Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Taking a deep breath Vi clenched her hands, she dodged the first hit from the gloved fists being sent her way before she threw out a few jabs, sweat glistening on her brow. Bringing one arm up she took another hit sending a few stinging sensations through her body, but she ignored it. Her drab green tank top clung to her back, damp with perspiration from the gruelling workout.

She didn’t even hear the door to the room opening behind her as the thrum of her heart pounding in her ears drowned out almost every other sound. She expertly ducked another swing from the bag, her muscles screaming at the relentless exertion.

“Violet.”

“Huh?” She turned just as a punch came out smacking the back of her head and she stumbled forward, her taped fists clenching. Sharp pain exploded behind her eyes as she squinted to see who had entered the room.

Caitlyn sucked in a breath crossing the distance between them, her hands going up to Vi’s head. “I’m sorry, I called your name a few times, you were in your own world.”

Vi shook her head, trying to shake off the throbbing ache. "S' fine," she grumbled, giving the woman a smile. “I’ve been hit by worse cupcake. What’s up?” She leaned back rubbing her hands over the shaved parts on her head looking at the woman.

She could see that the woman was slightly nervous which for Caitlyn was unusual. The normally composed, confident Caitlyn was shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

“Caitlyn?” Vi shifted forward resting her hands on the woman’s hips tilting her head to the side.

She could see the woman taking a deep breath before she cleared her throat pulling out something from her pocket. Caitlyn held it up for Vi to take and she found herself staring at a small plastic white thing that looked like a pen.

“What’s this?” Vi whispered, taking it from the woman’s hand one hand still on Caitlyn’s hip as she looked at what she assumed was the front, there was a small square that caught her eyes - digital text that said pregnant. Blinking a few times her eyes went up to Caitlyn who looked back at her with a mix of fear and anticipation.

"Pregnant?" Vi echoed faintly, alarm and surprise coating her gravelly voice. The plastic test seemed to grow heavier, though that surely was impossible. "You mean... We're going to..."

Caitlyn nodded, giving the woman a smile. “It worked, surprise.”

For a moment they both stood there in silence, staring at each other as the realisation set in. The muffled thuds of Vi's punching bag swinging gently back and forth seemed to echo in their shocked silence. "I… I mean, we planned this, I know, but..." Vi stuttered, trying to wrap her head around the monumental news. Caitlyn nodded, her eyes softening as they looked into Vi's.

Vi could feel the world spin around her; the rough texture of the floor beneath them faded out of focus and all she could see was Caitlyn’s anxious smile begging for reassurance. “We’re going… We’re going to be parents.” She whispered again, her tone blanketed in a surreal fog of quiet elation and raw fear. She felt a warm, foreign sensation swimming up her chest and lodging in her throat. A soft chuckle bubbled out, laced with disbelief and she clapped a hand over her mouth in stunned surprise. "We're going to be parents."

The next thing Caitlyn found herself being spun around in Vi's arms, her feet barely brushing the ground. A shout of pure joy filled the air, erasing all evidence of the silent shock that had soiled the moment only seconds ago. Caitlyn clung to Vi, her hands clutching the worn fabric of her tank top as her whole vision was filled by a wide grin.

Vi's laughter echoed around their small gym and punched right through Caitlyn’s stunned silence, replacing it with giddy positivity. She was laughing too, now, the sound bouncing off the walls and filling the air with a tangible happiness.

Vi halted abruptly, setting Caitlyn back onto her feet before pulling her into a quick, passionate kiss. “Oh my god, parents! I can’t believe that it worked after only two tries.”

Caitlyn chuckled, her fingers lightly ghosting over Vi's cheek. "Me neither," she admitted, her own excitement making her voice quiver slightly. "I was prepared for months of trying, maybe even years."

A radiant grin spread across Vi's face as a rush of adrenaline surged through her veins. She ran her thumb over Caitlyn’s cheek before it went up brushing over the woman’s scar over her eye, staring into both the blue and milky white eyes with newfound joy. "Well, I guess we're just that good," Vi winked, her tone playful despite the tender moment.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes nudging the woman’s shoulders slightly before wrapping her arms around them. She buried her face in the crook of her neck, the familiar scent washing over her. "Yes, we are good," she muttered into her skin. “Are you going to be able to handle my mood swings and weird cravings?”

Vi laughed, wrapping her arms tighter around Caitlyn, a fresh wave of affection washing over her for the woman in her arms. "I'm strong enough to handle anything you can throw at me, cupcake." She grinned down into her hair. "Besides, I think I can manage a few weird cravings."

“Record that for me and send it to me later,” Caitlyn mused, her voice filled with laughter as she pulled back, her hands resting on Vi’s neck, her fingers brushing the shaved underside. "You're going to eat those words when I wake you up at three in the morning cravings.”

“Bring it on cupcake, I’m game.” Vi replied, an unstoppable grin etched onto her face.

Chapter Text

The one thing Caitlyn noticed about pregnancy was how much her body was changing, and how her mood shifted unpredictably, often in the most out of place way. Even with her only being a month pregnant her belly had started to grow a small bump and her cravings had swung from spicy foods to the sweetest pastries she could find. In the dead of night, she would wake up in a cold sweat, a sudden craving for the most interesting food - foods she wouldn’t normally eat.

And true to her word, Vi was there through it all. When Caitlyn had awoken in the middle of the night with a need for chocolate covered strawberries, Vi had somehow managed to find them, even at two in the morning. When Caitlyn's mood swings had led to an unexpected burst of tears over a minor inconvenience, Vi had been there with comforting words and warm hugs.

Letting out a small sigh, Caitlyn clasped her fingers together staring up at the ceiling, a loud snore came from beside her making her smile slightly despite her grim mood. She glanced over at the sleeping form of Vi, spread out across their bed like a starfish, her mouth slightly open as she snored peacefully.

Despite Vi’s reassuring behavior and constant support, Caitlyn couldn’t help the overriding feeling of guilt asking her for her strange cravings. The one thing since the woman started living with her was she finally got sleep - actual sleep. It was a constant seven to eight hours per night and she was fully rested, losing all signs of those dark circles and she looked healthier, less tired than before.

“Wake me up whenever, I’ll do what or get whatever you need.”

Taking a deep breath Caitlyn reached over poking Vi’s cheek right below her tattoo.

“Vi,” Caitlyn began softly, not wanting to startle her awake.

At the sound of her name, Vi twitched, then blinked sleepily and rubbed her face with one hand. When her eyes focused on Caitlyn, she groaned. “Cait? What time is it?” She asked in a husky, sleep filled voice.

“I don’t know… around three in the morning?” Caitlyn’s voice was guilt ridden when she spoke up.

Vi's response was an almost inaudible grumble, she rolled over wrapping her arm around the woman’s stomach kissing the side of her head. “What’s up?”

Caitlyn hummed letting her fingers run along the woman’s arm feeling the muscles twitch underneath her touch. "I have a craