyn that she had been intentionally provoking Grayson to see how she'd react. To finally get closure on her serial killer theory.

Caitlyn smiles at her and nods, seeming to accept the explanation.

Grayson then claps her hands from the marquee, drawing the attention of the crowd. She picks up a heavy trunk and carries it out of the tent, setting it down with a thump in front of the party.

"Welcome everyone to our annual rifle club hunt!" The crowd cheers and whoops. Grayson pauses until the noise dies down before continuing. "Of course none of this would be possible without our wonderful benefactors, the Kirammans!"

Another round of cheers follow as Grayson inclines her head in Cassandra's direction. Their eyes meet across the crowd as Cassandra returns the nod. Vi watches as Grayson's eyes linger on Cassandra for a moment longer before she clears her throat and continues her speech.

"This year our resident tinkerer, Professor Talis, has designed a new target for us all to have fun with." Grayson again nods into the crowd and only now does Vi notice Jayce and Mel in attendance at the far side of the crowd.

Jayce, having not expected the call out, startles and waves a hand awkwardly. Caitlyn snorts loudly and a number of heads turn to look at them, Jayce's included as he glares at Caitlyn.

Grayson reaches down and unlocks the trunk, pulling it open to reveal the contents to the crowd. From their place at the sidelines they don't have a look in so Vi and Cait move closer as the crowd oohs. Peering inside, at first Vi is confused at what appears to be various cogs and pumps, assembled to form a miscellaneous blob. But as Grayson reaches in to lift the device into view Vi gawps.

The device, a fox about two feet tall, was a marvel of engineering. It was assembled entirely from interlocking cogs, bolts, and delicate mechanical pumps. All encased in a transparent shell that allowed the inner workings to be clearly visible. The craftsmanship was stunning, Vi had to give it to Jayce. As Grayson held it up, light glinted off the see through casing, highlighting the intricate metalwork within.

Grayson turned the mechanical fox to face the crowd, displaying its intricate workmanship. She looked over at Jayce with a raised eyebrow. "And what have you named this creation, Professor Talis?"

Jayce flushed as all eyes turned to him, mumbling something under his breath.

"Louder for those of us with old ears, Talis." Grayson called out, earning several chuckles from the crowd.

"Coggy the fox!" Jayce shouted, causing Caitlyn to bark out a laugh along with several other members of the crowd.

Grayson stared at him with severe judgment for a long moment before shaking her head. Vi was sure she heard the woman mutter "grown man" under her breath before holding up the fox. "Coggy," she proclaimed to renewed cheers from the crowd. "Please power him up, Professor."

Jayce reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crystal. He approached the fox and carefully placed the power source in its eye. The mechanical creature immediately sprang to life, its gears whirring as it darted away into the treeline. The crowd gasped in collective amazement.

Grayson watched it disappear with bemusement. "We'll give him a five minute head start and then the hunt begins!"

As the crowd dispersed to mill about until they were allowed to begin, Vi leaned down to rest her cheek on Cait's shoulder resignedly. "There's no way I'm hitting that thing."

Caitlyn hummed in agreement. "Don't worry, I'm going to win. You can be on my team," she assured her.

Vi frowned. "Is this a team thing?"

"No."

Vi chuckled and let her eyes wander over the crowd before suddenly freezing, her blood running cold. "What's he doing here?"

"Who?" Caitlyn asked, following Vi's gaze. "Jayce? He doesn't have any other friends."

Vi pulled away from Caitlyn's shoulder, shaking her head. "No, not Jayce. Him. Talking to your dad! Big stupid moustache?" She pointed out into the crowd and Caitlyn frowned.

"The baker? He and my father are old friends." Caitlyn said, confused by Vi's sudden change in demeanour.

Vi blanched as the man seemed to sense her eyes burning into him, turning slowly until their eyes locked across the crowd. Furious blue meeting furious brown. A moustache hair twitched.

"Bruno!"

Chapter Text

Vi's right eye twitched in perfect synchronization with Bruno's bristling mustache hairs as they maintained their fierce stare-off across the clearing.

Tension crackling between them in a charged glare that neither seemed willing to break.

Caitlyn's eyes darted between them worriedly. Her head whipping back and forth like she was watching a particularly intense tennis match. She jumped when Vi suddenly turned to face her, cold determination in her eyes.

"I need your gun," Vi demanded. Caitlyn frowned, looking down at the rifle clutched in her hands before glancing over at Grayson.

"I can't, Grayson said-"

"I need to kill a man."

"Well then I definitely can't give it to you..." Caitlyn murmured in response and Vi narrowed her eyes.

"Fine. You kill him."

Caitlyn huffed, "Why on earth would I kill the baker?"

"Because I asked?" Vi hedged as she waved her own useless gun wildly in the direction of Bruno. He eyed the movement warily from across the crowd and subtly edged behind Tobias for protection.

Vi pulled her hand up to her face, pointing two fingers at her own eyes before slowly turning them to aim at Bruno in the universal 'I'm watching you' gesture. Bruno's moustache twitched in indignation as he visibly puffed up like an angry pigeon.

Caitlyn considered the reasoning with a thoughtful nod before biting her lip. She looked up at Vi with a conspiratorial frown and quietly whispered, "Do you really want me to..."

Vi pulled back astonished and roamed her eyes consideringly over Caitlyn's very much honest expression. She sighed. Despite her temptation she would feel slightly guilty at Caitlyn ending up in Stillwater for her honour. "No it's fine, he can live... I guess."

Caitlyn nodded appearing slightly relieved, "What's going on with you two? He's glaring a hole in your head."

Vi's head snapped over and she shot another fierce glare back in Bruno's direction, her eyes fixated as she answered, "He's my nemesis." She whispered, mouthing the word out slowly so Bruno could read her lips from across the clearing. He must have gotten the picture because he clenched his fists furiously.

"I thought the mouse was your nemesis?" Caitlyn cut in, thoroughly deflating Vi who turned to her exasperated.

"I can have two!"

Caitlyn nodded thoughtfully before pausing and narrowing her eyes. "But if he hates you, how have you been getting me my sweet treats?"

Vi shifted guiltily and avoided her eyes as she mumbled an answer.

"Speak up, Violet."

Vi sighed, "Bribery..."

Caitlyn's eyes roamed her face questioningly before Vi saw the revelation dawn on her face. "So..."

"Yeah babe, an eclair does not cost that much."

"Oh. I see."

Caitlyn glanced back across the clearing at Bruno, watching as he straightened his hat with an irritated huff. She turned back to Vi with a questioning look. "What happened between you two anyway?"

Vi sighed deeply, shoulders slumping. "It's... a long story." So long in fact that his moustache had gotten greyer since she'd last seen him this close. She had just opened her mouth to begin the tale when the shrill sound of Grayson's whistle pierced the air. Signalling the start of the hunt, but before Vi could properly process the interruption, she felt Caitlyn's urgent grip on her arm.

"I'll take care of Bruno after." Caitlyn said with an unsettling calm, thumb rubbing over Vi's arm reassuringly. The gesture did nothing to soothe Vi's suddenly frayed nerves, not after their earlier conversation about murder.

Vi shot one last worried look at Bruno's retreating form as he melted into the dispersing crowd. The memory of Caitlyn's earnest offer to shoot him was still fresh in her mind. She allowed herself to be tugged across the clearing, wondering if perhaps she should warn the baker to sleep with one eye open.

The crowd began dispersing quickly into the treeline where Coggy had vanished. Caitlyn however, was dragging Vi in the opposite direction, straight toward where Jayce and Mel stood chatting by the tent. Their amicable conversation came to an abrupt halt as Caitlyn burst into their space.

"Tell me more about the fox!" Caitlyn demanded, cutting Jayce off mid-sentence. He turned to her with a disapproving look, eyebrows raised.

"Sprout, hello, so nice to see you too..." he drawled sarcastically.

Caitlyn huffed in frustration, her eyes darting anxiously to where the last of the hunters were disappearing into the trees. "Jayce, they’re getting a head start!"

Jayce made a show of lifting a hand to his chin and pondering for a moment before looking around conspiratorially. He nodded slightly and beckoned Caitlyn in closer as if to whisper something in her ear.

Caitlyn eagerly neared, expecting to be on the receiving end of some hidden information. Instead, Jayce waited until she was close enough and abruptly flicked the brim of her silly hat. Caitlyn's hands jumped to prevent it from falling off as Mel let out a giggle at the interaction.

"Jayce!" Caitlyn cried as she reached up to fix the hat on straight, thoroughly vexed.

Jayce wagged his finger annoyingly close to her face and Caitlyn batted his hand away with a glare as he admonished, "I'm not going to help you cheat."

Caitlyn puffed out a breath at the chiding and bit back, "This is why she broke up with you." Her head inclining to Mel who only chuckled at Jayce's affronted gasp.

"Make her stop!" he cried at Mel as he jokingly hid behind her back, peering over her shoulder. She patted his shoulder and eyed Caitlyn, her eyes falling to her hand which was still intertwined with Vi's.

"Nothing changes Cait, hmm? Still showing off for girls?" She teased and darted her eyes to Vi. "She used to show off for me," she chimed with a wink, and Vi didn't think she'd ever seen Caitlyn so flushed.

Jayce's laugh rang out at that, throwing a smug smile at Caitlyn that was only slightly diminished by having to peek over Mel's shoulder to deliver it. Vi smirked even as Caitlyn glared, eyeing her girlfriend fondly.

"Is that so?" Vi asked, and Caitlyn's eyes darted to her worriedly before relaxing when she saw Vi's expression.

"I think we're done here," Caitlyn sniffed, avoiding everyone's eyes as she snatched up Vi's hand. "Jayce is useless," she announced quite loudly as she dragged them both away from the pair, ignoring the annoyed "Hey!" thrown at their backs.

Vi chuckled, clutching her gun to her chest with one arm as she was yanked around the woodland until Mel and Jayce were out of sight.

She let Caitlyn lead them deeper into the woods, a smirk playing on her lips as she recalled Mel's words. "So... showing off for girls, huh?"

Caitlyn's shoulders tensed slightly, but she didn't break stride. "I wasn't showing off," she sniffed, chin lifting. "I was just good. If Mel happened to be impressed, well, that's her business."

"You had a cruuush," Vi sing-songed, delighting in the way Caitlyn's ears turned pink.

In a flash, Caitlyn whirled around, her hand darting up to pinch Vi's lips shut. "Shh!" she hissed, tilting her head up and scanning the canopy above them. Vi went still, watching Caitlyn's face as she strained her ears to hear whatever had caught her girlfriend's attention.

After a moment, Caitlyn released her lips just as suddenly as she'd grabbed them. A suspiciously innocent smile gracing her features.

Vi frowned, rubbing her lips. "I didn't hear anything?"

Caitlyn just shrugged, already turning to continue their trek through the woods.

"Hey!" Vi cried.

Vi trailed behind Caitlyn as they ventured deeper into the woods. Her curiosity about Caitlyn's earlier crush refusing to be silenced.

"So..." Vi drawled, batting aside a low-hanging branch. "Did baby Cait ever confess her lov-"

Caitlyn's eyes remained fixed on scanning between the trees as she cut Vi off with a sharp "No." Her shoulders were tense, but Vi could see the pink creeping up her neck.

"But you wanted to?" Vi pressed, grinning as Caitlyn's grip tightened on her rifle.

"I was sixteen," Caitlyn muttered, pausing to peer around a large oak. "She was Jayce's girlfriend. And she was..." She trailed off, squinting into the distance before continuing in a barely audible mumble, "...very pretty."

"Aw, so cute!" Vi cooed, ducking when Caitlyn swung around to glare at her.

"I will shoot you!" Caitlyn threatened, though the effect was somewhat diminished by her deepening blush. Her eyes suddenly narrowed as she focused on something in the middle distance. "Did you see that?"

"Nope," Vi replied cheerfully. "Was it Mel?" She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Caitlyn let out a long suffering sigh. "Are you even trying?"

"Yes..."

Vi wasn't trying. In fact, she had long since abandoned any pretence of listening out for Coggy. She doubted her pellets would even pierce the skin of that monstrosity Jayce had cooked up.

After a brief moment of silence, Vi piped up with another question. "How are we supposed to know if someone else got it already?" she asked, wondering if they'd been wandering around pointlessly for hours.

"They'll send a flare up." Caitlyn answered as she paused, eyeing the woods in front of her before seemingly seeing something that made her decide to turn right. Vi followed, bemused. "Though we won't need it," Caitlyn continued, "because nobody's getting to it before us."

Vi hummed. "Yes, us." She nodded and Caitlyn turned to her seriously.

"We're a team, are we not?"

The question was accompanied by Caitlyn's intense gaze. Flustering Vi slightly as she hadn't expected such an earnest answer. She nodded, "Sure cupcake, who's captain?" She joked and swallowed when Caitlyn's eyes narrowed at her.

Suddenly her girlfriend was closing in and Vi stepped backward until her back collided with the bark of an old oak tree. Vi blinked and Caitlyn's face was now very close to hers. Breath ghosting against her lips as she answered, "Who do you think?"

Vi felt her hands going slack and before she could regain her senses. The sound of hundreds of tiny pellets spilling out across the ground caught their attention. Vi groaned as she looked down to see her bag of pellets laying empty on the ground as they scattered in all directions. Caitlyn huffed out a laugh as she backed off with a knowing smirk.

"My balls!" Vi cried outraged as she watched them litter the ground. "Not cool." She huffed at Caitlyn who shrugged, looking all too satisfied.

A crack from the bushes to their left had them both whipping round to face the direction of the sound. Their eyes met and Caitlyn picked up a finger to her lips, Vi nodded silently and remained still as they both listened out for movement. An Unmistakeable mechanical whirring was seeping out from behind the bush in a steady hum.

Another crack of branches sounded and Caitlyn steadily shifted her rifle in her arms to line up the shot. Vi inhaled deeply through her nose, holding her breath as she watched Caitlyn set her sight in the direction of the sound. A beat passed and just as Caitlyn's trigger finger twitched, so did Vi's nose.

She let out an enormous sneeze that echoed through the empty woodland.

A flash of gold passed through the bushes and sped out of view. Caitlyn abruptly lifted her rifle up calling off the shot and turned to Vi with a raised eyebrow.

Vi opened her mouth to beg for forgiveness only to sneeze again. "Sorry, I think I'm getting sick. Sevika waterboarded me yesterday." Vi held her hands up in acknowledgement as she recalled the previous day's snowball fight. She winced knowing she had ruined what would have been an excellent shot for Caitlyn. At her words her girlfriend seemed to forget all about the hunt.

Caitlyn's hand came to rest on her forehead. "You feel hot... We should leave." Caitlyn shook her head and clutched at Vi's hand, beginning to turn back in the direction they came.

Vi dug in her heels and shook her head vigorously. "No way, we still have to win. I can be sick tomorrow."

Caitlyn huffed exasperated and watched her closely as if expecting Vi to suddenly faint. "Don't be silly, we can win next year."

Vi refused to budge this time when Caitlyn tried to manhandle her. "I want a win in my rookie season." Vi said, although she didn't mention the real reason being she didn't want to ruin the first official outing she'd had with the Kirammans. She wanted to make them proud.

Caitlyn eyed her rifle, perhaps considering knocking Vi out with it and somehow dragging her back to the car. "Fine," she acquiesced, before shooting a severe look Vi's way. "You tell me if you need to go back."

"Yes captain." Vi offered her a cheeky smile which Caitlyn responded to with an eye roll, although the corner of her lips perked up.

They pressed on through the woods for another half hour, the silence only broken by Vi's occasional attempts at conversation and periodic sneezes.

Despite Caitlyn's best efforts to keep them on track, Vi's inability to maintain silence for more than a few minutes at a time meant Coggy remained frustratingly elusive.

Caitlyn led them along a freshwater stream that cut through the woodland. Following tracks across the bank against the gentle current. As they walked, Vi's earlier energy and chattiness began to fade, her words becoming fewer and further between as fatigue crept in. The morning's events and her developing illness were clearly taking their toll.

Noticing the change in her girlfriend immediately, Caitlyn once again suggested they head back.

Vi shook her head stubbornly, though with notably less vigor than before. After a moment's hesitation and careful study of Vi's increasingly pale complexion, Caitlyn nodded and returned to tracking with renewed determination. Clearly hoping to end the hunt quickly.

Squinting as the morning sun broke through the canopy, Vi felt the bright light sending sharp pains through her head. She paused, pressing her palm against her temple. Caitlyn looked back with a concerned frown, but before she could speak, a loud crack echoed from the woods nearby. Both women froze, eyes locking on each other before slowly turning toward the sound.

Through the trees ahead, flashes of gold slalomed between the trunks. Vi sighed resignedly at the sight, leaning back against a tree and closing her eyes as her headache came on full force.

Caitlyn looked at her worriedly before determination crossed her features. "Wait here, please?" she asked, checking her rifle before turning toward the tree line.

Vi nodded, waving her away as she sank back tiredly against the tree. "I believe in you," she murmured as Caitlyn disappeared from view.

She closed her eyes again, resting for just a couple minutes before a tiny shout had them opening. Blinking, she listened closely and there it was again. A voice yelling, "Help!" Vi straightened, waiting before fully righting herself when she heard it yet again. "Please help! Anybody?"

Suddenly alert, she looked around calling out a hesitant "Cait?" Caitlyn's voice didn't return but the other voice shouting for help became more urgent now.

"Cait!" she called out again, hoping to get her girlfriend's attention only to be met with silence. Her eyes moved in the direction of the call for help before darting back to where Caitlyn had disappeared.

Sighing, she snatched up her rifle and hurried towards the call for help that seemed to be coming from further up the stream. She followed it as the stream widened into a large pool of water, set up against a cliff face. A small waterfall steadily flowed down into the pool, rippling out until it eventually headed downstream.

And there, clutching at a log hanging at the edge of the pool was Vi's nemesis.

"Bruno?"

Bruno was clutching desperately at the half submerged log, his other hand extended toward Vi in a pleading gesture. "Please!" His mustache twitched frantically as he splashed. "I can't swim!"

Vi eyed the pool of water skeptically. "How did you even manage to fall in?"

"That damn fox!" Bruno sputtered, spitting out water. "It was too smart! I almost had it! The little devil led me right to the edge and I slipped." His eyes widened as his grip on the log loosened slightly. "Now would you please get me out of here?!"

Vi let out a long, put-upon sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. Her headache was definitely getting worse.

She peered down at the muddy bank, then glanced at the jacket Caitlyn had gotten her. With an eye roll, she removed her jacket and hat. Laying them safely on a nearby boulder so they wouldn't get messy before carefully making her way closer to Bruno.

"Do not drag me in," she warned as she crouched close to the edge and reached an arm out to the man.

"I won't, promise," Bruno replied earnestly.

Immediately she regretted everything as his wet hand clutched desperately at her wrist, his weight fully pulling her down. The bank was not as stable as it seemed and her feet slipped in the mud. She became a passenger to gravity, flopping into the pool alongside the man with a splash.

Vi came up for air floating and slapping her hands on the water either side of her with a wet plap. "What the hell man?" she yelled outraged as Bruno's hands scrabbled desperately around the log for purchase.

"I'm sorry! Please just get me out," he cried and Vi glared at him whilst bobbing closer.

Her foot grazed against something and she frowned, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Setting her feet down she stood up to her full height and looked down.

The water sat barely above her hips.

Turning her furious gaze to Bruno she watched as the man paled. "Stand up." she gritted out and Bruno immediately scrambled to his feet seemingly having not realised the pool's depth.

Vi waded towards the bank as her nemesis crawled out further into the woods and flopped onto his back with an exhausted sigh. Vi emerged from the water and shook out some water from her ear. With a sigh she glanced down at the now ruined shirt and bit her lip. How had she managed to already ruin Caitlyn's gift for her, she didn't deserve such nice things.

With a frown she neared the man on the bank and poked him with her foot. "Are you alive?" she asked, wondering what she wanted the answer to be. "If you're alive I'm going to kill you."

Vi watched as Bruno whispered "Thank you" repeatedly, though she couldn't tell if he was addressing her or some higher power. She waited awkwardly for him to finish his emotional breakdown before ordering him to get up.

When he finally attempted to stand, he nearly collapsed the moment he put weight on his left foot. Vi eyed him warily.

"Must have twisted it when I fell," he muttered.

Vi's shoulders sagged in resignation. She trudged back to where she'd left her jacket and hat on the boulder, snatching them up with a mix of relief and protectiveness. At least these items hadn't been ruined by her impromptu swim. She returned to Bruno and thrust them into his arms with a stern glare.

"Hold these. If you get them wet or dirty, I swear..." She let the threat hang in the air as Bruno nodded vigorously, clutching the items to his chest like precious cargo. With a resigned sigh, Vi moved to his injured side, wrapping an arm around his waist and letting him shift his weight onto her shoulder.

Supporting him with great difficulty, together they began the slow, awkward limp back towards the clearing.

A few minutes in Bruno cleared his throat hesitantly. "Why are you helping me?"

Vi rolled her eyes. "I wasn't gonna let you just drown."

"But after everything I've done to you..." he paused, his moustache twitching guiltily. "The pecan plaits..."

Vi's grip on his arm tightened. "Don't remind me, I'll drop you," she grumbled as they continued their unsteady trek through the woods.

A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the sounds of their laboured breathing and uneven footsteps. Finally, Bruno spoke again, "You're a good person, Vi."

"Yeah, yeah," Vi muttered, shifting Bruno's weight on her shoulder. She glanced back in the direction she'd come from, worry gnawing at her stomach. Caitlyn would probably panic when she returned to find Vi gone. She debated turning back to wait, but there was a chance Caitlyn had already been and gone looking for her. Plus, Bruno was looking increasingly pale and definitely needed medical attention.

Vi sighed, hoping Caitlyn would forgive her for wandering off.

Vi sighed in relief when she spotted a flare shooting into the sky about an hour into their slow journey back. It was less than a mile away. She hopedthe signal meant that Caitlyn had returned to the clearing rather than searching for her in the woods.

"Who do you think won?" Bruno asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

"Caitlyn," Vi grunted, obliging her nemesis's attempt at small talk despite struggling under his bulk. Working with pastry all day had made for a heavy-set baker.

"Ah, of course you would back the young Kiramman. She's your partner after all..." Bruno mused.

Vi merely grunted in acknowledgment as they traipsed through the woods.

"How did that happen?" he ventured.

Vi shot him a glare. "None of your business, old man."

Bruno sighed a long disappointed sigh. "Vi, what happened to us?"

Vi narrowed her eyes at the ground as they navigated the woods. "You know very well what you did."

Bruno stiffened. "I had no choice! The suppliers upped their prices, it was out of my control!" he cried.

"You banned me! Like we were nothing," she hissed back.

Bruno sighed and turned to her. "Perhaps I acted rashly." He paused for a long moment. "You hurt my feelings."

Vi frowned, side eyeing the man. "Because I wouldn't pay an extortionate price for a pastry?" She scoffed.

Bruno was silent for a long moment before adding quietly, "You made me feel like you thought my pastries weren't worth it..."

Vi frowned contemplatively before shaking her head. "That doesn't make any sense. If I didn't like your pastries, why would I have been so upset you upped the price?"

Bruno sighed, "I suppose, to me it seemed as though you were saying they weren't worth the money."

Vi huffed, "Obviously they're worth it, I just don't have the money." She sighed. "You hurt my feelings too. You banned me like it was nothing. I was your best customer," Vi murmured, the betrayal seeping into her voice.

Bruno shook his head with a watery chuckle, "What is that phrase? Hurt people hurt people?"

Vi shook her head fondly, eyeing the man with hesitation. "Can we just move on from this... I miss your pastries." she says.

Bruno doesn't hesitate before returning the comment. "I miss your patronage ," he confirms before a voice cuts through the touching moment.

"Violet!" Caitlyn is rushing through the crowd. They've emerged to find the gathering of the hunting party, with everyone having already returned at the flare at a much faster pace than Bruno and Vi.

Caitlyn simultaneously checked Vi over while glaring at Bruno suspiciously. Gasps sounded from the crowd as heads turned towards them and Vi winced. Bruno's wife hurried over and eyed the state of her husband in shock.

"What happened?" Caitlyn asked concerned as Vi deposited Bruno safely in the arms of his wife and sagged, rolling out her shoulder from the strain.

Bruno turned to his wife and loudly proclaimed "Violet saved my life! I almost drowned!" The crowd gasped again and fervent whispering echoed throughout the clearing. Vi caught words like 'hero' and 'handsome' as she rolled her eyes.

"That's not..." Vi started but was cut off.

"Oh thank you my dear!" His wife cried and threw her arms around Vi, planting a wet kiss to her cheek and forgetting to keep her husband upright. Caitlyn darted a hand out to steady the man before he could tip over.

Eventually,Vi was released and Bruno was safely returned to his wife who dragged him off to be assessed by Grayson.

Caitlyn eyed her worriedly as Vi explained what happened. As they talked she could feel the eyes of many focused on them and looked around confused.

Vi glanced down at her ruined clothes with a grimace. "I'm sorry about the clothes, and for wandering off..."

Caitlyn shook her head firmly. "I don't care about any of that, I care about you." She shrugged, gesturing over to where Coggy lay dead in a pile of his own cogs, a bullet hole where his eye used to be. "Besides, we still won. I'm just glad you're okay. I was worried." Her expression softened as she studied Vi's face. "You are okay, aren't you?"

Caitlyn's hand reached up to tuck a wet strand of hair behind Vi's ear. Vi nodded, leaning slightly into the touch. "Yeah, all good, though I'm definitely sick now if I wasn't before."

"That's okay," Caitlyn murmured. "I'll take care of you."

Cassandra neared them and eyed Vi up and down. "Violet dear, perhaps best to pop your jacket on, yes?" Her eyes pointedly darted to Vi's torso. "The ladies are swooning." She winked.

Vi glanced down perturbed she flushed. Her damp shirt had gone completely see through from her dunk in the water. It now clung to her chest and abdomen in a manner not appropriate for high society.

Vi glanced around desperately for her jacket, only to remember with a groan that Bruno had been cluching it when he left. Before she could move to retrieve it, Caitlyn had already shrugged off her own hunting coat and draped it around Vi's shoulders. Her cheeks tinged pink as she adjusted the collar.

Cassandra nodded approvingly before turning her attention back to the rest of the hunting party.

Vi pulled the coat tighter around herself, inhaling the familiar scent of Caitlyn's perfume that clung to the fabric. The warmth from both the coat and Caitlyn's lingering touch at her back helped ease the chill that had settled into her bones during the trek back.

As the hunting party began to disperse, Vi noticed Bruno gesturing to her from across the clearing. He hobbled over with help from his wife, still holding Vi's jacket and hat with careful reverence. "Your things, my dear," he said warmly, returning them with a slight bow.

"And please, do stop by the bakery tomorrow. I have a special batch of pecan plaits with your name on them."

Chapter Text

January finds Vi spiralling into a pit of endless boredom and isolation induced woe.

The end of the holidays had well and truly marked the halfway point of Powder's senior year, bringing with it the ominous cloud of the future anew.

Vi had known, of course, that her closest companions being a professor and student respectively would mean she'd have to spend more time alone. She just hadn't anticipated quite how much alone time that would be.

Her texted complaints to Powder had been met with a suggestion to diversify her friend pool outside of the academy. Outside of her girlfriend and her sister. Easier said than done.

She'd grown spoiled over winter break, with Powder back under her roof and Caitlyn free to see her almost every day since boxing day. Their constant presence had filled her home with warmth and laughter, making the space feel alive in a way it never had before.

Now, their absence only served to highlight just how empty and quiet her apartment could be. The contrast was jarring, like someone had suddenly muted all the color and sound from her world.

It had been a whole sixteen hours since she'd last seen Caitlyn!

The change in weather and early sunset had her growing restless, between her mundane workday and being cooped up inside in the evenings. The best parts of her day were the brief moments were she managed to steal her sister or Caitlyn away from their work to spend time with her.

Today she'd been rebuffed by Caitlyn who was swamped with planning for summer exams. Thankfully she had managed to convince Powder to come over... Through a concerted campaign of harassment through text message.

Powder burst into her apartment with a token lack of respect for her doorframe and threw her a disdainful look as she flopped down next to Vi on the couch.

"I thought having a girlfriend would make you less needy." She murmurs snidely as Vi beams victoriously.

"I don't know what you mean." Vi replies innocently as she yanks Powder across the couch by her arm. Powder yelps at the unexpected movement and Vi wraps her up in a hug. She squeezes tightly even as Powder wiggles frustratedly in her strong grip, unable to make her arms shift even an inch.

"Hug me back!" Vi demands as Powder continues to struggle.

"I won't enable this behaviour." Powder refuses, her voice strained as she attempts to unpin her arms from her sides and Vi patiently waits.

Eventually she gives up and reluctantly returns the hug with a groan. Vi gives her a kiss to the head and a final squeeze, before releasing her with a smirk.

Powder huffs, "You're lucky you can cook," she says with a pointed look towards the kitchen and Vi sighs dramatically.

"Sometimes I think you're only using me for food," she cries and Powder shoots her a flat look.

"I am."

Vi slumps and slides off the couch to her feet, dragging a pillow with her as she stands. "Brat," she grumbles and makes her way to the kitchen. Tossing the pillow over her shoulder and smiling at the squawk when it makes contact with Powder's head.

She dashes around the corner when she hears the returning shot fire. Smirking at Powder's indignant yell when the pillow hit's uselessly against the doorframe. Vi pokes her head out with a smug smile to gloat before ducking back in just as quick after remembering she owns more than one pillow.

Vi quickly whips up two bowls of soup in keeping with the season. She emerges hesistantly expecting a pillow to come her way only to find Powder absently scrolling through her phone.

She nears and Powder turns the phone screen towards her. "It's literally you." She comments and Vi squints down at the screen, wishing she hadn't left the glasses Cassandra had brought her at Caitlyn's last night.

The image is what appears to be a photoshopped hamster deadlifting. A weightlifting belt secured around his waist, headphones and baseball cap on in a a manner not unlike Vi's regular gym clothes.

"Is this real?" She asks seriously and Powder scoffs, throwing her phone to the side and making a grabbing motion for her soup.

Vi hands her the bow and ets out a tired sigh as she sinks back into the couch, kicking her feet up onto the coffee table. Powder settles cross-legged at the other end, already slurping contentedly at the bright orange broth.

"Haven't seen you in three days!" Vi urges after a few slurps herself, "Tell me everything."

Powder rolls her eyes. "Same as three days ago," she answers, "School, library, sleep, repeat."

Vi chuckles and shakes her head. "Man, am I glad I got to skip out on that part."

Powder frowns, "You didn't get to... you had to."

Vi simply scoffs and quickly moves the subject on. "Well it'll all be worth it when you get into one of those fancy Piltie colleges. Then you can save the world or whatever-" Vi assures in between spoonfuls of creamy carrot.

There's a pause in which Vi thoroughly licks her spoon before dragging her eyes questioningly over to Powder. Her spoon is spotless and she still hasn't heard a response.

"About that..." Vi raises an eyebrow, sitting up suddenly attentive to the conversation. Powder isn't meeting her eyes, instead choosing to stare intently at the deep orange liquid pooled in her bowl. She doesn't take another bite and instead stirs it around the bowl slowly.

"About what? Pow?" Vi asks and watches as Powder heaves a sigh before looking up and meeting Vi's eyes.

"I'm not going to college."

Vi freezes, her mind racing as she blinks rapidly. Powder's expression is hesitant as they make eye contact.

"Vi?" Powder asks eventually when she still hadn't responded.

Then suddenly Vi bursts into laughter. "Oh god, you got me! Good one!" She chuckles and sets her empty bowl down on the coffee table with a loud clink.

Powder flinches at the loud sound before shaking her head and repeating resolute, "I'm not kidding around! I'm not going, Vi!"

Vi eyes narrow before she chuckles again, less loudly this time. "Alright, you already got me, knock it off. Eat your soup." Vi stands taking her bowl and swiftly making her way to the kitchen.

Moments later Powder follows. Vi turns her back to Powder and quickly turns the tap on, setting about washing the bowl. She fixes her eyes down at the water as it turns orange on contact before gradually turning clear as the residue of her soup is washed away.

"Don't run away! I'm serious." Powder's voice comes from behind her and Vi tenses. Continuing to scrub harshly at the already thoroughly cleaned bowl. "Vi don't ignore me!"

Vi snaps, letting the bowl drop into the sink and whirling on Powder with wet hands and wild eyes. "I will ignore you when you're being a dumbass!"

Powder lets out an affronted gasp. "You're the one being a dumbass! It's my life, I can do what I want."

Vi closes her eyes at that. "That's not how it works. You can't just do what you want all the time." She hisses, hurt seeping into her voice for a reason she doesn't understand. "You're supposed to go to college!" She says slowly emphasising the words and glaring at Powder all the while.

"And what? You're supposed to rot here for the rest of your life?"

"Oh, you are so dramatic.” Vi rolls her eyes and crosses her arms across her chest to convey her displeasure, wet hands be damned. Instantly she regrets it, wincing uncomfortably as the front of her shirt dampens. “Having a job isn’t rotting, Pow. It’s normal.” She says snidely and Powder scoffs.

"Exactly, which is why I want to get a job and not go to college. It's normal, Vi." She snarks right back. "That way I can stay around here with you, see if I can find something at the academy…"

Vi laughs a sardonic laugh. "Don't be ridiculous." She snaps.

Powder increasingly frustrated and spits "So what? Only you can throw your life away? Is that it, Vi the martyr?"

Vi's voice is ice cold as she asks, "What's that supposed to mean?" The harsh tone comes out sharper than she's ever used with Powder before. She instantly regrets it when she sees tears pooling in her sister's eyes. She was supposed to be the crier, not Powder.

The wind immediately leaves her sails and she deflates.

"Don't cry..." she starts but doesn't move from her spot across the kitchen. "Listen, I'm not throwing anything away." Powder's lip trembles as she moves to respond, but Vi interrupts, "Just let me finish." She sighs, bringing a hand up to massage the bridge of her nose. "I was never good at school, not like you." Powder frowns but remains silent. "You're a genius. For me, quitting wasn't a big deal okay? But for people like you... it's different. If you don't go to college you will be throwing something away. You're too good to let it go to waste here just because you'll miss your big sis. Sappy reason, by the way."

Powder doesn't laugh. Instead, the tears she'd been holding back finally slide down her face. Vi immediately moves to bridge the gap and scoops her up in her arms.

"You gave up," Powder whispers into her neck, her voice small and sounding very much like she did in Vi's memories. "You forget I knew you before... everything. I remember. You used to want so much more."

Vi shakes her head. "I have everything I need. My baby sister. And now Cait? That's all I'll ever need."

Powder simply buries her face further into Vi's neck and mutters, “Whose the sap now…”

Vi chuckles, breaking the heaviness of the moment. "You started it," she says, pulling away to cup Powder's tear stained cheeks in her hands. "You're going to college and you're going to get sick of how often I'll visit you, okay?"

Powder blinks rapidly, her eyes clearing as she nods in acknowledgement.

"Good. Now let's drop it. You know I don't like talking about this stuff."

Powder watches her, eyes roaming over her face and then slowly nods. Vi gets the distinct feeling that Powder has no intention to drop it. But she's not about to spend another second of the precious time she has allotted with her sister fighting.

Not when she's been so alone lately.

That night she falls into a fitful sleep and dreams of before.

Vi stumbles through her front door, shoulders aching from the weight of three heavy shopping bags clutched in her hands.

She pauses at the threshold, trying to shift the bags into one hand while fishing for her keys in the pocket of her work pants. Her tired eyes are bleary as she misses the lock multiple times.

"Fuck," she hisses in frustration, but before she can try again, the door swings open as if by magic.

There stands Powder, balanced on her tiptoes, beaming up at her. Vi's initial fond smile quickly morphs into a frown.

"Pow, you shouldn't open the door. I could've been a stranger." she warns, dropping the bags with a heavy thunk by the door and placing her hands on her hips in her best imitation of their mother's scolding pose.

Powder shakes her head vigorously. "No, I peeped!" she exclaims, pointing up at the peephole.

Vi eyes the two-foot gap between the top of Powder's head and the peephole skeptically. Then, forgetting her exhaustion entirely, she suddenly lunges forward.

"Liar!" she roars playfully, scooping Powder up and slinging her over her shoulder with ease. The smaller girl squeals with delight as Vi spins them both around, their combined laughter echoing through the apartment.

Vi then crouches down with a wince, her legs protesting under the added weight of her sister after her long warehouse shift. She grasps the handles of the shopping bags and straightens with a huff.

"Why are you still awake, kid? It's almost ten!" She chides as Powder flops lazily over her shoulder. She feels her sister's tiny hands clutch at the back of her shirt as she walks them into the kitchen. Fiddling with the worn fabric as she mumbles, "He's being loud today. Couldn't sleep..."

Vi sighs as they enter the kitchen, setting bags down before plopping the girl on the counter. "Coughing?" She asks and Powder looks up at her with wide saddened eyes.

"It's okay, Pow. He just needs his medicine..." Vi mutters as she reaches in one of the shopping bags to pull out some of the milk she'd found on sale. A risk but necessary purchase. "You go get ready for bed? I'll make you some milk and honey, yeah?" She asks and Powder pouts up at her.

"And a story?" She asks hopefully and Vi smiles tiredly.

"Fine, a quick one though." She agrees picking up Powder from the counter. "You should already be asleep, it's a school night." she warns and Powder just looks up at her with a mischievous glint before dashing away giggling.

Vi sets a pot on the only working burner of their ancient stove and flicks it on. Groaning in frustration as the gas flickers, refusing to light for a minute or so before a fire finally springs to life.

She slumps back against the counter with a long sigh and closes her eyes for a long moment. She almost falls asleep when a loud hacking cough breaks the silence of the apartment. She startles, jerking upwards and yanking the now boiling milk off the burner. She pours it out into two mugs and swirls a spoonful of honey into each.

Vi picks up Powder's mug first and deposits it safely in the hands of her now pyjama clad sister, who's managed to sweetly tuck herself in the bed. Storybook open and perched expectantly on her lap. The room only lit by her small bedside lamp.

"Let me give the old man his dose, yeah Pow? Back in five."

Powder nods in acknowledgement as she sips happily on the beverage and snuggles further into her bed. Vi smiles and cards a hand through her hair before slipping out of the room. She grabs the other mug from the kitchen, as well as Vander's meds and a vial of cough syrup. She then heads in the direction of the muffled coughs that had served as the backdrop to her life for the last two years.

"Hey old man, frog in your throat?" She laughs lightly, kicking the door open with her foot and edging into the room.

Vander chuckles only to be sent into another violent coughing fit that Vi frowns at, nearing the bed with concern. "That sounds worse than yesterday." She comments. Setting the mug down on the bedside cabinet before sitting down in the chair beside the bed and opening the vial of cough medicine.

"Same old, nothing to worry yourself about." He replies weakly, waving a dismissive hand.

Vi scoffs and shakes her head. "Sure, not worried at all." She snarks and he roams his eyes over her in that annoying way he does when he's about to get all fatherly.

"Did you just get back?" He asks, his eyes on her uniform and Vi nods absently as she pours the medicine into the spoon.

"Yeah, picked up a double shift."

Vander frowns. "Did you go to school today?"

Vi avoids his eyes as she brings the spoon up to his lips but he jerks his head away. "Violet?"

Vi sighs, her hand still out with the spoon. "Davis called in sick, I picked up his shift."

"So you skipped school?"

Vi rolls her eyes, "Yeah, what like it's a big deal…"

Vander doesn't respond, only narrowing his eyes as he takes the spoon in his mouth. Vi quickly stands and Vander opens his mouth, probably to continue her scolding.

"Pow's waiting for me." She says quickly, leaving the medicine on his blanketed lap and slipping out of the room just as quick as she entered.

Vi hears Vander call out for her to wait, but she ignores him and shuts the door. She feels a twinge of guilt, but after being on her feet for the last fourteen hours, she can't bring herself to go back in.

Instead, she leans back against the closed door, feeling the exhaustion she'd pushed down sinking deeper into her bones. Before she can fall asleep standing in the hallway, she forces herself to straighten and walk to her and Powder's shared room.

She sighs in a mix of relief and fondness when she finds the girl already asleep. Her mug of milk half finished and clutched precariously in one tiny hand's loose grip. Walking over, she gently pries open the hand, shushing Powder as she shifts, before setting it down on the cabinet.

Leaning over, she tugs the blanket more securely over Powder's small frame and frowns when she shivers, squirming into a ball. She hadn't made enough to cover the heating this month and they'd cut them off a few days ago.

With a heavy sigh, she ventures over to her mattress and pulls up her own thin blanket, laying it gently over Powder. Smiling as she hums happily in her sleep and stops shivering after a few moments.

Satisfied, Vi leans down and brushes the hair laying over Powder's face back before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight Pow," she whispers before pulling away and glancing back at the door.

She wants to go to bed but her guilt for walking out on Vander returns. Sighing, she mournfully tosses a glance at her mattress and leaves the room yet again. Stopping by in the kitchen, she stuffs the three bags in the fridge without unpacking. Deciding to leave that problem for future her before she reenters Vander's room hesitantly.

He smiles at her and gestures to the chair openly, seemingly not holding a grudge. "Let's not talk about school, yeah?" he says with a soft smile and Vi nods, walking over and dropping into the chair.

"Did you take your meds?" she asks instinctively and he nods.

"Let's not talk about that either." He beckons her closer until her top half is practically on the bed and strokes a hand through her hair.

"Well then what can we talk about?" Vi asks through a yawn and Vander pauses his movements.

Vi twists to look up at him and he cups her cheek. "I love you, Violet." He says seriously.

Vi scoffs and throws a suspicious look up at him. "What's got you so sappy old man?" she asks and he shakes his head.

"I just thought you should know. Powder does too. I know it's hard. I'm sorry I've been so-"

Vi interrupts with a tired grumble, "If you say useless I'm leaving."

Vander pauses before slowly saying "...unreliable."

Vi laughs and shakes her head.

"You look after us, her, so well Vi. You always have."

Vi sighs sleepily and sinks her head into the mattress as Vander resumes carding his hand through her hair. "Family..." She mumbles into the bed sheets and Vander hums.

"You've got a good heart kid." He mutters as Vi drifts off, torso slumped against the side of the bed with her lower half still in the chair.

The gentle chirping of birds and the first rays of morning sunlight filtering through the threadbare curtains slowly pull Vi back to consciousness.

She blinks groggily, feeling a weight on her head that she can't quite place. As she shifts, the weight disappears, Vander's hand flopping limply back onto the mattress.

Vi sits up with a groan, her back protesting after a night spent hunched over in such an awkward position. She stretches, hearing several concerning pops for an eighteen year old as her spine realigns itself. Something feels off though. The room is too quiet. The familiar sound of Vander's labored breathing is absent.

"Dad?" She whispers, reaching out to shake his shoulder gently. The stillness that greets her sends ice through her veins. "Dad, wake up." Her voice cracks as she shakes him harder, but deep down she already knows.

She reaches for his wrist with trembling fingers, desperately searching for a pulse she knows she won't find. His skin is cold to the touch. Too cold.

"No, no, no..." The words spill from her lips in a broken whisper as she presses her ear to his chest, straining to hear even the faintest heartbeat. The silence that greets her is deafening.

Vi stumbles backwards, her legs giving out as she collapses into the chair. Her chest feels tight, like someone's wrapped a steel band around it and keeps squeezing. She can't breathe. Can't think. Can't-

A soft creak of floorboards makes her head snap up. Powder stands in the doorway, rubbing sleep from her eyes with tiny fists.

"Vi?" Her sister's voice is small, confused. "Why are you crying?"

Vi hadn't even realized she was crying until Powder mentioned it. She hastily wipes at her cheeks, but fresh tears immediately replace the ones she's brushed away.

"Pow," her voice breaks on even that single syllable. "I need you to go back to your room for a minute, okay?"

But Powder's gaze has already drifted to Vander's still form, her young face scrunching up in concern. "Dad?" She takes a step forward.

"Powder, please-" Vi's on her feet now, trying to intercept her sister, but she's too late.

"Dad!" Powder's voice rises in panic as she rushes to the bedside. "Dad, wake up!"

Vi catches her sister before she can climb onto the bed, pulling the struggling girl into her arms. "Shh, shh," she soothes, even as her own tears fall faster. "He's... he's gone, Pow. He went in his sleep. He didn't hurt at all."

Powder goes still in her arms for a moment before letting out a wail that tears through Vi's heart. She holds her sister tighter as they both sink to the floor, rocking her gently as Powder's wailing dissolves into gut-wrenching sobs.

"I've got you," Vi whispers into her sister's hair, her own grief threatening to choke her. "I've got you. We're gonna be okay. I promise."

She doesn't know how long they sit there. Clinging to each other as the morning sun continues its slow climb into the sky, casting long shadows across Vander's peaceful face. Vi tightens her hold on Powder, silently vowing to pick up the pieces. She has to.

She's all Powder has left now.

January melts into February like ice thawing under Vi's rising frustration.

Her patience for respecting exam season wanes with each passing day. Over the course of the month, she had set about increasingly elaborate ways of distracting her girlfriend from her busy schedule.

It started innocently enough with subtle texts.

Vi: Day three without cuddles. Beginning to forget what human contact feels like. I’m so cold. Send help.

Caitlyn's responses, when they come, are typically along the lines of "You're ridiculous" or "Two more months, I promise. Then you have me all summer."

Vi's starting to count down the days like a prisoner marking their cell wall. It's concerning.

The only thing that had consistently worked in getting Caitlyn's attention away from her books was, unsurprisingly, seduction. Vi's work clothes to be more specific.

It had started innocently enough, Vi dropping by after her shift just to say hi, still wearing her baggy overalls. The top half tied around her waist, revealing a sweat dampened thermal underneath.

The way Caitlyn's eyes had lingered, her cheeks flushing pink as she stumbled over her words, was impossible to miss. After that, Vi started making it a point to accidentaly catch Caitlyn during evening shifts whilst still in her work gear. Sometimes she'd even leave a strategic smudge of grease on her bicep or jaw.

It was almost comical how easily distracted Caitlyn became when Vi would casually mention needing to fix something around the academy. Work belt slung low on her waist. Even a simple, "the sink's been leaking", was enough to make Caitlyn's pupils dilate. Her normally impeccable focus completely derailed.

"You're doing this on purpose," Caitlyn had accused one day, after Vi had shown up at her door in her most sinful tank top. It was early February and snowing. Vi was not subtle.

Vi had just grinned, clutching at her mop handle and running a hand up and down suggestively. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Cupcake."

Vi had gotten quite skilled at reading Caitlyn's reactions to various work outfits over the past few weeks.

The tank tops always got a blush, but adding a backwards cap made her bite her lip. The thermal was a new addition she'd discovered by accident. Caitlyn's eyes had practically glazed over when Vi had shown up wearing one with the sleeves rolled to her elbows.

But the real winner was always the work belt, especially when paired with overalls hanging loose at her hips. Something about the tool placement seemed to short-circuit Caitlyn's usually impeccable focus.

So when Loris had grumbled something about a leaky pipe in the physics lab needing attention, Vi had practically snatched the job from his hands. He'd given her a knowing look before handing over his tools and heading home early.

Now, Vi stood in the hallway outside the lab, carefully arranging her calculated ensemble in the window's reflection. She smoothed back her hair before positioning her baseball cap backwards, just like Caitlyn liked it. The white thermal's sleeves were meticulously rolled to her elbows. She adjusted the work belt until it hung perfectly alongside her loosened overalls.

With a smirk, she added her pièce de résistance, positioning her screwdriver in the front center pocket of her belt. A deliberate suggestion. After a final approving nod at her reflection, she pushed open the lab door with practiced casualness.

"Ma'am," she drawled in her most suggestive tone, leaning against the doorframe while making a show of examining the ceiling. "Heard you have some pipes that need fixing?"

"Gross!" The unexpected voice made Vi's head snap down, her carefully crafted swagger crumbling as she found not just Caitlyn, but also Powder hunched over the desk. Her sister's face was scrunched in disgusted judgment, while Caitlyn... well, at least her outfit choices were still effective, judging by the way those blue eyes were trailing appreciatively over her form.

Vi splutters, "Pow? What are you doing here!" she exclaims, her cheeks flushed. Powder doesn't deign her with a response as she jumps up and begins packing up the various papers across the desk hurriedly. Vi straightens in the doorway, subtly moving her screwdriver over to the right side loop of her belt when Powder's back is turned. Caitlyn tracks the movement with intense eyes.

Powder shoots her a glare as she hitches her satchel up her shoulder and flounces out of the door, shoulder checking Vi on the way out. "You disgust me," she hisses before calling over her shoulder in a much sweeter voice, "Bye Professor!"

Caitlyn absently responds with something of a bye. Her eyes are still on Vi who's rubbing her shoulder and watching Powder practically sprint down the hallway. Vi's eyes narrow at the hasty exit.

"What were you guys up to, homework?" Vi asks, and when Caitlyn doesn't respond, she turns around only to flinch when finding her girlfriend had crept up on her. Caitlyn's face is a hair's breadth away from hers and her eyes are fixed pointedly lower.

"I love when you wear this," she says seriously, reaching up to tug at a loop, yanking Vi forward into her by the hips.

"I kno-" Vi is cut off by Caitlyn pressing a firm kiss to her mouth. Hand curling possessively around the belt to keep Vi in place as her other reaches up to cup the back of Vi's neck. When Caitlyn is forced to pull back for air, she intersperses her breaths with soft pecks.

"Did you dress up for me?" Caitlyn asks and Vi smiles into a kiss smugly.

"No..." She draws out the word coyly. "I actually do have a pipe to fix." She murmurs between kisses and vaguely gestures in the direction of the ceiling, whining when Caitlyn abruptly pulls back.

"Well then," Caitlyn sighs heavily and fiddles with a loop on Vi's belt mournfully. "I won't distract you."

Vi pouts. "I don't mind."

Caitlyn shakes her head, "No, I need it fixed. The incessant dripping is driving me mad." She states, swiftly turning back to her desk and pointing accusingly up at the pipe directly above it.

"Don't worry babe, I'll save you." Vi grins, shifting her tool belt and pulling out a wrench, twirling it suggestively in Caitlyn's direction.

"Thank you." Caitlyn answers primly before retaking her seat at her desk and picking up a pen.

The smile slides slowly off Vi's face and her eyes narrow.

She strolls slowly into the room and takes one of the students' plastic chairs from the back of the room. She then proceeds to loudly drag it behind her as she walks up the aisle between desks, successfully regaining Caitlyn's attention. The legs scrape loudly against the floor of the lab as she takes her time, Caitlyn staring at her all the while.

"Why didn't you take one of the chairs at the fro-" Caitlyn starts as Vi reaches the desk before being cut off by Vi's finger against her lips as she shushes her. Caitlyn frowns.

Vi then proceeds to step up onto the chair and reach up with the wrench, she knows it's too far. She still tries if only to have her thermal ride up her stomach and display a peek of her abs. She hears the pen clatter to the desk and looks down.

"Oh sorry, do you want me to come back later? You seem... distracted." She asks lightly and Caitlyn shakes her head.

"Don't you dare. Keep going." Vi nods smugly and pretends to reach up again.

Vi notes Caitlyn subtly shifting in her seat and smirks. "Hands where I can see them, Professor." She jokes and Caitlyn gasps affronted.

"I wasn't-" Vi cuts her off again.

"Sorry, it's quite high up. Do you mind?" She steps onto Caitlyn's desk now towering over the woman still sat down so she has to crane her head up to meet her eyes. "Now let me just get a better angle." She twirls around facing away from Caitlyn with a flourish.

Vi knew what her novels meant by eyes burning now. It was like she could feel lasers searing into her skin even through the many layers of her pants and overalls. She easily tightens the joint of the pipe to prevent any more drips within a few turns of her wrench and then maybe adds a few more for Caitlyn's benefit.

Once done she turns to Caitlyn and her eyebrows shoot up her forehead. "Where'd your hands go?"

Caitlyn lets out a pained groan, "I hate you."

Chapter Text

Vi arrives to the gym bleary eyed at six am on the morning of the fourteenth of February. So much for romanticising her life...

The air is so cold that her breath comes out in little puffs of white smoke. Each exhale making her feel like a fog machine. She's layered up to combat the frigid February morning. Thermal undershirt, long sleeve top, her favourite worn gym hoodie, and a puffy winter jacket. She looks like a pink tipped marshmallow waddling across campus.

Her nose and cheeks are already turning rosy from the biting wind, and she burrows deeper into the soft scarf wrapped around her neck. Silently cursing Sevika for maintaining such an early gym schedule. Even in weather that would make penguins think twice.

She enters the gym spots Sevika but forgoes a greeting, earning herself a suspicious look from the woman mid pull-up.

Vi merely shoots her a nod of acknowledgment and a short non verbose hello, before shuffling over to the nearest bench to set up.

She sets about the task of methodically peeling off her twelve layers of winter clothing. Like a particularly uncoordinated sleepy caterpillar attempting to shed its cocoon. Each layer joins the growing pile on the gym floor, until she's left standing in just her joggers and a loose workout hoodie.

Sevika's eyes track the growing heap of discarded clothing with obvious disdain, her jaw twitching slightly. But the blissful silence of the early morning workout seems too precious to break over something as mundane as Vi's gym etiquette. So she merely purses her lips and returns to her routine.

Vi’s rare lack of loquaciousness causing the woman to perch on eggshells, for fear of inciting conversation.

Sevika drops down from the bar after ending her set with a muscle up, just to show off, in Vi's opinion. Vi ignores the wary eyes on her as begins to set up the bench. Sevika shrugs, looking away to take a sip from her water bottle.

After taking a few minutes to load up more plates than she could possibly handle, Vi sits down on the bench and heaves out a loud, put-upon sigh.

Sevika glances over, her expression already fading into irritation as she eyes the clearly overloaded bar. Vi doesn't acknowledge the look and sighs loudly again, turning away from Sevika and smirking when her expression is hidden.

Slowly she lays back, arching her back and setting her feet as she would for any normal set. She peers backwards, her upside down expression meeting Sevika's annoyed one as she sighs loudly one last time before facing up again.

With all the strength she could muster, she begins to push on the bar. Her face turning almost purple only for a firm hand to grip the center and push down, preventing Vi from unracking the weight. Not that she was ever really planning to attempt it.

"Seriously?" Sevika's grumble comes from above as her unimpressed face floats into Vi's field of vision.

Vi smirks and bounces to her feet expectantly. "Ask me what's wrong!"

Sevika narrows her eyes. "You can't keep threatening to crush yourself when I ignore you."

Vi frowns, "Sure I can. Thanks for asking, it's Valentine's Day!"

Sevika huffs, turning back to resume her pull-ups and almost snarling when Vi hops up on the bar next to her, facing the opposite way and hanging limply.

"This is the first one I've had a proper girlfriend for..." Vi says whilst idly swinging back and forth on the bar.

"So?" Sevika asks as she pulls herself up to complete another rep with ease.

"So I don't know what to do!" Vi complains, her brows furrowed as her feet kick in the air. "I texted Cait, she said she's 'Taking care of it' and I don't know what that means. Why is she making it sound like she's going to kill me? Am I supposed to do something too?"Vi rambles, dropping to her feet to face Sevika as she finishes her set.

"Why are you asking me?" Sevika sighs tiredly, hands on hips as she squeezes her eyes shut tightly as if that would help to block out Vi's whining.

"Well I'm not about to ask Loris or my baby sister!" she exclaims.

Sevika raises an eyebrow, "Get some friends?" she suggests and Vi glares, huffing frustrated.

Crossing her arms she bites, "If you're not going to help just say that!"

"I'm not going to help."

Vi flings her arms out outraged, "Please!"

Sevika sighs, "I thought having a girlfriend would make you less needy." She rubs her temple as if to quell a Vi induced headache.

Vi frowns, "Powder said the same thing."

Sevika huffs out a laugh before checking the watch she used to time her rest period and hopping back up on the bar. Vi follows, though this time she matches Sevika's pull-ups so they're both bobbing up and down in a manner akin to the moles that need bopping with a hammer.

"If she says she's taking care of it then all you have to do is show up looking hot." Sevika reasons, not sounding at all tired for someone on their third set of pull-ups. She's not even slightly out of breath.

"That's it?" Vi questions, her voice coming out far more strained.

"Yeah, just clean yourself up nice. If you wanna really go all out wrap it in a bow."

Vi frowns in confusion, wondering if the pull-ups had gone to her head. Clearly all the oxygen was flowing into her tired arms at the moment. "Wrap what in a bow?"

They both pull up to the top of the bar for the final rep and Sevika mutters to hold. Vi's arms shake more than a little as they hold the position for ten seconds, before finally Sevika releases and she quickly follows suit. Flopping down onto the mat in a starfish position and blinking up at Sevika who smirks.

"Wrap it in a bow." She answers slowly gesturing down at her general body and Vi in turn looks down at her own, contemplating the words before it clicks.

"Oh..." Vi's expression is thoughtful as she slowly asks "You mean around my ti-"

"Oh my god, my ears!"

Vi's head lolls to the side and she blinks. The pull-ups really must have done a number on her because to her it looks like Powder is walking into the gym.... At just past six am no less.

She sits up on the mat, resting back on her hands. "What are you doing here?" she asks, just as Sevika jumps up to start another set with little regard for Vi's proximity. Her sneaker clad feet hover too close to Vi's face, who splutters and shuffles back on the mat with a resentful mutter of "Rude."

Powder flops down next to her on the mat and Vi beams. "Are you finally going to workout with me?" she asks hopefully.

Vi is leveled with a flat look. "No. I'm here, at six am, because someone thinks it's funny to flunk me out of gym." She glares accusingly up at Sevika who continues repping out pull-ups like she can't hear them.

"You're failing?" Vi asks worriedly and glances up at Sevika. "Why?" she cries up at the woman who continues to ignore them as she winds down her set.

"Because I'm inherently bad at physical activity." Powder pouts and flexes a non-existent bicep muscle at Vi pitifully.

Vi frowns at the look and levels Sevika with a glare. "Sevika! You can't fail her because she's inherently bad at physical activity!" she cries in defence of her sister.

Sevika pays them no mind and eventually drops to her feet, hands on hips and levels them both with a deadpan stare. "Don't lie to her, you know she's too trusting." She scolds looking down at Powder before turning to Vi, "And you, don't believe her, you know she's a liar. She's been skipping."

Vi's mouth drops open before she turns accusingly at Powder who now looks sheepish. "I'm busy," she mutters abashed and Vi shakes her head in disbelief. Vi continues to stare admonishingly at Powder as she sinks further into the mat. "It's just gym!" she cries defensively.

"Physical education. "Sevika corrects and pokes Powder with her foot. "Stand up."

Powder does so as Sevika ventures to a nearby rack, picking up a dumbbell from the lighter side as if it was a feather before returning. Vi watches as she gestures for Powder to open her palm and her sister scoffs.

"What's this supposed to pro-" Immediately as the dumbbell changes hands it turns from a feather into a bowling ball. Powder tilts forwards, almost falling had Sevika's hand not been on her shoulders to steady her. The dumbbell bounces onto the mat with a light thump and Vi cranes her neck, still laying on the mat to peer at the number. She reads the ten engraved on the metallic side of the weight and for the second time that morning her mouth drops open.

"Are you serious?" She asks looking up at Powder appalled.

Powder rolls her eyes dramatically and Vi turns to face Sevika with a grim expression. "She deserves to fail."

Sevika nods gravely as Powder lets out an indignant cry.

Powder's glares at the both as she throws her hands up dramatically. "The only reason you workout is so you can wrap yourselves in little bows for women. Sorry if I don't have the same motivation!"

Vi and Sevika turn to look at each other, identical expressions of perturbation crossing their faces. Vi slowly cuts in, "That's not the only reason..."

Sevika snorts, turning away from Vi and back to her workout. "I do it so I can break people in half. Annoying people who interrupt my morning workouts with their whining." she states not unthreateningly.

Powder glares and puffs herself up like she's planning to leap on Sevika while her back is turned. Vi quickly cuts in, wrapping a hand around her sister's ankle as if to hold her back. "Okay, everyone calm down. If Pow shows up for the rest of the year can we maybe not fail her?" Vi hedges and shoots a look at Powder to keep her mouth shut when she makes to protest. "Failing family is not cool," she wheedles and then tacks on for good measure, "We're orphans."

Sevika's shoulders drop as she turns to eye them both. Powder nods along. "No parents. All dead." Vi widens her eyes sadly and juts out her lip.

"You already used that card this year." Sevika sighs and crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Technically that was last year..." A long moment passes.

"Fine. Miss one class and you're done."

Vi beams immediately dropping her faux sad expression. Powder seems less pleased with the compromise but she's smart enough to keep her mouth shut.

"I love you guys," Vi sighs and earns herself two eye rolls. "Now what should I do about tonight?" She asks, returning to the only topic on the agenda she had prepared at midnight, whilst readying her alarm to bother Sevika at the gym.

"Valentines? Cait told me she was taking care of it?"

Vi swivels to look at Powder suspicious, "Cait talked to you about our plans?"

Powder avoids her eyes. "Pow!" Vi demands.

"What? God, yes okay she needed my help for something!"

"For what?" Vi demands and Powder shakes her head.

"Nuh-uh, it's a surprise."

"Tell me!" Vi whines, drawing out the 'me' for longer than Sevika can bear as she turns silently and heads for the other end of the gym. Vi clutches at Powder's ankle as she begins to walk away, crawling after her like some undead creature.

"You can wait half a day," Powder resists, shaking her off her ankle and darting towards the door of the gym.

"At least tell me what to wear!" Vi exclaims and Powder calls back a helpful, "Anything but a bow around your tits!"

Vi arrives at Caitlyn's door feeling far more nervous than she should be for a night in with her girlfriend.

She'd opted for a black shirt and jeans, hoping to the moon and back that she wasn't improperly dressed. Now she stands outside and tugs nervously on her collar as she checks her reflection in the golden sheen of the doorknob. She looks warped.

Even still, she can make out an errant tuft of hair poking out and she quickly reaches up to smooth it down.

Her other hand clutches at a bouquet of flowering primroses she'd bought. Their soft yellow hue had caught her eye in the store, reminding her of the way Caitlyn made her feel. When she'd introduced herself to the elderly woman who ran the flower shop and received a gasp, she'd been confused.

Then promptly she'd been informed that the little yellow flowers thrived in the company of violets and her mind was set. An inordinate amount of cogs exchanging hands found her wondering if she'd been scammed, but overall she was happy with her choice.

Caitlyn would enjoy the story more than the flowers anyway.

Vi lifted her hand to knock only to pause when she heard voices from inside. Expecting only her girlfriend, she stilled and listened. Only for a series of clangs to echo through the doorframe followed by the unmistakable sound of Jayce Talis yelping.

With a small smile she knocked three loud knocks and the voices quietened for a moment. Then hushed whispers sounded for a few moments.

"Just leave, go out the window!" she heard Caitlyn's voice hiss.

"We're on the second floor..." She heard Jayce return deadpan if a little hurt.

The door was flung open to reveal her girlfriend looking... well she looked a bit of a mess. A hot one though.

Her hair was more wild than Vi had ever seen it. And Vi had seen it after their most strenuous of nighttime activities. Her outfit for the evening was hidden by navy blue apron that coordinated nicely with the strands tickling Caitlyn's face, in the way Vi knew she didn't like. Even at her messiest there was an element of neatness. A tea towel flung over her shoulder. Thrown there haphazardly and covered with flour that Vi knew also dusted her lover's shoulder.

Vi would take a moment to admire Caitlyn's general look were it not for the dawning, horrifying realisation that she had cooked for them. Caitlyn seemed to have the admiring on lock tonight though.

"Hi..." She breathed leaning against the doorframe and roaming her eyes up and down Vi's form appreciatively. "You look handsome..." She complimented with the utmost sincerity and Vi preened.

"For you." Vi presented the bouquet softly and Caitlyn smiled. Worth the cogs.

Caitlyn opened her mouth, presumably to thank her, only to be cut off by a squealing, "Awwww". Caitlyn's eyes instantly turned cold as she glared over her shoulder.

Vi peered around Caitlyn's shoulder to find Jayce in a matching apron set, with oven gloves adorning the hands he was using to cup his face as he cooed at them. Flour transferred from the gloves to the stubble he called a beard making him look more his age. "You guys are so cute!" He teased waving a hand in Vi's direction even as a tea towel was whipped directly at his head. The flour dusting it exploded out like shrapnel as he cried out in protest.

"Get out!" Caitlyn demanded and Jayce glared at her.

"Oh! Thank you, Jayce for helping me set all this up and not burn down my kitchen." He mocked in a high-pitched accented voice that was somehow worse than Vi's less than accurate impression.

Vi took that moment as her cue to look around. She had to refrain from cooing in the same manner as Jayce, for fear of tea towel retaliation. It was cute.

Caitlyn's apartment was littered with rose petals on pretty much every surface. Red waxed candles were precisely placed around the room to cast the room in a soft orange glow. Soft music played out from the matching record player Caitlyn had purchased to Vi's. She still pretended was for her but Vi always found a layer of dust coating it when she spent a few days away from Cait's apartment.

Vi found herself overcome with emotion as she took in the scene before her. It was cheesy, sure, but it meant something to her.

She'd sort of lost hope for finding herself in a relationship where they would do these kinds of things. These overdone romantic kind of things. No one had really wanted Vi for this kind of stuff before. She had tried a few times, most recently being back with Sarah, but it had been waved off. So she'd stopped trying. The fact that Cait went through all this trouble for her had Vi swallowing heavily, her throat suddenly tight.

Of course, the romance was slightly diminished by Cait chasing Jayce out of her apartment with threats of retrieving her rifle.

Jayce paused in the doorway and looked back forlorn. "I'm so lonely..." He sighed. Vi raised her eyebrows and Cait unceremoniously slammed the door in his face.

"I feel kind of bad," Vi mumbled staring at the closed door.

"You should! Pity me!" Jayce's voice called from the other side of the door whilst Cait rolled her eyes.

"Need I remind you of the time you and Mel kicked me out of my own bedroom on Valentine's day!" She called back.

Jayce didn't respond and moments later they could hear footsteps as he hurried away. Vi turned to look at Caitlyn questioningly.

"Their guest room was rather close to my parent's suite."

"Ohh..." Vi nodded understandingly, before gesturing to the room. "This is really sweet of you," Vi murmurs, taking in the room again. "I know you're not into this sappy stuff."

Caitlyn frowns, shaking her head. "I am when it's with you," she states, and Vi struggles not to jump her there and then.

"Charmer..." she teases and leans forward, careful not to press against Caitlyn's messy apron, and meets her in a soft, slow kiss. Caitlyn tastes sweet on her tongue, like citrus and honey. Vi pulls away with a hum and licks her lips.

"Orange? What are you cooking up?" she asks, the taste lingering and bringing her a little more confidence that they wouldn't have to resort to pizza.

Caitlyn flushes a little. "Orange honey glazed salmon. Jayce helped, well Jayce did most of it. But I taste tested..." She assured and Vi nods fondly, choosing not to mention that she didn't trust Caitlyn's tongue. In this context at least. She was pretty sure those tastebuds had died the moment she ate Benzo's pre-packed boiled eggs.

Vi musters up her smarmiest grin, letting her eyes drag deliberately down Caitlyn's form before meeting her gaze again.

"Tastes sweet like you." she purrs, pleased when a fresh wave of pink spreads across her girlfriend's cheeks.

Dinner was a more than pleasant affair, the food was delicious enough that Vi made a mental note to thank Jayce later for what she knew was his divine intervention.

Her stomach felt wonderfully sated as they finished up, though another kind of hunger was starting to make itself known. She sat across from Caitlyn at the dining room table, deliberately running her foot against her girlfriend's leg under the table.

"This was really nice..." Vi mumbled appreciatively, watching as Caitlyn nodded proudly at the complement. The candlelight caught in her dark hair, making it shimmer, and Vi found herself mesmerized by how the soft glow played across her features.

"Can you believe it only takes fifteen minutes to cook," Caitlyn mused, cutting into her perfectly flaky salmon. "I always thought you had to cook it for at least an hour." She took another bite, oblivious to Vi's carefully neutral expression.

Vi refrained from commenting on Caitlyn's warmed perception of cooking times. Instead she reached across the table to take Caitlyn's free hand, stroking her thumb across her knuckles.

She admired Caitlyn's pride over the meal, but her own thoughts had drifted far from food.

She trailed her foot higher up Cait's calf, letting her toes trace meaningfully along the curve of her leg. When that elicited no response beyond a content hum as Caitlyn savored another bite, Vi resorted to more obvious tactics. She brought Cait's captured hand to her lips. Pressing slow, deliberate kisses to each knuckle while maintaining heated eye contact.

Still nothing. Caitlyn simply launched into an enthusiastic explanation of the marinade recipe.

Vi wondered, with fond exasperation, if she would need to draw a diagram. She settled for sliding her chair closer, letting her knee press firmly against Caitlyn's thigh under the table. That finally drew Caitlyn's attention away from her salmon.

"Wait," Caitlyn said suddenly, placing a hand on Vi's wandering knee. "I want to, but I have something for you first."

Vi perked up, drawing her knee back. "Is this what Powder was helping you with?"

Caitlyn's face fell into a pout. "She told you already?"

Vi shook her head quickly. "Only that you needed her help with it."

Relief flooded Caitlyn's features, a smile spreading across her face as she stood abruptly. "Okay, wait here."

Caitlyn returned as quick as she left, a brown envelope clutched to her chest, vibrating with barely contained excitement. Vi raised an eyebrow, bemused at her girlfriend's behaviour.

"A card?" Vi questioned, but Caitlyn shook her head, thrusting the envelope towards her with an eager gesture for her to open it.

Vi shrugged, still perturbed by the mysterious presentation, and took the envelope. She slid her finger under the flap, breaking the seal, and pulled out what appeared to be a letter. A quick scan showed the familiar Piltover Academy crest stamped at the top left corner. Vi's expression shifted into a frown.

"What is this?" Vi asked, scanning the document with growing unease as she recognition slowly dawned.

Vi had memorized the original document word for word. She'd pored over every line the day it had been handed to her like a lifeline. A way to rescue her baby sister from the wreckage life had dealt them after Vander's death.

Every clause, every condition had been etched into her memory as she'd made sure Powder would get every possible opportunity. But now, as she flipped through the amended version, her stomach sank deeper with each missing contingency clause she'd once known by heart.

She needed Caitlyn to confirm what she was seeing before jumping to conclusions, but the knot in her gut told her she already knew. The clauses that had kept her up at night, that had driven her to push herself beyond her limits. They were conspicuously absent from these pristine new pages. She huffed, a sharp exhale that made the paper tremble in her increasingly tight grip.

Caitlyn leaned forward eagerly. "I spoke with Mel and the scholarship committee. They've agreed to amend the terms to remove these barbaric contingency clauses.”

Vi stared down at the paper, her jaw clenching tighter with each line she read. There, at the top of the document in bold typeface, was her sister's name. 'Amended and Restated Scholarship Agreement party to Piltover Academy and Powder Walden.'

"Why would you do this?" Vi's voice came out low and carefully measured.

Caitlyn smiled, seemingly oblivious to Vi's growing distress. "Well, Powder came to me first with the idea... though I must admit I was already looking into it."

Vi felt her simmering anger building on learning Powder was in on this. Of course she was.

"I couldn't stand the idea of you, or anyone else, being under the thumb of the academy like this. It's ridiculous!" Caitlyn continues and Vi interrupts.

"You shouldn't have done this. Powder shouldn't have gone to you." She states through gritted teeth, standing from the table abruptly. Her chair scraping noisily against Caitlyn's kitchen tile with the quick movement.

Caitlyn looks confused and glances down to the paper and back up to Vi's face questioning. "Why? I thought you'd be happy about this?"

Vi feels her irritation building though she's not quite sure who at. She knows she should be happy but she's not. If anything she's angry. "You can't just interfere in things like this." Vi snaps as she begins pacing the kitchen. Caitlyn watches stoic, almost frozen in place as Vi squeezes her eyes tightly shut. "I didn't ask for your help."

Vi couldn't help but feel like she was being ganged up on from all sides. First, it had been Benzo with his endless droning about the future, about how she was meant for more than just being a gym rat. Then Powder, constantly harping on about 'potential' and how Vi was wasting her life...

And now Caitlyn.

That stung the most. Vi had thought Caitlyn was different, that she understood. But here she was, just like everyone else, treating Vi's life choices like they were just some temporary phase she needed to grow out of. Like they were all just waiting around for Vi to 'get serious' and move on to something they deemed more worthwhile.

The thought made her chest tight. Was that what Caitlyn really thought of her? That she was just killing time at the academy until she finally came to her senses?

Vi feels like a kettle about to boil over, pressure building beneath her skin with nowhere to go. Her hands won't stop shaking, and she clenches them into fists at her sides as she continues her frantic pacing.

"I don't understand. Why are you upset about this?" Caitlyn asks, her expression calm, practically flat in comparison to the wild variety of emotion flitting across Vi's face.

"Why am I upset?" She scoffs. "Maybe because you're getting involved in something that has nothing to do with you!" She exclaims and instantly regrets her outburst when Caitlyn's expression falls into hurt. Though she's quick to regroup and suddenly she's blank again.

Caitlyn crosses her arms tightly across her chest. "Well, I apologize for thinking my girlfriend's life had something to do with me!" She bites and it's cold, sarcastic.

Vi scoffs in response.

"I won't apologise for righting a wrong," Caitlyn adds in defence and Vi rolls her eyes.

"Oh, my hero!" Vi cries, throwing her hands up before shaking her head. She needs to leave before she makes things worse. She's making her way out of the kitchen when Caitlyn quickly follows.

"Where are you going?" she asks quickly and Vi avoids catching her eye as she hastily stuffs her feet into her boots.

"I just... I need some space..." She mumbles and winces when she hears Cait's breath catch. Her hands find the doorknob, stilling at Caitlyn's next words.

"Will you come back?" Caitlyn asks and Vi hates the way it comes out small and hurt. But it only confirms that leaving right now is the right choice because she doesn't want to ruin this night any further.

"Not tonight," she answers softly. Caitlyn's sharp intake of breath causes her heart to squeeze painfully, but it doesn't deter her from opening the door and slipping out.

Vi sighs as she makes her way down the dimly lit corridor, each step slower than the last. She pauses at the end of the hallway, turning back to stare at Caitlyn's door, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. The urge to go back, to fix this, gnaws at her chest but she shakes her head, forcing herself to turn away.

She continues down the hall, coming to a stop outside another door near the stairwell. Her first knock gets no response, so she raps her knuckles harder against the wood. A muffled thump sounds from inside, followed by the shuffling of feet.

When the door swings open, Jayce stands there in nothing but heart-patterned boxers. Sporting what has to be the most catastrophic bedhead Vi has ever witnessed. She lets out a weary sigh as he blinks at her through barely-open eyes.

Vi jerks her head back toward Caitlyn's apartment, her voice rough when she speaks. "She needs you."

Without waiting for his response, she turns and heads for the stairs. The moment she pushes through the building's front door, the evening air hits her like a slap to the face. She wraps her arms around herself, shivering against the cold. She hadn't thought to grab a coat on her way out earlier that evening.

Vi had been so sure she'd be spending the night wrapped in the warmth of Caitlyn's arms instead.

Chapter Text

Vi barely makes it through the door of her apartment before collapsing onto her bed fully clothed.

She stares up at the ceiling, her mind racing with the evening's events. The anger simmers beneath her skin, refusing to dissipate no matter how many times she tries to rationalise it away.

Being the worst girlfriend in the world by ditching Cait on Valentine's Day only adds to the crushing weight in her chest. Her feelings of guilt so unyielding that she decided to punish herself by falling asleep in jeans. She replays every moment.

The anger keeps circling back, a relentless cycle that leaves her unsure who she's most furious with. Cait for not understanding, Powder for putting her in this position, or herself for handling it all so poorly.

Sleep comes in fitful bursts, and when her alarm blares at six, it feels like she's barely closed her eyes. A mere blink and it was morning. The thought of facing Sevika in the ring makes her groan, but skipping isn't an option. she needs the outlet, needs to move, to do something with all this pent up energy.

Dragging herself to the bathroom, Vi grimaces at her reflection.

Dark circles shadow her eyes, and her face looks as exhausted as she feels. She splashes ice cold water over her skin, hoping it will shock some life back into her system. She can't afford to be off her game with Sevika. Even if every part of her wants to crawl back into bed and forget the world exists.

Vi thinks she makes herself look somewhat presentable to the world but the moment Sevika sets eyes on her zombified corpse traipsing into the ring, she raises an eyebrow. "You look like shit." she comments quite bluntly and doing little to bolster Vi's already crashing self-esteem. "What happened to you?" She tosses the roll of tape to Vi who sets about winding it around her knuckles, whilst avoiding eye contact.

Normally Vi would protest at the offending remark, maybe pout a little, but today she just shrugs. "Nothing," she mutters between the end of the tape now trapped in her teeth to ease the process of wrapping her hands.

Sevika narrows her eyes at Vi's short response but thankfully she was never one to pry. Instead she sets about stretching and shaking out her muscles in preparation.

Today Vi did not remark on her bones being old as per usual. Instead she finishes wrapping her hands and waits patiently for Sevika to raise up the pads.

Sevika finishes warming up but rather than raising the pads, her eyes drift pointedly to the gloves lying in the corner of the ring. Vi shakes her head and readies her fists, gesturing impatiently for Sevika to get them started. She doesn't want the extra layer today. She wants to feel it. She wants her knuckles to bleed.

Sevika purses her lips and doesn't make a move. "Gloves on, Vi," she states, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Vi frowns stubbornly and opens her mouth to protest but is interrupted by the sound of velcro as Sevika makes to remove the pad from her hand.

"Fine!" Vi bites out and snatches up the gloves. Putting them on with jerky movements all the while glaring at Sevika who remains unblinking and unphased in the face of Vi's righteous fury.

Only when Vi has the gloves securely taped over her hands does Sevika silently raise the pads.

Vi is on her in an instant. Her fists, now protected by the gloves, thumping against the leather held securely in Sevika's grip with more intensity than usual. If Sevika is surprised by the show of force she doesn't show it. She remains steadfast in shifting the pads left right up and down in their well practised warm up routine.

It should be easy but Vi can feel herself losing focus as her mind wanders to the previous evening. She can feel the flow of her movements becoming jagged as her simmering anger returns to the surface.

"Sloppy." Sevika comments as Vi's fist connects with the bottom corner of the pad instead of the centre in her attempt at what would normally be an easy hook.

Vi grits her teeth, choosing to remain silent. They continue the routine and Vi's focus strays again. Sevika taps the pad on her head chidingly when she fails to weave under her jab in time. It's a condescending tap.

"Focus Vi." She comments again, it's said absently but it only serves to further Vi's underlying frustration.

Vi grunts this time and jabs wildly in Sevika's direction, losing sight of her form which is then kindly pointed out by Sevika, "Poor form."

Maybe Vi boils over.

Panting heavily she wipes her arm across her forehead to move the sweaty strands of pink hair out of her sightline. She is then squaring her shoulders and moving into Sevika's space with renewed energy. And maybe she had been holding back on her speed a little over the past few years because her fists fly in quick succession. Jabbing into the pattern of pads with ease and power. She doesn't even recognise Sevika's fallen behind. Suddenly her padded fist is connecting with the side of Sevika's face with way too much force for a sparring session.

Sevika grunts at the impact as she stumbles back a little. Vi's mouth drops open in horror as her hands flop to her sides. "Shit, sorry I didn't mean-"

Vi is cut off by a raised pad that implores her to stop talking and she snaps her mouth shut. Sevika shuts her eyes tightly and sighs deeply. She rolls her tongue over the corner of her mouth to check if she's bleeding before stretching out her jaw.

"I'm so-" Vi starts again as her stomach sinks but Sevika interrupts with an icy tone.

"Do you remember the rules, Vi?"

Vi sags a little at the tone. She hadn't needed to be reminded of Sevika's 'rules' in a long time. Not for years. Suddenly she feels eighteen again, still freshly mourning the loss of Vander and angry at the world. Sevika giving her this outlet for her fury on the condition that she abide by her strict code.

"Well?" Sevika asks, her tone cold.

"Controlled anger only..." Vi sighs as she lifts her right glove to her teeth, unlatching the velcro and sliding it off.

Sevika nods and then continues expectantly. "And the other one?" She prompts impatiently.

Vi shrugs as she twists the left glove off and tosses them in the corner of the ring.

"Say it or we don't spar again."

Vi's head snaps over in disbelief but she knows Sevika's serious. She never says anything she's not willing to follow through on.

"Can't hurt myself..." Vi mumbles petulantly as her eyes fall to her wrapped wrists with mournful eyes.

"You broke both rules today." Sevika comments as she unlatches the pads from her hands and throws them on top of Vi's abandoned gloves. Her eyes bore deep into Vi's soul.

Vi sags against the ropes at the intense look.

"Are you going to say 'nothing' if I ask what happened again?" Sevika asks.

Vi stares at her hands, picking at a loose thread in the tape. The urge to deflect is strong, but something in Sevika's steady gaze makes her pause. "Cait," she finally mutters, the words bitter on her tongue. "I fucked it all up."

Sevika walks over and leans against the ropes next to Vi, saying nothing. Her silent presence is enough to make Vi's shoulders slump as she launches into a detailed retelling of the previous evening.

Vi balls her hands into fists, staring down at the worn mat beneath her feet. "I'm not wrong though, am I?" The words burst out of her like they've been burning a hole in her chest. "I'm not some... some charity case she needs to keep fighting the school board over! If I cared, I would've fought for this myself. I don't need her trying to fix my life like I'm some project."

She pushes off the ropes, pacing now, her frustration building with each step. "I mean, she didn't even ask me if I wanted her help. Just like the medical thing. She just... decided. Like somehow she knows better than me what I need. Like I haven't been managing fine on my own all this time."

Vi stops suddenly, turning to face Sevika with a look that's more uncertain than angry now. "Right?"

When Vi finally stops talking, Sevika lets out a contemplative hum, digesting the story. The sound echoes in the quiet gym, mixing with the distant whir of the ceiling fans.

"That's the problem though, kid." Sevika finally says, her voice measured. "You don't can't." She shifts against the ropes, fixing Vi with that penetrating stare that always makes her feel like Sevika can see right through her. "You don’t fight for yourself. And then you get defensive when anyone notices and tries to fight for you."

Vi's breath catches in her throat at Sevika's words.

The truth of them hits her like a physical blow, and she slumps back against the ropes, anger deflating into something more vulnerable. She's spent so long convincing herself she doesn't need anything, or anyone, that the idea of someone fighting for her feels almost foreign. It makes her feel useless.

Sevika's words echo in her head, cutting through the layers of defensive anger she's built up. Maybe Caitlyn isn't trying to fix her, maybe she's just doing what Vi's never learned to do for herself. The thought settles uncomfortably in her chest, mixing with the guilt that's been steadily growing since last night.

"She still should've talked to me first," Vi protests weakly, even as the fight drains from her voice. "These aren't the kind of things people should involve themselves in..."

Sevika nods slowly, measuring her next words. "Sure. But how much you want to bet it was Powder who roped her into this?"

Vi exhales heavily, running a hand through her sweat dampened hair. The truth of Sevika's words settles over her like a weight. Of course it was Powder.

Sevika's lips quirk up in a knowing smirk. "The kid's persistent, I'll give her that." She shifts her weight, meeting Vi's gaze. "And she's got just as much right to ask for this as you. It's her name on that paper after all."

Vi shakes her head, frustration creeping back into her voice. "She knows I didn't want this. Didn't want Cait getting wrapped up in all this stuff." Her fingers drum against the rope in agitation. "It's exactly why she went behind my back with it."

Sevika shrugs in acknowledgment, her expression neutral. "Probably."

Vi's jaw clenches as a familiar anger starts building in her chest. "It's just like what happened with Sarah," she bites out, her voice tight with frustration. "I've already talked to Powder about it. So many times. I've told her I don't need people trying to fix my life for me."

Her hands ball into fists at her sides as she starts pacing again, movements sharp and agitated. "It's like she refuses to believe I can look after myself when I've been the one looking after her for years! I shouldn't have to keep repeating myself."

Sevika watches Vi's pacing with a contemplative expression. After a moment, she speaks, her voice measured but pointed. "Maybe she doesn't want you to spend your life looking after her anymore."

Vi scoffs, the sound sharp and incredulous, as if the very idea was preposterous. "Of course I'm going to look after her. That's what I'm supposed to do. She's my baby sister!"

Sevika's expression remains unchanged as she says flatly, "She's eighteen, Vi."

"So?" Vi snaps back, her shoulders tensing. "She still needs me!"

Sevika shakes her head slowly, her gaze unwavering. "I think you need her to need you, kid."

Vi puffs up, fury radiating off her in waves as she glares at Sevika. The words feel like an insult to everything she's done over the years, every sacrifice she's made, every burden she's shouldered. All of it for Powder. And now Sevika was saying she did it out of her own selfishness?

"That's not true," she mutters, her voice cold as ice as she ducks under the ropes and makes a hasty exit.

Sevika doesn't call after her.

Vi slams her apartment door with more force than necessary, her boots leaving angry scuff marks on the floor as she stomps inside.

The aborted workout leaves her muscles twitching with pent-up energy, desperate for the release she's been denied. Her morning routine is shot to hell and she can feel the day spiraling before it's even properly begun.

For a brief moment, she entertains the idea of calling in sick. The thought of spending the day wallowing in her apartment is tempting, but she knows better. Being alone with her thoughts rarely leads anywhere good, and her knuckles have enough scars without adding more.

She's halfway through zipping up her work overalls when her phone chimes with that distinctive tone she set for Powder. Vi's jaw clenches as she swipes open the message.

Pow: Sooooooo?

Pow: Am I a genius or what?

Pow: You're welcome by the way :)

Vi scoffs and jabs at her phone's power button, watching with satisfaction as the screen goes dark. She tosses it onto her bed. Before the temptation to fire back something she'll regret later grows to strong.

As she continues getting ready, pulling on her work boots with perhaps more force than necessary, her conversation with Sevika keeps replaying in her mind. The realisation that Caitlyn had been caught in Powder's schemes all along only deepens the pit in her stomach. She'd taken out her frustration on her girlfriend. Effectively ruining their first Valentine's Day together.

The thought makes her pause halfway through lacing her boots, a wave of guilt washing over her. But it quickly transforms into renewed anger at Powder. None of this would have happened if her sister had just respected her wishes and stayed out of her business.

Vi yanks her laces tight, double knotting them with sharp, aggressive movements. Her she was, yet again, stuck dealing with the fallout of her sister's attempted intervention.

Her phone buzzes in her pocket, probably another message from Powder, but she ignores it as she grabs her work bag. The sooner she gets this day over with, the better.

She heads straight for the academy, a dark cloud looming over her head as she pushes through the front doors. Her first stop is Caitlyn's lab, she knows she needs to apologize, and the lab is usually where she can find her girlfriend at this hour.

Vi rehearses what she's going to say as she climbs the stairs, already preparing her best puppy dog eyes.

When she reaches the classroom she's brought up short by the sight of a woman who is definitely not Caitlyn sitting at her girlfriend's desk. Though there is a slight resemblance.... Vi notices with narrowed eyes that she's moving Caitlyn's carefully arranged pencils around. Something her girlfriend would hate.

"Who are you?" Vi asks, perhaps a bit too bluntly for addressing a complete stranger, but she's running on two hours of sleep and just wants to beg forgiveness from her girlfriend.

The woman startles, jerking her hands away from the pens as she twists to look at Vi in the doorway. "Oh my, well hello there." She stands, brushing off her skirt and giving an awkward wave. "Matilda, Ms Matilda. I'm the substitute filling in for Professor Kiramman..." She holds up her lanyard with her ID as evidence.

Vi frowns. The woman's accent is stronger than Caitlyn’s and Vi can’t place it. "Substitute?"

The woman hesitates. "Yes, is this not the physics lab? I was told room 516...?"

"Why does she need a substitute?" Vi demands.

The woman blinks, seemingly taken aback. "Well, I assume because she's quite poorly!" She chuckles, flapping her hands as she waits for Vi to at least grace her with a smile.

Vi instead furrows her brow, trying to recall if Caitlyn had seemed off the previous evening. Her heart squeezes tightly as worry burrows its way into her skull. "Okay, thanks..." she mutters, turning to leave.

"Wait!" the woman calls after her.

Vi twists back, raising her eyebrows expectantly. Half her mind already on Caitlyn and wondering if she can make it to her apartment before her shift.

Ms Matilda flushes as Vi eyes her. "Yeah?" Vi asks after the woman just stares for a long moment.

Somehow the woman turns an even brighter red and splutters, "I didn't get your name?"

Vi's eyes dart to the clock as she mentally calculates how many minutes she would have for her apology if she made a break for it now. "Vi, the Janitor," she replies, backing out of the room. "Listen, I've got to go. Sorry..."

As she exits, Matilda seems to deflate. Vi pauses and pokes her head back through the door. "Ms Matilda?"

The woman perks up and smiles at Vi, who has one eye on the clock. "Yes?"

"You shouldn't touch those pens. Professor Kiramman likes them like that," she informs absently as she makes to leave.

"Oh... My apologies…" Matilda mumbles after Vi as she makes her hasty exit.

Vi whips around the corner. Her boots squeaking against the freshly waxed floors as she mentally calculates the distance to Caitlyn's apartment. If she sprints, she might just have time to-

THUD.

Her body collides with someone else's, the impact forcing a small "oof" from them both. Vi's hands instinctively shoot out to steady the other person. Grabbing their shoulders before they can stumble backwards.

"Sorry, I wasn't-" The words die in her throat as she finds herself staring into familiar blue eyes. Powder looks back at her, lips pressed into a thin line. Her expression caught between hurt and defiance.

"Oh. It's you." Vi says flatly, dropping her hands from her sister's shoulders like they've been burned.

Powder crosses her arms, tilting her chin up. "You're ignoring my texts."

Vi checks her watch, jaw clenching. She doesn't have time for this. "I'm working," she mutters, already moving to step around her sister.

"Vi-" Powder starts, but Vi's already brushing past her. Continuing down the hallway at an even faster pace than before.

"Not now, Powder." she calls over her shoulder, refusing to look back and see the expression she knows will be on her sister's face.

The sound of rapid footsteps echoes behind her, and Vi grits her teeth. Of course Powder wouldn't let this go.

"Hey!" Powder calls out, jogging to catch up. "You can't just walk away from me!"

Vi whirls around, her patience finally snapping. "Why not? You seem to have no problem going behind my back!"

"I was trying to help you!" Powder protests, her voice rising with frustration.

"I never asked you for help!" Vi shoots back, her words sharp and cutting.

Powder's eyes flash with anger. "Well, why not? You don't have a monopoly on caring for people, you know!"

Vi takes a step closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You just couldn't let me have this one thing, could you? It's Sarah all over again!"

Powder's lip trembles slightly, but her gaze remains defiant. "I told you that was an accident."

Vi scoffs, the sound bitter and harsh. "And I guess this is too?"

"You're being really mean right now!" Powder's voice cracks slightly, hurt bleeding through her anger. “Just because you’re scared-”

"I’m not scared!" Vi spits out, watching her sister flinch at the accusation. "Everything is ruined now, and it's because you couldn't mind your own business!"

Powder's eyes begin to glisten, but she blinks rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall. "Text me when your head out of your ass," she hisses, her voice filled with acid. She turns away and storms down the corridor.

A shrill bell cuts through the tension, signaling the start of classes.

Vi curses under her breath, yanking her phone from her pocket to check the time. Her stomach drops as she confirms what she already knows, she's officially late for her shift.

She huffs in frustration, shoving her phone back into her pocket. Any hope of seeing Caitlyn will have to wait until her lunch break. The thought of waiting that long makes her chest tight, but she doesn't have much choice.

Not unless she wants to add unemployment to her growing list of problems.

Vi barely makes it through to lunch. Her fingers drumming an anxious rhythm against any available surface as she watches the clock tick by with agonising slowness.

The morning passes in a blur of cleaning supplies and avoiding eye contact. Her movements mechanical as she goes through the motions of her usual routine.

When the lunch bell finally rings, she's already positioned herself strategically near the canteen entrance. Armed with her mop and a glare that sends even the most stubborn stragglers scurrying to finish their meals. If she happens to clean a little closer to some tables than strictly necessary, well, that's just thorough custodial work.

She's in the middle of what could qualify as an Olympic speed mopping event when she hears Benzo's voice calling from the kitchen doorway. A groan escapes her as she spots his characteristic wave.

"Listen Benz, I've gotta-" she starts, already inching toward the exit.

"Hold your horses, Violet!" he interrupts cheerfully, clapping a hand on her shoulder that roots her in place. Vi bites back another groan, trying not to let her impatience show as she shifts from foot to foot.

"I wanted you to be the first to know," he continues, grinning broadly. "I've put in my notice!"

Vi, who had been eyeing the door and plotting her escape, whips her head back around so fast she nearly gives herself whiplash. "You what?" she asks, blinking rapidly as she processes his words.

Benzo chuckles and shakes his head. "I'm retiring, Vi!" He exclaims, wiping his hands on his apron and opening his arms wide expectantly. Vi falls into his arms absently as she processes the words whilst being squeezed half to death. Only when her lungs begin to collapse does she squirm for release.

"Retiring?" She chokes out on release as she attempts to catch her breath.

"Yep!" Benzo beams, practically bouncing on his heels. "Finally gonna take that trip to Ionia I’ve been talking about for years!"

You always wanted to see the blossoming of the spirit trees..." Vi forces a smile, trying to match his enthusiasm even as her mind races with implications. This was too fast. "But why now?" Vi asks, frowning as she leans against her mop handle. "I thought you were waiting until Ekko graduated?"

Benzo's smile dims slightly. "Well, Principal Medarda made some changes to the scholarship contracts. Updated some clauses." He shrugs, but Vi can see the tension in his shoulders. "Was planning to wait and take the trip next spring, but..." He trails off, his weathered hands fidgeting with his apron strings.

"But what?" Vi presses, a knot forming in her stomach.

Benzo's eyes crinkle at the corners as he gives her a gentle smile. "But us old folks, we've got to make the most of what time we have, you know? No point waiting around when the spirit trees are blooming now."

"You'll go alone?" Vi asks softly, watching as Benzo nods in affirmation.

"But don't you go feeling sorry for me!" he waves a finger at her, his eyes twinkling. "I could do with some alone time after all these years. Plus," he adds with a knowing smile, "Ekko's a man now, and I can always count on you to look out for him anyway."

Vi nods, something warm and familiar settling in her chest despite the chaos of the day. "Of course..."

Vi’s smile falters slightly as she glances at the clock. Time was slipping away, and she still hadn't found Caitlyn. "Listen, Benz, I'm really happy for you, but I've got to-"

Benzo chuckles and waves her off. "Kiramman? Ah, young love..." He gives her a knowing wink before turning back toward the kitchen.

Vi's barely made it through the canteen doors when another voice calls out to her. She checks her phone, resisting the urge to cry at the time displayed on the screen.

"Hey Vi!"

Groaning, she slows her walk as Ekko jogs up to her side. "Ekko, I really don't have time-" Vi side-eyes the door to the building as they walk.

"Powder's really upset." He states seriously as they slow to a stop at his words.

"I know." Vi responds, stoic.

"She really didn't mean to break you guys up..." he says slowly and Vi pauses.

"We didn't break up!" She states in alarm.

"And she didn't mean to break you and Sarah up either." Vi balks at his words.

"We weren't even together! I know she didn't... I shouldn’t have said that, okay?" She pinches the bridge of her nose. "Listen I'll deal with Powder later okay, I need to speak with-"

Ekko huffs, crossing his arms across his chest. "You're not listening."

Vi sighs and pulls her eyes away from the clock. "What?" She asks, quirking an eyebrow.

Ekko glances around as if worried someone will overhear. There are students still milling about for the end of lunch, and he grabs her by the elbow, pulling her out of the door and into the academy courtyard. It's mostly empty with the majority of students already on their way back to class.

"She's been acting different this year..." Vi frowns.

"Different how?" Vi asks, crossing her arms.

Ekko glances around conspiratorially. "It's eating her alive... the guilt."

Vi shakes her head. "Guilt about what? The Sarah thing? Listen, I don't even care-"

"No! The guilt about you!"

Vi scoffs, "We've already spoken about that..."

Ekko sighs, "Do you remember her birthday this year?"

Vi sighs impatiently, "Listen Ekko, where is this going?"

"Do you remember?"

Vi rolls her eyes, "Yeah she was upset the whole night, wouldn't tell me why."

"She told me. You want to know what she said?" Ekko asked with wide imploring eyes.

"You're gonna to tell me anyways."

"She said she couldn't imagine having the burden of a kid at this age." He says solemnly and Vi shakes her head.

"She wasn't a burden."

"That's how she feels. Like she's some weight anchoring you to this school for the past seven fucking years Vi. She feels like she stuck you in Stillwater or something!"

Vi sighs running her hand over her face tiredly. It felt like they were having the same conversations over and over. "It's not like that."

"Whatever fucked up guilt you have about Vander. She feels the same about you. That's why she's always trying so hard to get you to move on!" Ekko is pacing now. His uniform is thoroughly ruffled as he waves his hands around to emphasise his points.

"That's what you both don't get. I don't want to move on, I like it here."

Ekko turns to her, eyes narrowed. "Will you still like it after we leave?"

Vi's jaw clenches at Ekko's words, her eyes fixed on a point in the distance. The question hits too close to home, echoing the doubts she's been trying to silence. She opens her mouth to respond, but the shrill ring of the warning bell cuts through the air, saving her from having to answer.

"Okay, little man," Vi sighs, running a hand through her hair. "I'll talk to her. We just… we both need some time to cool off first."

Ekko's shoulders visibly relax at her words, a small but relieved smile tugging at his lips. He gives her a quick nod of understanding before turning back toward the academy building, leaving Vi alone with her thoughts.

Her eyes drift to her phone, thumb hovering over Powder's contact. The weight of their argument and Ekko's words sits heavy in her stomach. Miingling with the anxiety of not being able to catch Caitlyn. The thought of missing yet another chance to talk to her girlfriend makes Vi's chest constrict painfully, but she forces herself to take a steadying breath.

She knows she needs to fix both situations. But right now, she can barely sort through the tangled mess of her own emotions. With a resigned sigh, Vi pockets her phone and heads back inside. She'll have to trust that both relationships would last another three hours.

Right now, all she can do is focus on getting through the rest of her shift without completely losing her mind.

Vi slouches in her desk chair, tossing a small rubber ball rhythmically into the air. The familiar motion helps her think as she tries to untangle the mess of conversations from today. Behind her, Loris watches from his perch, occasionally offering supportive grunts.

"Okay, so..." Vi catches the ball and holds it, staring at the ceiling. "First Sevika tells me I'm selfish, then Benzo drops the retirement bomb..." She resumes throwing the ball. "And Ekko comes at me with all this stuff about Powder feeling guilty?"

grunt

"I mean, I get it. Sort of." The ball makes a soft thwacking sound as it hits her palm. "Powder's always pushing me to do more, be more. But she doesn't get that I'm actually happy here." She pauses, remembering Ekko's pointed question. "Or... at least I thought I was."

concerned grunt

"And Benzo..." Vi misses a catch, the ball bouncing off her forehead. "He's leaving too. Everyone's leaving." She retrieves the ball from under her desk, her movements slower now. "Maybe they're right. Maybe I have been using Powder as an excuse to stay stuck."

disagreeing grunt

"But that's the thing, isn't it?" Vi spins her chair to face Loris. "I didn't stay because I had to. I stayed because... because after Vander..." She swallows hard. "Because this place, these people - they became home. And now everyone's moving on, and I'm just... here."

sympathetic grunt

Vi throws the ball particularly hard, watching it bounce off the ceiling. "And now I've gone and messed things up with Cait too..." She catches the ball and squeezes it tight. "She was just trying to help, and I just... I got defensive. Like I always do."

encouraging grunt

"Yeah, yeah, I know what you're going to say." Vi sighs, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "I need to apologize. To both of them." She sits up straighter, determination settling over her features. "And maybe... maybe it's time I started thinking about what I want. Not what Powder needs, or what anyone else thinks I should do. Just... me."

enthusiastic grunt

"Thanks for the talk, Lorry." Vi stands, tossing the ball onto her desk. "You always know what to say to make me feel better. You really have a way with words."

The sudden click of heels in the hallway makes Vi freeze.

Through the window of her office, she spots Principal Medarda approaching, and her heart sinks. Whatever clarity she'd just found would have to wait. It seemed the universe had one more conversation in store for her today.

"Vi? Do you have a moment?" Mel's voice is smooth and professional as she steps into the doorway. The principal acknowledges Loris with a polite nod. "Loris, you can clock off early today. Thank you for your hard work."

Vi's brow furrows as she watches Loris gather his things. "Wait, who's covering the evening shift? Because I absolutely can't-" She glances at her phone, thinking of Caitlyn's apartment. "I have somewhere I need to be."

"Don't worry about the shift," Mel says, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She settles into the chair across from Vi's desk, her posture impeccable as always. "This won't take long."

"So... what's up?" Vi hedges, trying to read Mel's expression. The principal's face remains carefully neutral, which only serves to heighten Vi's anxiety.

Mel steeples her fingers, her expression softening slightly. "First, I want to apologize on behalf of the academy regarding the contingency clauses in your contract. They were... predatory, to say the least, and they will be removed for all staff, effective immediately."

Vi blinks, caught off guard. "Oh. Um, thanks?"

"You can thank Caitlyn for bringing it to our attention." Mel's lips quirk up slightly. "She's always had a strong sense of justice. Can't see a wrong without attempting to right it."

Mel stands, smoothing her skirt, but pauses before reaching the door. With deliberate movements, she removes her lanyard with 'PRINCIPAL' lettered across it.

"What I say next is in my capacity as a friend to Caitlyn and in no way as the principal of this academy. I can assure you there will be no repercussions on your work life or anything of the sort."

Vi shifts uncomfortably. "Uh, okay?"

Mel closes in with narrowed eyes and a cold stare, hissing, "You better fix this."

Vi swallows a lump in her throat and hastily nods. "Well, I'm heading to Cait's after my shift ends..." she says quickly.

Mel pulls back, surprised. "Oh... Really?"

Vi nods again and Mel clears her throat awkwardly. "Well then, you may also leave early."

Vi furrows her brows. "What about-"

"I'll do it," she answers primly.

"You're going to mop the floors?" Vi asks slowly.

Mel nods, waving her away. "Why not. How hard could it be?"

"Uhh, thanks?"

Mel waves her off. "Go to Caitlyn, I will be fine."

Vi nods and stands, making her way to the door.

She chances a glance over her shoulder and finds Mel picking up what is most definitely a broom and not a mop. Dipping it into the bucket of soapy water with a bemused expression. Turning, Vi shakes her head and hastily makes her exit before she can witness anymore crimes against the janitorial arts.

Vi pulls out her phone while walking to Cait's block, fingers hovering over the keyboard before typing:

'Hey, I know you probably don't want to talk to me right now, but I'm heading over. I really hope we can talk. I'm sorry.'

She stares at the message for a moment before hitting send. Her heart rate picking up as she watches the 'delivered' status appear with no immediate response. The walk to Caitlyn's apartment feels longer than usual, as she checks her phone repeatedly for any sign of a reply.

When she finally reaches Caitlyn's building, there's still no response. Vi takes a deep breath before heading up, her footsteps echoing in the empty stairwell. At Caitlyn's door, she raises her hand to knock, then hesitates. Another check of her phone... still nothing.

She knocks. Waits. Nothing.

Another knock, louder this time. The silence that follows is deafening.

"Cait?" she calls out, pressing her ear to the door. When several minutes pass with no response, she sighs and pulls out her key, turning it over in her hands.

If Caitlyn really didn't want to see her, she would have said something by now, right? After three attempts at knocking... Vi slides the key into the lock, her movements slow and deliberate.

The apartment is dark when she enters, the only light coming from the street lamps outside.

The rose petals from their failed Valentine's celebration are still scattered across the floor. A painful reminder. Vi's eyes adjust to the darkness, landing on what appears to be a massive pile of blankets on the couch. Weighted blankets layered on top of regular ones, forming a distinctly Caitlyn sized lump.

Vi bites her lip, approaching carefully. "Cait?" she calls softly. The blanket mountain doesn't stir. "Cait!" she tries again, slightly louder, but receives no response. Worry begins to gnaw at her stomach as she moves closer. Keeping her footsteps light in case Caitlyn is actually asleep.

A soft touch at the edge of one blanket and Vi starts peeling them back carefully, layer by layer. As she reaches for what appears to be the final blanket, a swift movement catches her off guard. Before she can react, a precise jab hits her directly in the throat.

Vi collapses forward with an undignified sound, gasping and clutching at her neck as she lands on top of Caitlyn.

"Vi? Oh my!" Caitlyn's voice rings out loudly. Through watering eyes, Vi barely registers Caitlyn sliding a pair of headphones off her head and tossing them onto the couch beside her. Gentle hands reach up to cup Vi's neck, thumbs smoothing over the tender skin.

"Are you okay?" Caitlyn asks while Vi continues to choke.

"You punched me in the neck!" Vi manages to cry out indignantly.

"You scared me!" Caitlyn defends.

Vi's eyes widen. "You throat jabbed me!"

Caitlyn continues rubbing Vi's neck even as she scoffs, "You snuck up on me! What are you even doing here?"

Vi holds up a finger as she finally manages to pull back and stand again.

"If you're here to break up with me, a simple text would have sufficed," Caitlyn sniffs.

Vi frowns. "Break up? Why would you- Wait." She pauses, taking in Caitlyn's appearance. "Are you wearing a cape?"

A flush spreads across Caitlyn's cheeks as she mumbles, "It's my comfort cape..."

Vi's brow furrows. "It's a vampire costume?"

Caitlyn narrows her eyes. "I like the feeling of the soft velvet against my skin. What are you doing here? Did you come just to make fun of me?" she demands, her tone icy though Vi can see the hurt she's trying to hide beneath the surface.

Vi glances around the apartment, taking in the scene properly for the first time. The rose petals from their failed Valentine's celebration still scattered across the floor. Their dirty dishes sitting untouched on the dining table. Four blankets are piled over Caitlyn's body, and Schrödinger's furry form is clutched tightly in her non-throat-jabbing fist.

Her eyes soften. "No, I came to apologize." Vi sighs, reaching up to fluff up her hair, and Caitlyn's eyes track the movement with fervent intensity. "I reacted... poorly..."

Caitlyn scoffs, "You left." She accuses, and her eyes worry over Vi's form as if scared she isn't really there.

"I came back?" Vi hedges, and Caitlyn rolls her eyes.

Vi sighs heavily, running a hand through her hair as she prepares to launch into an explanation. "Look, about yesterday, with my past and everything that happened with Powder-"

But before she can continue, Caitlyn reaches up and yanks her down unceremoniously.

Vi lets out a small "oof" as she lands on top of Caitlyn, who immediately begins wrapping them both in the layers of blankets, cocooning Vi into her front. Strong arms pull Vi tight against Caitlyn's chest, and Vi finds herself happily complying as Caitlyn arranges them into a snug bundle.

"We can talk later," Caitlyn murmurs, her voice soft but firm. "Just lay with me."

The warmth of their shared cocoon seeps into Vi's bones. Melting away the last remnants of tension from her shoulders. She can feel Caitlyn's heartbeat, steady and strong against her cheek, its rhythm a gentle lullaby that makes her eyelids grow heavy. Or maybe it was the two hours of sleep.

Here, wrapped in layers of blankets and Caitlyn's arms, the world outside feels distant and unimportant.

Vi shifts slightly, pressing herself closer. Breathing in the familiar scent of Caitlyn's perfume mixed with the fabric softener she always uses. She feels Caitlyn's fingers trail lazily up and down her spine, leaving trails of warmth in their wake. This feeling of complete safety is still new, still precious.

Caitlyn presses a soft kiss to the top of her head, and Vi's heart swells with an emotion so big it almost hurts. She's spent so much of her life being strong for others that she'd forgotten what it felt like to be held, to be cherished. But here, in Caitlyn's arms, she doesn't have to be anything but herself.

Vi smiles, nuzzling into Caitlyn's chest as warmth blooms in her own. The words slip out before she can stop them, muffled against soft fabric. "I think I'm in love with you."

"I know I'm in love with you." Caitlyn answers stoutly, her voice slightly muted under their mountain of blankets.

A long silence stretches between them before Vi slowly asks, "Cait..."

Caitlyn hums contentedly. "Yes, Violet?"

Vi squirms slightly in their blanket cocoon. "Is that your hand on my ass?"

"Yes." Caitlyn answers, punctuating her response with an affirming squeeze.

"Okay." Vi settles back against her, face flushing warm.

Chapter Text

“Cissy, you cannot be here! My father will not allow it!” Victoria cried anguished, her eyes wild as she tried to push the other woman away. It was no use, Cecilia’s stubborn build of sturdy muscle did not yield to Victoria’s fragile hands. Her bosom heaving with effort though she made little progress. “You must go before he learns of your presence!” Victoria urged, but it was no use.

“I do not care for what he allows!" Cecilia hissed, capturing both Victoria’s hands in one of hers. They were far. larger and her skin was callouseed in contrast with Victoria's softness. “Do you want me gone?” She asked, bending forward and lowering her head, insistent that their eyes meet.

“I- I do not know what I want!” Victoria sniffed, her hands falling limp at Cecilia’s touch.

“I do not believe that, my dear...” The hand not keeping Victoria’s own captive reaches up to caress the skin of her cheek. Earnestly brushing away an errant tear that had trailed its way down. Fingers slowly drift to her jaw and with little pressure, she tilts Victoria’s head upwards.

“Run away with me.”

Victoria found herself once again lost in Cecilia’s cerulean orbs-

Vi pauses her reading as a loud scoff sounds from above. Her eyes narrow at the page before shifting upwards to glare at Caitlyn. Or glare up Caitlyn's nostrils as that's all the angle would allow.

Caitlyn's fingers continue to card through Vi's hair unaware, or perhaps unaffected by the vitriolic stare now aimed in her direction.

"Hey!" Vi cries in indignation, "You said you wouldn't be judgy." she complains and Caitlyn hums nonplussed. Her fingers absentmindedly twisting Vi's hair in a soothing loose curl, before releasing and repeating.

"I'm sorry," Caitlyn responds, finally peering down to meet Vi's offended eyes. "It's just, really? Cerulean again?" She giggles and Vi pouts.

"It's romantic! And you asked me to read to you!" Vi cried, thoroughly vexed. Wiggling in Caitlyn's arms and making to leave her clutches. An expression of her displeasure.

Caitlyn wraps her blanket more tightly around them both to limit Vi's movements. "I'm sorry okay, I'll stop." She huffs refusing to release Vi. "Please continue, I missed your voice." She adds quietly and her hands twist and fidget with Vi's hair in a manner that betrays her anxiousness.

Vi laughs a little, despite her heart squeezing, as she returns her eyes to the book. Eyes tracking the words to try to find her last sentence... where was she… oh yeah, cerulean!

"Missed my voice?" Vi can't help but ask, bemused. "I was gone less than a day…"

Caitlyn makes a noise in acknowledgement before answering, "You talk a lot." And Vi cannot argue that. It would only prove Caitlyn’s point.

“You’ve caught me in a twenty two…” She mutters absently.

Caitlyn giggles, tapping on frame of Vi’s glasses with the nail of her pointer finger. “And you call me a nerd.”

Vi decides to ignore the comment. She opens her mouth to continue, having finally located where she left off before being rudely interrupted. Only to be interrupted once again. How rude!

Her phone vibrates in her back pocket and she groans, letting the book flop down onto her face. She makes no effort to reach for the phone.

"Cassandra's going to have it in for me on Thursday if I don't get through this chapter!" Vi complains even as Caitlyn's hand sidles its way around her waist under the blanket. Taking its sweet time as it slowly trails across Vi's rear and reaches into the pocket of her jeans.

“Please stop reminding me that my mother has read this.”

Vi yelps as she feels Caitlyn seize the device, along with an unnecessary handful of her person. Once again she finds herself glaring up her girlfriend's nostrils as she smirks smugly, reading the name on the screen.

"It's Jayce." Caitlyn sighs, sliding on the message and facing the phone down at Vi so that her face unlocks the screen. Vi squints up at the phone, the light reflecting off her glasses so she's sure Caitlyn could probably see the messages too.

"I think he's trying to threaten me..."

Caitlyn frowns and twists the phone around to assess said threats to her girlfriend. Vi watches her brow furrow as her eyes track back and forth.

Jayce: Caitlyn’s upset. You better fix this!

Jayce: You won't like me when I'm angry

Jayce: >:(

Caitlyn whistles lowly, "Wow, he is not scary at all." Vi nods in agreement.

"Ignore him?" she questions, eyeing the copy of 'Say Yes to Heaven' laying limp and unread on her lap.

Caitlyn puffs out a breath, "No, he'll just barge in here to keep me company."

Vi groans only to peek upwards when she hears the telltale shutter of her phone's camera. "Wha-"

Caitlyn turns the phone towards Vi and her eyes find a smug selfie of Caitlyn taken with a shock of pink hair in her lap. Vi's eyes turned away from the camera and staring at her abandoned book. The image perfectly capturing the despair in her eyes behind the thin golden frames of her glasses.

"Cait!" Vi cries, sitting up and snatching the phone. "He doesn't know I wear these! My reputation." She taps at the screen trying to remember how Powder had shown her to delete things, but her efforts are futile as Jayce begins typing on the other end. Vi mourns the loss of her carefully crafted image as Jayce replies.

Jayce: Oh… never mind!

Jayce: Vi wears glasses?!? So cute… ;-;

Jayce: I’m lonely again…

Vi groans as Caitlyn reads the reply over her shoulder with an amused breath out of her nose. She then locks the phone, tossing it to the other end of the couch, barely avoiding their toes. Turning swiftly to glare at Caitlyn. This time at her eyes instead of her nostrils and finds an entirely unapologetic expression in return.

"What?"

Vi is unamused, she moves to remove her glasses, but Caitlyn lightly smacks at her hands.

"No!"

It's a light touch and Vi is entirely offended though she doesn't move to take them off again.

Vi does roll her eyes as Caitlyn adjusts her frames to fix them straight. She then comments in a murmur as if voicing her thoughts out loud. "You do look cute." She says, pressing a short kiss to Vi's lips.

"That's not what I'm going for." Vi protests and Caitlyn eyes her judgementally.

"Well then, I'm sorry to say you're failing miserably."

Vi sighs and falls forward, knocking her forehead against Caitlyn's. "Despite your attitude, I missed your voice too."

The corner of Caitlyn's lips quirk upwards as her eyes roam over Vi's face taking everything in. They dart down to Vi's lips, before flying back up just as quick. Vi smirks.

"Speaking of voices... Would you like to talk now? About yesterday?" Caitlyn asks, closing her eyes as their faces remain pressed together. Caitlyn takes a steadying breath. Her voice is gentle but firm as she continues. "I didn't mean to overstep, but I'd like to understand why you reacted the way you did."

Vi stiffens slightly in her arms, the earlier contentment seeping away. She stays quiet for a long moment, face still pressed against Caitlyn's.

"Vi?" Caitlyn prompts softly, fingers reaching up to card through the pink hair as the base of Vi's neck.

Vi exhales heavily against Caitlyn's skin. "I..." she starts, then stops. Her fingers curl into the fabric of Caitlyn's cape. "I never finished school," she finally admits, voice barely above a whisper. "Don't even have a high school diploma."

Caitlyn's fingers pause briefly in their motions before resuming. "And you thought that would make me think less of you?"

Vi gives a small, jerky nod. "You're so... accomplished. And I'm just..." She trails off with a frustrated sound.

She falls silent again, struggling to find the right words. Caitlyn waits patiently, her steady presence and gentle touch encouraging Vi to continue at her own pace.

"After Vander died," Vi finally manages, her voice rough with emotion, "I tried to keep everything together. I really did... But between looking after Powder, trying to find better paying work, and school..." She shakes her head, now moving to press her face against Caitlyn's shoulder. "Something had to give."

Vi's fingers clench and unclench in Caitlyn's cape as the memories surface. "Later, when I tried to get better jobs, I thought maybe my experience would count for something. But they wouldn't even look at my applications. Just laughed me right out of their offices." The bitterness in her voice is sharp and raw. "They treated me like I was stupid, worthless, all because I didn't have that stupid piece of paper."

Her voice cracks slightly on the last words, the old humiliation still stinging after all this time. Caitlyn's arms tighten around her protectively, and Vi lets out a shaky breath.

Vi's jaw tightens as she remembers the countless interviews. "These guys who could barely string two words together would look at me like I was the idiot. Just because they had that diploma hanging on their wall." Her voice is quiet but raw with old hurt. "After enough rejections, you start believing it yourself, you know? That maybe they're right, maybe you really are just..." She trails off, unable to finish the thought.

"Then I got the academy job," Vi continues, her voice steadier now. "The pay was decent, nothing fancy, but enough to give Powder what she needed. It was... safe. Easy. I was good at it." She lets out a slow breath. "And somewhere along the way, I just... stopped pushing. Stopped trying for more."

Vi's thumb traces idle patterns on Caitlyn's skin as she speaks. "I told myself I was being responsible, you know? Not taking risks. Keeping things stable for once." A hint of self deprecation creeps into her voice. "Before I knew it, seven years had gone by, and I was so dug in I couldn't see past my own excuses anymore."

"When I met you, I didn't want to bring it up. Figured it wouldn't matter at first." Vi shifts slightly, pressing closer to Caitlyn's warmth. "But then we got more serious, and I met your friends, parents, and..." She swallows hard. "It just got harder to say anything. I didn’t want them to judge me. Didn't want to see that same look in their eyes.”

Vi lets out a bitter laugh. She presses her forehead against Caitlyn's shoulder, voice barely audible. Her words are barely a whisper against Caitlyn's skin, heavy with years of self-doubt. "I just... I didn't want to disappoint you."

Caitlyn's arms tighten around Vi, and she presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "Vi," she breathes, her voice thick with emotion, "you could never disappoint me."

Her fingers resume their soothing motion through Vi's hair as she continues, voice firm and unwavering. "What you did, choosing your sister, providing for her. Sacrificing your own dreams, that takes more strength and character than any diploma could ever show."

Vi tries to pull back, to hide her face, but Caitlyn catches her chin gently. "Look at me," she says softly, waiting until violet eyes meet hers. "You are one of the most brilliant, capable people I know. And if anyone ever made you feel otherwise, they were wrong." Her thumb strokes Vi's cheek tenderly. "So very wrong."

Vi's eyes are bright with unshed tears, but she manages a wobbly smile at Caitlyn's words.

The tightness in her chest loosens just a fraction. Years of shame and self-doubt beginning to crack under the weight of Caitlyn's unwavering faith in her. She burrows back into Caitlyn's embrace, letting out a shaky breath as gentle fingers resume their soothing patterns through her hair.

They stay like that for a while longer, Vi letting Caitlyn's steady heartbeat and gentle touch ground her. The vulnerability of the moment wraps around them, intimate and precious.

Caitlyn's voice is soft against Vi's temple. "Thank you for explaining it to me. I understand now." Her fingers continue their gentle caress, soothing and steady. "But Vi, you must know my intention was not to push you into something you're not ready for or have no interest in. It was simply to give you the option. A real choice. To give all the staff a choice."

Vi nods slowly. "I know." Her fingers absently trace patterns on Caitlyn's skin as she processes everything.

Caitlyn tenses slightly beneath her, and Vi can feel the shift in her energy. "It was to right the injustice of the academy against all the faculty," Caitlyn asserts, her voice filled with righteous anger. "It was unacceptable. When I learned of the scheme during our lunch with Ekko and Powder, I couldn't stand by. I had already gone to Mel the next day, and we had been working to rectify it for months. Simply abhorrent, the-"

"Wait," Vi interrupts, blanching. "Powder didn't come to you with this?"

Caitlyn shakes her head. "No, Mel and I had already been discussing the amendments for months. Powder just helped me iron out some details so we could finalise her agreement in time to surprise you..."

At that Vi groans, burying her head further into Caitlyn.

"What's wrong?" Caitlyn asks.

Vi sighs. "Nothing, I just might have to admit my sister was right about something."

Caitlyn frowns. "Oh no, don't do that... One time, in class, I misused the reduced Planck's in place of Planck's constant and she did not let me live it down... Silly error, I'm aware..."

Vi peeks up to find Caitlyn blushing slightly. She chuckles, "Babe, I have no idea what you're talking about..."

Caitlyn opens her mouth to explain, but Vi presses a finger to her lips. "I didn't say we should change that." Caitlyn presses a soft kiss to Vi's finger before gently pulling it away from her lips.

"I want you to understand something," she says, her voice gentle but earnest. "I don't want anything from you except for you to figure out what you want. What makes you happy."

Vi pauses at that, her brow furrowing slightly. "I..." she starts, then falls silent. After a moment, she lets out a small, frustrated laugh. "I've never really thought about it before."

Caitlyn's hand finds Vi's, squeezing gently. "That's okay. You can take all the time you need."

Vi shakes her head, a hint of disbelief in her voice. "I can't believe I don't know one single thing I like doing..."

A playful smirk curves Caitlyn's lips as she arches an eyebrow. "Oh, I can think of at least one thing you like doing."

Vi tilts her head. "What?"

Caitlyn's smile grows wider as she purrs, "Me." She shifts beneath Vi, sitting up slightly. The motion causes the blanket to slip, revealing that under her robe, she's completely bare.

"Oh!" Vi's eyes widen as realization hits her. "Wait, you were naked under there this whole time?" She curses herself for not noticing sooner.

Caitlyn shrugs, a playful glint in her eyes. "I told you I like the feeling of the velvet against my skin." Her robe falls open further, leaving little to the imagination. Caitlyn then murmurs, voice low and intimate, "Is that a problem?" Her meaning is clear in the way her fingers trail down Vi's spine, making her shiver with anticipation.

Vi shakes her head resolutely. "Absolutely not..." she says with a smirk, shifting her position until she's straddling Caitlyn. Her hands reach up, sliding the velvet fabric open, along Caitlyn's sides with deliberate slowness.

Their lips meet in a heated kiss, and Vi quickly pulls her own shirt over her head, tossing it aside. Caitlyn's hands find Vi's waist, fingers deftly working at the button of her jeans. She tugs them down to rest midway down Vi's thighs, their lips never breaking contact.

When they're next forced to take a breath, VI leans back. Resting her weight on her thighs as she drinks in the sight before her. Caitlyn's pale skin seems to glow in the soft light, a canvas of elegant curves and gentle slopes that makes Vi's breath catch in her throat.

Her hands drift up slowly, finding the delicate tie of Caitlyn's cape just below her neck.

Vi's fingers work at the knot, her movements deliberate but clumsy as she watches Caitlyn's throat bob beneath her touch. The silk proves more challenging than expected, and Vi lets out a frustrated huff as she fumbles with the stubborn fabric. She glances up on hearing a giggle to find Caitlyn watching her with dancing eyes, amusement clear in her expression. Vi smiles softly in response.

Vi finally catches the end of the tie, tugging gently until it comes loose. The robe falls open completely, and she traces reverent fingers down Caitlyn's exposed skin. "I can't believe you were naked this whole time and I was just reading," Vi murmurs, shaking her head in disbelief.

Caitlyn huffs out a laugh, her eyes dark with desire. "You should learn to be more..." She drawls, her hand snaking down to cup Vi's rear, now clad only in boxers, "perceptive." She finishes the word with a firm squeeze that makes Vi grunt in surprise.

Vi responds by capturing Caitlyn's lips in another heated kiss, pressing their bodies flush together. The sensation of velvet and bare skin against her makes her head swim with desire. She manages to work her jeans the rest of the way off. Kicking them aside before returning her full attention to exploring every inch of exposed skin beneath her.

Caitlyn's fingernails rake down Vi's back, drawing a sharp gasp from her lips. Their movements become more urgent, more desperate, as hands explore and claim every inch of exposed skin.

The room fills with the soft sounds of sighs and rustling fabric as they lose themselves in each other completely.

Caitlyn's fingers find the elastic band of Vi's boxers, tugging at the fringe playfully before letting it snap back against warm skin. "Off," she mutters into the kiss, and Vi doesn't hesitate to oblige her girlfriend. She leans back, straddling Caitlyn's hips, and shimmies the fabric off with hurried movements. Caitlyn watches the entire time with focused dark eyes, her gaze burning into Vi's skin.

Their eyes lock in an intense gaze, Vi shifting back slowly without breaking eye contact.

Her movements are deliberate as she gently nudges Caitlyn's thighs apart. Watching with rapt attention as her girlfriend adjusts her position. Caitlyn slides up to rest against the headboard, her legs falling open with fluid grace to welcome Vi closer.

Vi's breath catches at the sight before her.

She lowers her head, pressing soft kisses along the sensitive skin of Caitlyn's inner thighs. Each touch of her lips is reverent, worshipful, leaving a trail of gentle affection that makes Caitlyn's breath hitch. Her hands stroke soothingly along pale skin as she continues her tender exploration.

A whimper escapes Vi's lips as Caitlyn's hand tightly grips her hair, guiding her with confident authority. Her fingers dig into the soft flesh of Caitlyn's hips, anchoring them both as she follows the insistent pull. Caitlyn's breathing grows ragged, punctuated by soft gasps that fill the quiet room.

Vi's movements become more focused, more deliberate. Drawing a series of increasingly desperate sounds from Caitlyn. The hand in her hair clenches and unclenches rhythmically as Caitlyn arches expectantly. The velvet cape rustles softly against the fabric of the couch, a gentle counterpoint to their quickening breaths.

Caitlyn's free hand grasps desperately the armrest behind her. Knuckles white as she grits her teeth in anticipation. Her body trembles under Vi's attentions, every touch drawing closer to where Caitlyn really needs it. Where Vi needs to be.

Vi suddenly pulls back, her head snapping up as she glances around the room with a bemused expression. Caitlyn's eyes flutter open, confusion and frustration evident on her flushed face.

"What? What's wrong?" Caitlyn asks, propping herself up on her elbows.

Vi continues scanning the room suspiciously. "Don't you think it's weird we haven't been interrupted by now?"

"What?" Caitlyn cries indignantly.

"I mean, usually Powder's barging in or your mother's calling, you know?" Vi explains, still distracted.

Caitlyn's legs clamp around Vi's waist, pulling her back firmly. "Violet." Her voice carries a warning.

"Yes dear?" Vi answers innocently.

"If you don't fuck me right now, I'll turn you around and fuck you." The threat in Caitlyn's voice sends a shiver down Vi's spine.

"Yes dear," Vi replies meekly. Eagerly returning to her previous position between Caitlyn's thighs.

Vi cheerfully makes her way across campus the next morning, a thoroughly satisfied smile plastered across her face.

The expression only falters for a brief moment when she steps through the academy doors and finds her boot sticking uncomfortably to the floor. Frowning, she lifts her foot to examine the sole of her work boot, discovering some kind of clear, gloopy liquid clinging stubbornly to it.

She shrugs it off, too content to let it bother her as she peels her foot from the ground with a wet squelch. The sound follows her purposeful stride through the halls all the way to the janitor's office.

Upon entering the closet, she finds Loris staring at the mop bucket with an expression of pure horror. He turns to her accusingly, and Vi immediately throws her hands up in surrender.

"Medarda said she would take care of the floors!" Vi exclaims defensively.

Loris only heaves a heavy sigh in response, gesturing wearily toward the bucket. Vi peers inside to find a gaping hole burned straight through the plastic bottom, rendering it completely useless. She bites her lip thoughtfully.

"I guess she used the wrong product..." Vi muses. Loris grunts in agreement before turning to her with questioning eyes.

Vi's face splits into a brilliant beam. "Yes, thank you for asking. We made up and we made love!" Loris acknowledges this with another grunt and a slightly disgusted look. "Many times!" Vi adds gleefully for good measure, before flopping into her roller chair and spinning around with uncontained joy.

Loris reaches out with a firm hand, catching the back of Vi's chair mid spin. He raises a single, expectant eyebrow, and Vi's gleeful expression falters slightly under his scrutiny. She attempts to maintain her cheerful demeanor, but Loris simply waits, his steady gaze unwavering.

Vi squirms in her seat, the silence growing increasingly uncomfortable until she finally breaks. "Fine, damn you're good at this! No, I haven't spoken to Powder yet..." She slumps back in defeat as Loris grunts disapprovingly.

"Stop looking at me like that," Vi mutters, fishing her phone out of her pocket. She pulls up her message thread with Powder, grumbling under her breath, "Can't believe I'm being guilt tripped by my own best friend..."

Vi stares at her phone screen, thumbs hovering uncertainly over the keyboard. After a moment's hesitation, she types out a simple message.

Vi: Hey pow pow… Can we talk?

She hits send before she can second guess herself, then looks up at Loris with a mixture of relief and anxiety. He shrugs. A moment passes with no response.

Vi: plsplsplsplsplsplsplsplsplsplsplplsp-

Pow: No. You are so annoying.

Vi: Pleaseeeee?

Vi paused staring at the thread as Powder left her without response for a further minute. Throwing caution to the wind, Vi takes drastic measures. Scrolling up the thread frantically, she finds it. The image of a teary eyed cat with poorly photoshopped pink hair. The one Powder had forwarded months ago with the implication that it was Vi herself. Saving him to her camera roll, she follows up her pleading message with the image.

The response was immediate.

Pow: Pathetic.

Vi: Please?

Pow: Lunchtime. Bring food.

Vi grins triumphantly at Loris, who merely shakes his head with what might be the ghost of a smile. "See? I'm handling it," she declares, already pushing herself up from her chair. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to expense the fanciest mop bucket you’ve ever seen."

Vi stands at the stove, carefully monitoring the eggs sizzling in the pan. She'd taken an extra lunch to make Powder's favourite. Scrambled eggs with extra cheese and a dash of hot sauce, just like she used to make when they were younger.

The familiar motions bring back memories of bleary eyed mornings. Trying to coax a grumpy teenage Powder out of bed with the promise of breakfast.

The sun is peeking out of cloudy layers when Vi makes her way up to the roof of the academy building, plate of still steaming eggs in hand. She finds Powder already there, perched on the edge with her legs dangling over the side. Her sister's academy uniform is pristine as always, though her tie is slightly crooked.

Spring has crept in slowly but surely, the harsh bite of winter air giving way to gentle breezes that carry the promise of warmer days. Vi no longer needs to bundle up in layers just to make the trek to their rooftop meeting spot. The familiar weight of her heavy coat remains behind. Draped over her office chair, as lunchtime temperatures climb steadily higher with each passing day.

Vi's heart leapt into her throat, the familiar anxiety spiking as she watched her sister's legs dangle carelessly over the edge.

Years ago, she would have yanked Powder back from the precipice. Lecturing her about safety and common sense. Now, she simply swallowed hard and forced herself to remain silent. Fighting against the protective instinct that never quite went away.

Powder had always been drawn to heights, finding peace in places that made Vi's palms sweat. It was just another thing she had to learn to accept about her sister growing up.

"Hey Pow Pow," Vi calls out softly, setting the plate down beside her, choosing not to hop up on the ledge herself. "Brought you lunch."

Powder eyes the plate skeptically but accepts it nonetheless. "Apology eggs?" she asks, though the slight quirk of her lips betrays her amusement.

"Maybe," Vi admits, watching as Powder takes a tentative bite. "Look, I'm sorry for being mean...” Vi sighs, looking up at the sky already regretting the words about to come out of her mouth, “You were right. I was scared."

Powder's shoulders slump slightly as she pushes the eggs around her plate. "I didn't go behind your back. I wouldn't do that, I'm not a kid anymore."

Vi nods slowly, "I know, Caitlyn told me it was her idea."

Powder gives a small nod, her voice quieter now. "I really thought you'd be happy."

Vi considers this for a moment, watching the clouds drift overhead. "I guess I needed the push..." she admits finally. "I know I am happy, I have Cait and I have you..” Vi says, “But I'm seeing now that I could be happier."

Powder just chews her eggs thoughtfully and nods, understanding passing between them without need for more words.

They sit in comfortable silence as Powder works her way through the rest of her lunch. Vi keeps her posture deliberately casual, but her attention remains split. One eye on the scattered clouds drifting across the horizon, the other carefully tracking her sister's precarious perch on the ledge. Her arm rests against the concrete. Seemingly relaxed, but ready to shoot out at a moment's notice should a sudden gust threaten Powder's balance. Just in case.

If Powder notices Vi's unsubtle hovering, she doesn't comment. Perhaps she understands that some habits are harder to break than others. That even as they grow and change, certain instincts remain deeply ingrained. A reflexive need to protect, even when that protection may no longer be needed.

Powder sets down her fork, turning to face Vi fully. Her eyes are resolute. "How about this… I'll stop feeling guilty about all the shit that happened when we were kids if you start worrying about yourself for once. Deal?"

Vi blinks, caught off guard by the proposal. After a moment's consideration, she extends her hand. "Deal."

They shake on it, and Powder returns to her lunch with renewed enthusiasm. It was that easy.

The early spring air is crisp around them. The grounds below slowly coming to life as students begin to converge on the academy for the afternoon session.

"These are actually pretty good," Powder admits between bites. "Almost as good as when I was fifteen."

"Almost?" Vi protests with mock offense.

"You burned the edges a little," Powder points out, but she's smiling now. She glances at her watch and sighs. "I should head back. Got class in ten."

"Go on then, my little genius," Vi teases, collecting the now empty plate. "Can't have you being late."

Powder rolls her eyes but pulls Vi into a quick hug before heading for the stairs. She pauses at the door, looking back over her shoulder. "Hey Vi?"

"Yeah?" Vi calls, expecting something sappy, maybe an 'I love you' to round of the moment.

"Thanks for the eggs."

Vi watches her sister disappear down the stairwell, feeling lighter than she has in weeks. Maybe they were both growing up after all.

----------

Vi had taken her deal with Powder very seriously. Determined to make good on her promise to start focusing on herself.

But as it turned out, figuring out what she actually wanted was proving to be quite the challenge. For someone who had spent most of her life just trying to survive and take care of others, the concept of pursuing her own dreams felt oddly foreign.

The question of what she wanted to do with her life had been plaguing her for weeks now. Caitlyn had patiently endured her endless stream of career musings. From wild fantasies to somewhat more practical considerations.

Tonight was no different. Vi lay sprawled across Caitlyn's bed, staring up at the ceiling as she contemplated her future. Caitlyn had arrived home late, as was becoming routine with finals approaching for both her and Powder. The sound of the shower running had provided a soothing backdrop to Vi's existential pondering.

When Caitlyn emerged wrapped in a towel, Vi's attention was momentarily diverted from her crisis by the sight. Her eyes drifted from one of Caitlyn's nerdy solar system models hanging from the ceiling to her girlfriend's form as she settled at her vanity.

"Do you think it's feasible for me to become an astronaut?" Vi asks, watching appreciatively as Caitlyn began her post shower routine.

"Entirely feasible. I think you'd look very attractive in the uniform..." Caitlyn mused, massaging rosemary oil into her scalp and catching Vi's wandering gaze in the mirror. "I could help you with the physics aspect..."

Vi's face immediately scrunched up. "Physics? Never mind..." She returned her attention to the ceiling, brain already moving on to the next possibility. "Firefighter?"

Caitlyn hummed thoughtfully. "Again, very attractive... I would hesitate to encourage the idea of you running into burning buildings."

"Yeah, me neither. I get too hot in my pjamajas..." Vi conceded with a nod. After a few more moments of intense contemplation, she let out a frustrated huff. "This is hard! How did you decide you wanted to be a physicist?"

Caitlyn pauses in combing out strands of her hair with her fingers. "I grew fixated with the mathematical beauty of Euler's identity at age twelve."

Vi whistles lowly, "I don't think I was fixated with anything at age twelve. Except boobs."

Caitlyn nods in agreement as she applies what must be her third face cream in dabs to her forehead and under eyes. A small smile peaking at her lips as she only comments, "That too."

Vi sighs staring at the ceiling once more. "I don't know what to do…" She says her voice coming out small. Having choices was overwhelming. The plethora of options was too much.

Caitlyn sighs, coming to sit next to Vi on the bed and immediately Vi's hand is teasing at the edge of her towel. Caitlyn ignores it as she leans down to press a kiss to Vi's forehead, she then lets out a long suffering sigh before speaking her next words. "My mother had a suggestion." She says, her voice strained as if the words are physically paining her.

Vi raises an eyebrow intrigued, "Oh?"

"Yes... The council finances some free workshops and classes." Caitlyn explains, her fingers absently playing with the edge of her towel. "All sorts of things really, and all for beginners. Mother suggested you accompany her to the council sometime this week and pick out some leaflets."

Vi sits up abruptly, her eyes wide. "She wants me to go with her?" she asks, mouth dropping open slightly.

"Yes, but Vi, I must warn you..." Caitlyn's voice takes on a cautionary tone. "She's planning to show off."

Vi frowns, brow furrowing in confusion. "Show off what?"

"You."

Vi flushes pink, her hand stilling on Caitlyn's towel. "Oh."

Caitlyn huffs, "I know, she's insufferable around her friends."

Vi shakes her head and says, "It's alright. That idea sounds kind of cool."

Caitlyn peers at her bemused, "You don't mind? I could always drive you down there myself."

Vi shakes her head, "No it's okay, I like your mom."

Caitlyn once again lets out a long suffering sigh.

"Very well."

Later that week, Vi found herself walking arm in arm with Councillor Cassandra Kiramman into what was undoubtedly the fanciest building she had ever laid eyes on.

The marble floors gleamed beneath her feet. Elaborate paintings and tapestries adorning walls that stretched impossibly high above them. She felt distinctly out of place, even in the nice clothes Caitlyn had insisted she borrow for the occasion.

Vi was well aware that these clothes, despite Caitlyn's insistence they were "borrowed”, had never graced her girlfriend's wardrobe. The slacks, which would have fallen at mid-calf on Caitlyn's longer frame, fit Vi perfectly. And the masculine cut of the shirt was far from Caitlyn's usual style. But Vi chose to accept the gentle deception. Knowing it sprang from Caitlyn's desire to spare her the anxiety of clothes shopping for the occasion. It was easier this way, even if the tags were suspiciously new and the fit suspiciously perfect.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to come in this way? I can wait outside for the leaflets." Vi murmured to Cassandra as all eyes in the grand hall turned in their direction. Council members and staff alike paused in their tasks, watching the unlikely pair with poorly concealed interest.

Cassandra tutted as she waltzed through the space like she owned it, which Vi supposed she technically did, in some capacity. "Nonsense, Violet. You are my soon to be daughter-in-law."

Vi choked a little and balked, once again finding herself having to remind the woman, "Well, I wouldn't say soon... Cait and I have only been together for barely half a year."

Cassandra hummed as she answered vaguely, steering them toward a grand staircase. "Soon is an abstract term, no?"

Vi could only sigh and nod in resignation.

Heads continued to swivel as they made their way across the grand hall. Whispers following in their wake. Some faces showed open curiosity, others barely concealed disdain, but Cassandra's firm grip on Vi's arm never wavered. The message was clear. Vi was under her protection, and anyone who had a problem with that could take it up with the Councillor herself.

"So where are we heading?" Vi asked, looking around at the ornate surroundings. "Is the workshop office this way?"

Cassandra hummed noncommittally, her eyes fixed in the distance. "All in good time, Violet," she patted Vi's arm before suddenly calling out, "Oh, Councillor Shoola!" Her voice echoed across the pristine hallway, making Vi wince slightly. "Have you met Violet?"

The councillor in question turned with a practiced smile. Her eyes moving over Vi in a calculating sweep that made Vi want to check if her borrowed clothes were properly buttoned.

"Violet is my daughter Caitlyn's partner," Cassandra announced proudly, her grip on Vi's arm tightening ever so slightly. "She's looking to expand her horizons through our community education programs."

Councillor Shoola's practiced smile warmed a fraction. "Ah yes, I've heard whispers. The famous Ms. Violet who's captured young Caitlyn's heart. A pleasure to finally put a face to the name."

“Uh, nice to meet you too. Just Vi is fine…" Vi managed with a side glance to Cassandra, fighting the urge to fidget under the councillor's appraising gaze. She wondered just what kind of whispers had been circulating about her in these marble halls. Knowing Cassandra's penchant for... enthusiastic bragging, she could only imagine.

"And how are you finding our programs? That particular venture was a joint effort by myself and Councillor Kiramman here." Councillor Shoola inquired. Her tone carrying that particular blend of polite interest and subtle scrutiny that seemed common among Piltie's.

"Well, actually we haven't gotten to look at them yet," Vi admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. "Though, I guess it wouldn't be very diplomatic to tell two councillors if I thought they sucked anyway."

Vi immediately winced at her own words, but to her surprise, Councillor Shoola paused for a moment before letting out a genuine chuckle. She met Cassandra's eyes with newfound interest.

"Oh, I like you," she said, her practiced smile transforming into something more authentic. "Honesty is so refreshing these days." She sighed contentedly as Cassandra nodded in agreement.

As if summoned by some unseen force, an aide appeared at Councillor Shoola's elbow, whispering something urgent in her ear. The councillor's expression shifted to one of practiced regret.

"I'm afraid duty calls," she said, inclining her head slightly. "A pleasure to meet you, Vi. I look forward to hearing how you find our programs."

Once Councillor Shoola was safely out of earshot, Cassandra turned to Vi with barely contained delight. "Violet, do not tell my daughter, but you are infinitely better at this!" she whispered, taking Vi's arm and pulling her in another direction. "Have you ever considered a career in politics?"

Vi didn't hesitate to answer. "I'd rather die."

Cassandra's eyes filled with mirth. "Correct answer."

Later that evening, Vi found herself cross legged on the floor beside her small coffee table. Surrounded by an unreasonably larger collection of leaflets from her afternoon adventure. She was indecisive.

Caitlyn sat primly on the couch behind her, while Ekko and Powder sprawled across the living room floor amid empty takeout containers from their favourite Ionian place.

"Where's Isha?" Vi asked, noting the absence of their fifth.

"Physics quiz tomorrow morning," Powder answered, mouth full of noodles.

Vi's eyes narrowed accusingly at Caitlyn, who merely shrugged, completely unrepentant. "The fundamentals of electromagnetism wait for no one, darling."

Vi simply sighed with a nod, she eyed Powders noodles jealously. She hadn't been able to stomach much, still feeling slightly queasy from her earlier adventure with Cassandra. The woman drove exactly like her daughter. Which is to say, like someone with complete faith in their reflexes and a casual disregard for the law. After being dropped off at the academy, Vi had seriously considered kissing the ground in the staff parking lot. Grateful to have survived the experience.

"Your mom's terrifying behind the wheel..." Vi commented, sorting through another stack of brightly coloured papers. "Must run in the family."

Caitlyn hummed thoughtfully as she reached for another rice paper roll. "I have no idea what you mean."

Ekko suddenly perked up, holding a leaflet aloft through a mouthful of food. "Oh! How about 'Traditional Piltover Pottery and Clay Making'?" he asked, waving the leaflet in Vi's direction. "It says they do couples classes. You could do that thing from the movies."

Vi frowned as she snatched the leaflet while Powder cried out a "gross!" through her open mouth, very full of half-chewed noodles. Hypocrite.

Vi felt Caitlyn lean over her shoulder to peer at the leaflet. Without looking back she already knew what was going through her mind. Caitlyn wouldn't enjoy the texture of the clay on her hands. Vi wasn't particularly keen on the idea anyways.

"Nah, not for us." She tosses the leaflet in the no pile even as Ekko cries out at the injustice.

"I could wear gloves..." Caitlyn murmurs the suggestion. A hand coming to rest on Vi's shoulder and she lolls her head backwards to smile lazily up at Caitlyn.

"You're sweet."

"Okay!" Powder interrupts loudly and Vi tears her eyes away. "What about 'Introduction to Ionian'? You could talk all your sappy talk in a language I don't understand?" Powder snarks and Vi narrows her eyes. It was a good idea but the delivery was rude.

"Put it in the maybe pile." She orders and Powder tosses it onto the small stack of papers next to the very large 'no' pile.

Ekko perked up again, "Oh my god!" He cried snatching up a leaflet. "I'm keeping this one!" He held the leaflet close to his chest keeping it secure even as Powder tried to snatch it.

"Well show us!" Powder cried and he shook his head resolute.

"It's mine!" He resisted, ducking as Powder tossed a chopstick in his direction.

Eventually Powder managed to worm the leaflet out of his grip, somehow without tearing it to shreds and her eyebrows raised. "There's no way this is real…" She turned the leaflet for Vi and Caitlyn to see.

"History of Ice Cream?" Vi read out loud, her voice bemused. "That has to be a front for something…"

Powder, Ekko and Caitlyn all nodded in agreement.

Caitlyn bent over Vi's shoulder and carefully plucked a leaflet from the pile, holding it out in front of Vi's face. "What about this?"

"'Creativity and the Culinary Arts'..." Vi read out loud, her eyes squinting before taking the leaflet and holding it back a bit so her vision was better. "I don't remember grabbing this one..." she murmurs.

"Mother must have slipped it in," Caitlyn explained, her fingers running absently through Vi's hair. "You know how she enjoys your cooking."

"Ooh," Powder perked up, noodles forgotten. "You could learn to make fancy Piltie desserts! With smoke and blow torches!"

“I don't think they smoke the desserts…” Ekko chimed in. Their bickering dissolved into background noise as Vi flicked through the leaflet.

Vi hummed thoughtfully, scanning through the course description. It did sound interesting, and cooking was something she genuinely enjoyed. Plus, she'd seen how Caitlyn's eyes lit up whenever she cooked for her. "Maybe pile?" she suggested, glancing up at Caitlyn.

Caitlyn nodded with a soft smile. "Maybe pile."

Chapter Text

Vi stares at her saucepan of granular sugar intently.

Anticipating the telltale darkening of the crystals. The sharp scent of sugar fills her nostrils as she watches, waiting for that perfect amber colour.

Vi holds her breath, engaging in a stare-off with the granulated menace before her. Two failed batches already sit dejectedly in her trash can, mocking her with their burnt, bitter smell. This one would be different. This one had to be different.

The only sound in the kitchen is the steady hiss of her gas stove and the suspicious padding of feet drawing up behind her. Vi's fingers twitch on the wooden spoon handle, but her gaze doesn't waver from the sugar beginning to shimmer in the pan.

Tug.

Vi doesn't blink, ignoring the pull on her apron strings as she continues to stare.

Tug tug.

Vi's eyes don't stray from her careful watch.

A huff sounds from behind her and then suddenly there are lips pressing insistently to her neck. A smile forms at the corner of Vi’s lips but she doesn't look away.

"You won't distract me…" Vi murmurs, though her smile grows wider as those lips trail up to just below her ear. "Chef says it can sense when you look away and then ‘burns just like zat!’" Vi mutters. Her eyes fixed on the saucepan as she punctuates her sense with a snap of her fingers. Mimicking the wild accent and mannerisms of her elderly culinary arts tutor, Chef DuPont, with expertise.

Chef DuPont may be tiny, barely breaching five feet in height, but Vi had learned quickly not to underestimate her. The elderly woman commanded her kitchen with an iron fist... and a wooden spoon that doubled as a pointer when she wanted to emphasise her instructions.

Vi had seen grown men twice the chef's size cower under her stern gaze when they dared to question her methods.

But Chef had taken a shine to Vi from day one. Delighted by their matching vibrant hair, though the chef's was more of a natural ginger that had faded to a soft rose with age. Their shared love of pecan plaits had sealed the deal. Despite only attending the free community cooking classes for a month, Vi had already learned more than she'd thought possible.

Even if she still jumped a little when Chef's voice cracked like a whip across the kitchen: "Non, non, NON! You cannot rush ze caramel, you must be patient!"

Another huff, this one closer to her ear. "Chef doesn’t have to know... " comes the breathy challenge, followed by teeth grazing her earlobe.

Vi squirms and her hand tightens on the wooden spoon. The sugar is just starting to melt at the edges, crystals liquefying into clear syrup. "Not happening. I've burned too many batches to mess this one up."

"Pity," Caitlyn whispers, but Vi can hear the smile in her voice. Arms wrap around her waist, and Caitlyn's chin comes to rest on her shoulder. "What are you making anyway?"

"Caramel," Vi says, swirling the pan gently as more sugar begins to melt. "For the popcorn." Vi inclines her head in the direction of the overfilled bowl of freshly popped kernels.

A hand darts out, quick as lightning, pinching a few pieces of popcorn from the top of the pile. Before Vi can even form a protest, she hears the victorious crunching beside her ear. Her mouth opens, ready to complain about the theft, but is promptly silenced by a piece of popcorn being popped between her lips.

Caitlyn lets out a satisfied hum against her neck. "Don’t you have to stir it?" Vi can picture her curious eyes on the steady rotation of the pan in Vi’s hands.

"No, stirring can cause crystallisation, might make it grainy." Vi answers, echoing the words of her tutor. Finally letting herself lean back into Caitlyn's embrace as she watches the last crystals dissolve into liquid gold.

Caitlyn's arms squeeze tighter around Vi's middle, pulling her firmly back against her front. "You sound like a scientist."

Vi nods, her hands darting out for the bowl of butter she had pre-cubed and pausing for a moment to let the caramel get just that little bit darker before dumping the bowl in. Her hand darting for her wooden spoon and setting about stirring as the liquid frothed.

"Chef says cookery is the bridge between art and science!" Vi echoes and Caitlyn chuckles, pressing another kiss to her ear.

"She's really rubbing off on you... Do I have anything to worry about?" Cait asks with a teasing lilt. Caitlyn had picked her up from class on more than one occasion and was more than aware Chef DuPont was nearing seventy.

"Yeah Cupcake, we're making out between dishes..." Vi chuckles, shaking her head whilst continuing to rapidly stir. Earning herself a nip to the ear as Cait's arms tighten around her middle. She lets out an oof as her girlfriend squeezes some of the air out of her diaphragm in the tight hug. "What's with you, you're more sticky than my caramel." Vi smirks proudly at the quip as she turns the heat off on her sauce and sets it to the side to cool.

She makes to turn, Caitlyn's arms reluctantly dropping. Caitlyn shrugs, biting her lip. She glances down at Vi's novelty apron, the one with the cartoon bikini body, and then back up. "I don't know, something about the apron gets to me..." Caitlyn shrugs and her fingers come up to play with the strings tied in a neat bow at Vi's front.

Vi laughs, "Something?" She asks, gesturing to the overflowing cartoon chest printed onto the apron with a raised eyebrow, and Caitlyn simply shrugs again.

Caitlyn's eyes deliberately drop downwards as she comments, "They are rather... prominent."

Vi beams with a nod and glances down. Both of them stare at the cartoon chest for a moment. Caitlyn's finger twitching as if she's about to reach up and grab them until a disgusted groan echoes from the doorway. Their heads snap up to find Powder leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, eyeing them unhappily.

"What the fu- You know what... I don't want to know."

Caitlyn steps away, making eye contact with Vi, a tiny quirk of her lips betraying a promise of more to come later that evening.

"Caitlyn!" Powder's exasperated voice snaps them both out of it. "Stop making googly eyes with my sister! There's some asshole hacking and talking shit to Ekko! We need you!"

Powder orders impatiently and Caitlyn nods. "Apologies Powder..." Caitlyn answers as she shoots Vi a glance, "you know what your sister's like..."

Vi's mouth drops open. Really? Again?

"Hey!" She calls after them, ready to clear her name, but Caitlyn has already whisked Powder out into the living room.

Vi sighs as she hears Powder respond. "She's the worst!" She turns to stare at her caramel in defeat before getting over her swift betrayal just as swiftly.

Vi sprinkles a generous pinch of the fancy salt she'd borrowed from the academy kitchens over her caramel. Watching it sink into the thick golden liquid with satisfaction. The sauce is perfect, rich, glossy, and highly calorific. Exactly what she was going for.

Beaming, Vi fumbles for her phone and spends far too long adjusting the focus before snapping a picture. Chef was going to be so proud of this one. No crystallisation in sight.

With unbridled glee, she proceeds to absolutely smother her popcorn in the caramel sauce. Making sure every kernel gets a thorough coating. Sevika would definitely have a conniption if she could see the amount of sugar Vi was planning to have her family consume tonight. The thought only makes Vi grin wider as she drizzles on even more sauce.

She emerges from the kitchen, bowl in hand, shooting Caitlyn a betrayed glare that goes completely unnoticed. Her girlfriend is hunched over her controller. Thumbs flying across buttons as she unleashes a devastating combo on screen. Beside her, Ekko's usual calm demeanor has evaporated entirely.

Vi winces slightly as Ekko unleashes a string of creative profanities down his microphone. Each curse punctuated by Cait's frantic clicking of buttons. She's never seen him this worked up before… usually he's the one maintaining his cool while Powder rages. The fact that even Ekko's lost his composure means whoever they're playing against must really deserve it.

"I swear to god if you camp that corner one more time-" Ekko cuts himself off with a growl of frustration at the screen. "This absolute piece of- Professor, please tell me you've got your ult ready?"

Caitlyn doesn’t respond, her usual poise replaced by intense focus as her fingers dance across the controller.

A victorious grin spreads across Ekko's face as Caitlyn's character unleashes what Vi assumes is a particularly devastating attack. Given the way their opponent's health bar vanishes in a spectacular display of particle effects.

The only person who seems completely uninterested in the digital carnage is Isha. Her wide eyed gaze is locked firmly on the mountain of caramel-drowned popcorn in Vi's hands. Her little mouth hangs slightly open, and Vi swears she can see the exact moment the sugar sensing part of the kid's brain short circuits with pure joy.

"Hands washed first, squirt." Vi says, holding the bowl protectively out of reach as Isha makes grabby motions toward it. "Then we can all have some."

Isha practically teleports off Powder's lap in her haste to reach the bathroom sink. Leaving behind a thoroughly amused Vi and the ongoing sounds of Ekko's gaming induced conniption.

Caitlyn finishes her opponent off with a final, devastating blow, setting down her controller with a pleased yet ominous smile.

"That was fun..." she says as Ekko removes the headset with a smug smirk. The crackle of angry shouting can still be heard from the discarded headphones until Caitlyn calmly powers off the console.

"Movie?" she suggests, and Vi nods happily, setting the popcorn down on the coffee table.

She has to bat away Ekko and Powder's reaching hands with a stern warning about washing hands first. Even as Isha sprints back into the room and immediately grabs a handful of popcorn, stuffing it into her face with pure joy.

Powder and Ekko's eyes dart to each other for a moment before they're both scrambling to make it to the bathroom first.

Vi eyes Isha thoughtfully and asks, "Can you believe those two made it into the Piltover Institute?" Isha shakes her head resolutely and Vi nods sagely. "That's the state of society, Isha..." Isha shakes her head disapprovingly with caramel covering her face from cheek to chin. Caitlyn giggles and Vi raises a hand to silence her from interrupting their serious conversation. Isha mimics the gesture with an equally serious expression.

"They just let anyone in these da-" Vi continues only to be cut off by a pillow to the head. Powder and Ekko had emerged from the bathroom, bumping hips as they tried to reach the bowl first. Ekko electing to leap over the back of the couch instead of walking like a normal person. A pillow tossed in Vi's direction mid leap.

Vi watches they settle into their spots, both immediately reaching for massive handfuls of popcorn.

Ekko lets out a dramatic groan at his first bite, eyes rolling back in pure bliss. "Vi, this is insane."

Powder flushes slightly beside him, nibbling more delicately at her own handful and shooting him an appraising look. Vi catches Caitlyn's eye, sharing a knowing smirk as they watch the two teens try to act casual while stealing glances at each other between bites.

Vi puffs up with pride, unable to contain herself. "It doesn't taste burnt, right?"

A chorus of head shakes answers her as everyone continues to stuff their faces. "Compliments to the chef!" Powder chimes in between bites, and Isha shoots Vi a beaming grin that makes her wince, the kid's teeth are absolutely coated in sticky caramel.

Vi mentally apologises to Isha's future dentist as she watches the little girl dive back in for another massive handful.

She turns to Caitlyn expectantly, awaiting her verdict. Her girlfriend has always been brutally honest about Vi's culinary experiments. A trait Vi has come to deeply appreciate, even if it meant putting a firm stop to certain ambitious endeavors over the last month. The turducken incident springs to mind, making Vi wince slightly at the memory.

Caitlyn catches her eye as she deliberately licks caramel from her thumb, taking her time to savor the taste. "Delightfully sweet." she declares with a satisfied smile, proceeding to clean each finger with careful attention.

Vi watches, transfixed, wishing desperately they were alone so she could help with the cleanup herself.

"You're sweet..." Vi whispers, entranced by the display, only to be abruptly jolted back to reality by two pillows smacking into her face simultaneously.

"Gross!" comes the synchronised teenage cry of disgust.

Vi finds herself counting down the days to summer with mixed emotions.

On one hand, the start of summer marked the end of exam season. She'll finally have more than just stolen moments with Caitlyn between her exam prep and tutoring sessions. No more quick kisses in the library or sharing tired smiles over coffee and textbooks. And Powder, god, Vi misses her sister. Living so close but barely seeing each other thanks to her sisters packed study schedule has been harder than she expected.

But the countdown also brings a heaviness to her chest whenever she thinks about Benzo's impending departures. The kitchens wouldn't be the same without his booming laugh and endless patience.

Most of the students head home after exams, returning only briefly for graduation festivities in the summer. With so few mouths to feed, there's no need for the full kitchen staff to stick around.

Temporary seasonal staff handle meals for the handful of guardian-less students like Isha who stay behind. It's efficient, Vi supposes, giving the regular staff their well deserved break. But knowing that doesn't make it any easier to imagine the kitchens without Benzo's steady presence and watchful eye.

Still, she tries to focus on the positives, lazy summer days with Cait, proper time with Powder, and the excitement of graduation on the horizon.

Vi finds herself strolling down to the kitchens on Benzo's last day. Her shift had ended but she decided to try catch the man in his element around one last time. She finds him sat on the spotless stainless steel counter alone, a bottle of whiskey opened next to him on the counter and a glass in hand. He spots her when she enters the canteen and waves her over, with a beaming smile.

"Violet, come over here!" He cries with tipsy joy and Vi acquiesces with a smile.

"Drinking on the job old man?" Vi asks and he lifts up a finger and wags it in her face.

"Never, as of…" He starts before glancing down at his wrist watch and squinting through his glasses, "four minutes ago, I am no longer an employee of this here academy!" He chuckles and hiccups, before adding, "Of anyone!" He chuckles as he draws another glass from underneath the counter and hands it to Vi, filling her cup.

"Congrats Benz, you've earned it." Vi grins and the man nods resolutely.

"Oh I absolutely did, do you know how many eggs I've had to boil in my lifetime?"

Vi's smile drops, "Too many…" She says solemnly and Benzo hums in agreement. There's a moment of silence before he continues.

"Well, anyway, cheers to me! To us!" He holds out his glass and Vi raises an eyebrow, refraining from clinking her glass yet.

"Us? What did I do?"

Benzo chuckles shaking his head. "We survived! We raised two clever brats who are going on to bigger and better things! Be proud, Violet!" He exclaimed and his voice is loud and filled with drunken boastfulness.

Vi shakes her head, "We sure did, cheers Benz." Vi clinks her glass with the expectantly hovering glass of the man and takes down the whiskey with little struggle. It had been a while since she’d partaken and the horrible taste surprises her. How she had convinced herself she liked the taste, she would never know.

She grunts as Benzo's hand clamps down on her shoulder, wincing slightly as the man begins to tear up. His grip is surprisingly strong for someone who's had that much whiskey.

"I'm so proud of you!" he exclaims, voice wavering as he starts to blubber. Vi awkwardly pats him on the shoulder. Trying to offer reassurance while simultaneously attempting to extract herself from his iron grip.

"There there... How about we get you some water, hm?" Vi suggests gently, but Benzo just continues to cry, seemingly oblivious to her attempts at distraction. She edges carefully out of his grip, already scanning the kitchen for a clean glass and trying to remember where they keep the paper towels.

Benzo sniffles loudly, wiping his nose on his sleeve in a way that makes Vi grimace. "You know," he says, waggling a finger at her unsteadily, "you should apply for my position. You've got the talent, you know the kitchen..." He trails off, hiccuping slightly before his eyes light up. "And you actually care about these kids!"

Vi laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, I don't know about that... I've only been learning for a month. I don't have any experience."

Benzo scoffs loudly. "So, do you think I did when I applied?"

Vi shrugs. "It was different back then."

Benzo tuts disapprovingly. "You're already better than me! You have, what do they call it? Lived experience!"

Vi hums and sets a glass of water in the man's hands. "Drink it." She orders firmly, but he shakes his head.

"Promise me you'll think about it!"

Vi sighs, shaking her head. She has no plans to oblige the man but she seriously needs to sober him up enough to get him home. "Fine, I will if you drink that."

Benzo beams and knocks back the glass with a smug smirk.

Vi can't help but think about Benzo's words... It's all she can think about.

The next morning she stands before the academy notice board. Hands planted firmly on her hips as she stares at the job posting pinned front and centre. Head Cook Vacancy, the words seem to mock her as she reads them for the hundredth time. Her fingers twitch at her sides as doubts swirl through her mind.

Too young. Too inexperienced. Too rough around the edges.

The voices of insecurity whisper their familiar refrain. But then other thoughts push back, she knows these kitchens, knows these kids, knows what it's like to be them. Benzo's words echo in her head about lived experience.

A frustrated growl escapes her throat as she snatches the paper off the board, crumpling it slightly in her grip. Before she can second guess herself, she's marching down the hallway toward the administrative offices. Her footsteps echoing with determination.

“Oh Sevy darling, you’re earl-”

Vi bursts through Mel's office door without knocking, striding up to the headmistress's desk and slapping the wrinkled posting down. "I want the job!" she declares, voice coming out far louder than intended in the quiet office.

Mel startles slightly at the sudden intrusion, tea sloshing dangerously in her cup before she sets it down. She peers at the crumpled paper, then back up at Vi with one elegantly arched eyebrow.

Vi deflates under that measured gaze, suddenly very aware of her dramatic entrance. "Um, I mean..." she shifts awkwardly, "I would like to put my name forward into the pool of applicants for the head cook vacancy..." Her voice trails off uncertainly.

Mel hums thoughtfully, straightening the paper with careful fingers. "I see," she says with a small nod, the ghost of a smile playing at her lips.

She considers for a long moment, fingers steepled beneath her chin as Vi shifts from foot to foot, fighting the urge to flee. Finally, the headmistress speaks.

"May I see your resume?"

Vi's stomach drops. "Oh." She swallows hard, heat creeping up her neck. "I don't... I don't have one of those..."

Mel's eyebrows knit together, her expression unreadable. Vi waits for any indication of disapproval, dismissal, disappointment. The woman's face remains frustratingly neutral.

Embarrassment settles heavy in Vi's gut. "Sorry, this was a bad idea," she mutters, shaking her head. "I shouldn't have barged in like this." She turns to make a hasty retreat, already planning how to avoid the administrative wing for the next few months.

"Why don't you take a seat, Vi?"

Mel's calm voice stops her in her tracks.

Vi turns back slowly, uncertain, to find the headmistress gesturing to one of the chairs across from her desk. Vi hesitates behind the chair, a finger tapping at her thigh betraying her unease. "Um, why?" The words tumble out before she can stop them. "You don't have to explain, I get it..."

Mel shakes her head firmly, a hint of amusement crossing her features. "Well, that wouldn't be due process, would it? You've put your name forward and as such you deserve an interview, no? Be it an informal one..."

Mel clears her throat as she slides her tea to the side of the desk and places her hands together on the desk, fingers intertwined. Her eyes slide expectantly from Vi to the empty chair across from her.

Vi drops tentatively into the chair, trying not to fidget as Mel eyes her with not unkind scrutiny.

"We're both well aware of your current employment, but do you have any other experience?" Mel asks, and Vi pauses. She couldn't tell if the woman was simply humouring her. With a shrug, she lists off her various warehouse and service jobs from when she was a teenager, "...nothing in a kitchen though." She finishes her list.

Mel raises an eyebrow. "Vi, we both joined the academy the same year. You at eighteen, no? You mean to tell me you had all these jobs before that age?"

Vi shrugs, a little defensive, "I'm not lying."

Mel hums, eyeing her again, and Vi feels tense. "I didn't think you were. I must say..." Vi stares at the desk, waiting for her rejection, aware she hadn't listed a single kitchen related job. "It's rather impressive," Mel states.

"What?" Vi's head snaps up.

Mel nods, "Your work ethic."

Vi shakes her head. "Well, I needed the money..."

Mel chuckles, "Vi, you remind me a lot of Caitlyn. I'll give you the same advice I always give her. You must learn to talk yourself up. How do you think I got where I am?"

Vi narrows her eyes, trying to decide if she finds the words patronising, and shrugs. "Talking?" she says a little bluntly before wincing. Mel, luckily, seems to find it amusing.

"Precisely."

The silence stretches between them, thick and uncomfortable. Vi shifts in her chair, fidgeting with a loose thread on her sleeve as she wonders if she should be saying something. Anything. The weight of Mel's expectant gaze bears down on her until finally. The headmistress leans back in her chair with a knowing look.

"Well?" Mel prompts, gesturing expansively with one hand. "I'm waiting... talk, Vi."

Vi swallows hard as understanding dawns. She knows what Mel wants now, wants her to sell herself, to showcase her worth. It's a test. Everything in her rebels against the idea, but she forces herself to take a deep breath.

"I..." she starts hesitantly, then clears her throat. "I've been working in this academy for years now. I know every station, every piece of equipment. I know the suppliers, the schedules, the students."

Her voice grows stronger as she continues. "I understand what these kids need because my sister was one of them. And..." she pauses, squaring her shoulders. "I'm good at cooking. Really good."

Mel smiles, a genuine warmth replacing her earlier neutrality. "And modest too, from what I hear. Benzo speaks very highly of your culinary skills. As do the Kiramman’s." She shuffles some papers on her desk, pulling out a form.

Vi's elation falters at the mention of the Kirammans, her stomach twisting uncomfortably. Had Cassandra said something to Mel? Or worse... had Caitlyn? The thought that she might be considered for reasons other than her own merit makes her shoulders tense. Were they trying to buy her way into the position?

"You can relax, they haven't pulled any strings..." Mel says, as if reading Vi's mind. "Though you're wise to suspect Cassandra of doing so." Her lips quirk into a knowing smile. "She can be quite tenacious when she wants something."

"No Vi," Mel continues, "they have simply been gushing about you to all of Piltover for months." Mel continues, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Word gets around... especially to me." She punctuates this with a subtle smirk that makes Vi flush slightly.

Vi mutters under her breath, "I've asked Cassandra to cool it with all that..."

Mel lets out a musical laugh. "Yes, well, I'm afraid her version of 'cooling it' might differ significantly from yours."

Vi sighs heavily, rubbing her temple, and Mel just nods with sympathetic amusement.

"Well then, shall we discuss the particulars of the position?"

Vi stares at Mel, her heart thundering in her chest as the reality of the situation sinks in. She's really doing this. Interviewing for head cook, discussing 'particulars' like a proper professional. The thought both terrifies and exhilarates her.

Mel begins writing on the piece of paper, and Vi watches as she traces the letters, 'Conditional Offer of Employment.' Was this real? She had to check.

"You're just giving me the job? Just like that?" Vi balks.

Mel hums, "On the condition that you abide by the following," she scrawls on the paper as she talks. "You'll need to shadow the temporary staff this summer and obtain your food hygiene accreditation. Simple really."

She finishes with a flourish, presenting the hastily scrawled contract to Vi for her scrutiny. Vi's eyes drag up and down the piece of paper, finding Mel's signature elegantly scrawled at the bottom.

"Of course, we'll have a formal contract drawn up in due course, but take this as a letter of intent," Mel says.

Vi blinks before looking up with a frown. "Why? Did Cait-"

Mel purses her lips. "Firstly, You're a good person, Vi. You've been good to this academy, better than it has been to you. And in my eyes, you're more than capable.”

Vi shakes her head disbelievingly. "If you say so..."

Mel continues, "Secondly, I would much prefer to take my lunch from the academy than venture out into town. Do not tell Benzo, but I did not care for the eggs." Mel says, curling her lip, and at that Vi grins.

"Fair enough."

"Finally, I am the headmistress and there is no higher authority. In summary, I can do what I want." Mel states with a satisfied grin.

"Is that so?"

Vi jumped at the sudden sly voice from behind and twists to find Sevika leaning in the doorway, but her eyes are only for Mel. And they look... seductive.

Vi shudders, turning back to Mel to find the headmistress flustered.

Vi shudders again.

"Why of course." Mel responds as she slowly picks up her tea and takes a sip, all the while eyeing Sevika over the rim.

There's a charged silence where Vi's head twists back and forth before she slowly reaches for the contract. "Okay..." She stands and neither of them turn to look at her. "I'm just gonna..." Vi slowly edges towards the door, "Bye."

She slides past Sevika's unmoving form and slips from the room. Sevika slams the door shut behind her and Vi blinks. Shuddering for the third time.

Vi's fingers trace the edges of the contract reverently, as if testing its solidity. Her thumb brushes over Mel's elegant signature again and again. Half-expecting the ink to smudge and reveal this all as some elaborate daydream.

She bites her lower lip, fighting back the smile threatening to split her face as her eyes scan the words once more.

Head Cook. The title still sends a little thrill through her chest, makes her heart skip like she's some lovestruck teenager.

Vi enters the school's main hall alongside Powder, blinking as she takes in the sight before her.

The senior dance is in full swing, teenagers dancing wildly to the surprisingly energetic music filling the space. Her eyes are drawn to the stage where, remarkably, Heimerdinger is shredding on an electric guitar.

Vi finds herself mesmerized as the yordle knee slides across the stage and, to her astonishment, strums the strings with his tongue. Drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

"I guess the music career is working out..." she murmurs. When Powder doesn't respond with her usual quip, Vi glances at her sister. She finds her distracted, eyes scanning the crowd intently.

"Looking for your date?" Vi asks with a knowing smirk.

Powder splutters, cheeks reddening. "Ekko's not my date!" Vi's grin widens. "You didn't say Ekko..." Powder narrows her eyes, still flushed. "Whatever."

Vi beams and nudges her sister before pointing toward the punch bowl. "Over there."

Powder's head snaps in that direction, and Vi watches with amusement as her sister, for perhaps the first time in her life, appears shy. Her heart warms. She elbows Powder gently. "It's just Ekko."

The reassurance earns her a brief glare before Powder deflates. "Yeah... Thanks."

At that moment, Ekko spots them and begins waving wildly in Powder's direction, drawing several side glances. His enthusiasm seems to ease Powder's nerves as she offers a small wave back.

"See you later?" Powder asks.

Vi waggles her eyebrows. "See you on the dance floor."

"Don't you dare." Powder warns, bumping Vi's shoulder before making her way through the crowd toward Ekko.

Vi watches as Powder weaves through the crowd, her repurposed dress swaying with each step. The hem is delightfully ragged, fraying in places where she'd taken scissors to it herself. Her thick black boots stomp confidently against the polished floor. A stark contrast to the delicate heels clicking all around her. The sight makes Vi's chest swell with pride, her sister has never been one to conform.

Ekko stands out like a beacon in his suit, a vibrant patchwork of colors that somehow works despite, or perhaps because of, its ill-fitting nature. The jacket shoulders are slightly too wide, the sleeves a touch too short, but his bright smile more than makes up for it. He's a splash of life among the sea of boring blacks and navy blues that the other boys wear.

Vi chuckles to herself. It's actually impressive that Powder hadn't spotted him immediately.

As she watches them meet, awkwardly at first before falling into their usual easy banter, Vi can't help but beam. They're outsiders here, sure, but they wear it like a badge of honour.

Her chest tightens with pride as she watches them laugh together. Completely unbothered by the occasional sideways glances from their classmates.

Vi watches as Ekko performs an exaggerated bow, complete with a flourishing hand gesture that has Powder rolling her eyes even as she grins. When he extends his hand, Powder grabs it without hesitation, and they dash toward the dance floor. Just as they reach the crowd, Heimerdinger launches into another blistering guitar solo. The two of them vanish into the mass of jumping, cheering students.

Taking that as her cue, Vi begins scanning the room for her own date.

Caitlyn had been very adamant about her chaperone duties tonight. Warning Vi with mock sternness that she wouldn't allow herself to be distracted. Vi had simply smirked at that, she always did love a challenge.

The hall is growing warmer by the minute, packed with energetic teenagers and bathed in heavy stage lighting. Vi tugs at her tie, loosening it as her eyes sweep across the crowd in search of a particular tall, elegant figure.

"Well, well, well..." A sultry voice purrs from behind Vi, making her jump. "What have we here?"

Vi spins to find Sarah Fortune standing there, magnificent in a deep red dress that perfectly matches her flowing hair. Her painted lips are curved in a knowing smile as her eyes drift between Vi and the dance floor.

"Young love. How cute." She comments, her eyes on the crowd where Ekko and Powder had disappeared.

Vi laughs, "Powder would explode if she heard you say that." she says as she shakes her head.

Sarah smirks. "Perhaps we should call the presses? A little revenge?" she teases and Vi laughs again.

"I'd rather not invite her wrath, thanks though." Vi adjusts her tie again, still searching the crowd. "Besides, I think they're good for each other."

Sarah's eyes take on a knowing gleam. "Speaking of good for each other... looking for someone special?" She asks, following Vi's gaze across the room. "A certain physics professor perhaps?"

Vi nods absently, her eyes still scanning the crowd. A flash of dark hair catches her attention and her heart leaps, but it's just that substitute teacher, Matilda, was it?

Matilda notices their attention and Vi gives her an awkward wave, which Matilda returns with a hesitant smile.

"Oh, who is that?" Sarah asks, her eyes narrowing in on Matilda's awkward form as she hovers near the punch bowl.

"Substitute," Vi explains, watching as Matilda fidgets with her dress. "She must be covering for someone else... Matilda, I think..."

Sarah's lips curl into a predatory smirk as she catches Matilda's eye, raising her hand in a flirtatious wave and throwing out a wink. Matilda's face immediately flushes deep red, and she nearly drops her cup. “Is she available?”

Vi smiles, shaking her head. "You never change..."

Sarah just shrugs, her eyes still fixed on the flustered substitute teacher. "A woman has needs..."

Vi simply nods still trying to catch a glimpse of her girlfriend in the crowd.

"I must say," Sarah continues, her voice thick with amusement, "you've done well for yourself. Bagging the most sought after professor in the academy..."

"Actually," comes a familiar voice, making Vi's heart skip, "I believe I was the one who did the 'bagging.'"

Vi turns to find Caitlyn standing there, looking absolutely stunning in a form fitting navy dress. There's a slight edge to her smile as she slides an arm around Vi's waist, drawing her close.

Sarah's eyes dance with delight at the display. "My, my... possessive, aren't we?" She winks at Vi before turning her attention back to the crowd. "Speaking of bagging... Matilda, you said?" Her lips curl into a predatory smile. "If you'll excuse me..."

They watch as Sarah slinks away through the crowd, her red dress a beacon in the sea of formal wear.

Vi turns to find Caitlyn watching Sarah's retreating form with narrowed eyes. A smirk spreads across Vi's face as she catches the slight downturn of Caitlyn's lips.

"Aww, cupcake... are you jealous?" Vi teases, delighting in the way Caitlyn's grip tightens on her hip. "I thought you weren't going to let yourself get distracted from your chaperoning duties... I didn't even have to try."

Caitlyn rolls her eyes, but her fingers remain firmly pressed against Vi's side. "I didn't enjoy what she was implying, 'bagging'..." she says primly, pulling Vi closer while maintaining some semblance of propriety given their location. "I simply had to correct her."

Her eagle eyes continue to dart over the crowd for any impropriety, ever the vigilant chaperone even as she holds Vi close.

"Cait..." Vi whispers, her voice barely audible over Heimerdinger's enthusiastic guitar solo.

"Yes?" Caitlyn responds, not taking her eyes off the dancing students.

"Would you do me the honour of making out with me in the janitor's closet after this dance?"

Caitlyn considers the question for a moment, still scanning the crowd. "Yes..." She pauses, and Vi watches her expression carefully, waiting. She sees the exact moment Caitlyn's resolve crumbles. With a minute huff, Caitlyn takes Vi's hand and drags her out of the hall. As soon as they're out of sight and in the empty corridor, her hand slides from Vi's and moves up to securely grip her tie.

"Five minutes," she says firmly, yanking Vi by the tie into the nearest closet.

Fortunately, Vi doesn't make it to the dance floor that evening.

The sun beats down mercilessly on the graduation ceremony, and Vi can feel sweat trickling down her neck.

On her shoulders, Isha shifts restlessly, her tiny legs dangling on either side of Vi's head. A sharp pain shoots through Vi's cheek as one of those small feet connects with her face.

"Ow," Vi murmurs, and immediately feels a small, clammy hand pat her cheek apologetically.

"It's okay, Isha," she whispers, eyes fixed on the stage where the graduates are lined up.

Behind them, someone makes a disapproving noise about the child blocking their view. Sevika, sitting to Vi's right, turns around with a glare so severe it could curdle milk. The complaint dies instantly.

To her left, Benzo is openly weeping, his handkerchief already soaked through. "My baby Ekko," he keeps saying between sobs, "graduating..."

Vi adjusts her grip on Isha's legs, trying to find a more comfortable position while keeping the squirming child secure. Despite the heat, despite her aching shoulders, despite Isha occasionally using her head as a drum, Vi wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Her chest swells with pride as she watches Powder and Ekko sat on stage in their graduation robes, diplomas already in hand.

Mel stands at the podium, her golden dress catching the sunlight as she addresses the graduating class. "And now, as I'm sure you all have celebrations to get to, people you want to spend time with..." Her eyes drift meaningfully toward the crowd, lingering on Sevika with a sultry smirk that makes Vi want to crawl under her chair.

"But before we conclude, I'd like to introduce our valedictorian..." Mel pauses for dramatic effect, "Powder Walden!"

Vi leaps to her feet, nearly dislodging Isha, who manages to stay balanced on her shoulders. "YEAH POWDER!" she whoops enthusiastically, while Isha claps her tiny hands above her. The outburst echoes through the otherwise silent crowd, drawing numerous stares. Powder shoots Vi a withering look from the stage, but Vi catches the slight twitch of her sister's lips fighting a smile.

Sevika's hand clamps onto Vi's wrist, yanking her back into her seat.

Vi settles back in her chair, completely unrepentant, her face split in a massive grin. She catches Caitlyn's eye where she sits with the other professors, and throws her a playful wink. Caitlyn responds with a small, fond smile.

Powder steps up to the microphone, coughing once to clear her throat. Her hands tremble slightly as she unfolds her notes, but her voice is steady when she begins to speak.

"When I was thinking about what to say today, I kept coming back to one thing. Something my sister, yes, the one whooping in the crowd like a maniac…once said to me.” A smattering of rich sounding chuckles echo through the crowd.

Vi's eyes widen as Powder looks up from her notes and makes eye contact. "At the time it made me cry..." Powder says and rolls her eyes, "Which is embarrassing to admit in front of a crowd of my peers but...whatever. I'll never see most of you again after today." That earns Powder a laugh from the crowd and Vi's heart is filled to the brim with pride.

"When the mopping gets tough, the tough get mopping. That's what she said." Powder says, her eyes locked on Vi, who ignores the elbow from Sevika and the murmur of "Damn that's sad..."

Powder continues, "She's a janitor here, you see. Cleans up after all your kids. Or she used to." Powder beams, "And let me tell you... some of your kids are slobs. Who raised them?" Now that one earns a mixed reaction of laughs and gasps from the crowd.

Vi chuckles and nods in agreement.

"At the time, it made me cry because... who says that? Who tells their little sister something so... mundane? So practical?" Powder pauses, a soft smile playing on her lips. "But now I understand. Because no matter what life threw at her, no matter how tough things got, my sister kept going. She was strong. She was braved it all. And most importantly, she was good! She showed me that sometimes the most heroic thing you can do is just keep going, keep cleaning up the messes life throws at you, and help others along the way."

"Because without her help there's no way I'd be standing here in front of you all today! Some poor kid from Zaun, outclassing all your privately educated piltie offspring!" That one definitely drew more gasps than laughs, but a few loud whoops could be heard throughout the crowd. Ekko most prominently. Even Sevika let out a grunt of approval.

"Who knows where I'd be... I could have turned out to be a shimmer dealer or a terrorist or-" Vi winces making a cutthroat gesture to Powder as scandalised gasps are drawn from the crowd. "Anyway..."

"The reason I bring this up is to say, in life when you have those challenging moments... The ones that make you want to give up, which I doubt most of you will ever come across," Powder smirks at the uncomfortable shifting in the crowd, "Keep going. It's worth it. Trust me, I know."

Powder holds up her valedictorian medal, "this isn't just mine. It belongs to you too, Vi. Thank you."

A moment of silence passes

The crowd murmurs uncomfortably. A mix of halfhearted applause and disapproving whispers filling the air. The Piltover elite exchange glances, clearly torn between acknowledging the achievement and their distaste for Powder's pointed comments about their children.

Vi sits frozen in her chair, tears streaming freely down her face now, her heart so full it feels like it might burst.

Caitlyn suddenly leaps from her seat, letting out a whooping noise that rivals Vi's own enthusiasm. Her outburst seems to break through the stuffy atmosphere, and even the most scandalised of the Piltover elite reluctantly join in the applause.

Powder grins at Vi, who struggles to blink back tears. Isha's small hand reaches down to wipe at Vi's eyes from her perch above, while Sevika nudges her with an elbow. "Good job, kid."

Vi bites her lip as Powder hops down from the stage, clearly deviating from protocol judging by Mel's surprised expression. Mel approaches the microphone, smoothly thanking everyone for attending and offering final congratulations to the graduates. Even as Powder continues her determined path toward Vi.

The crowd begins to disperse, parents embracing their children and heading off to take pictures. Powder stops in front of Vi and removes her graduation cap. Reaching up on her tiptoes to place it on Isha's head before draping her valedictorian medal around Vi's neck.

Vi just stares, blinking rapidly as Powder rolls her eyes and pulls her into a tight hug.

“Was that cheesy?” Powder asks into her shoulder and Vi nods.

“I love cheesy.”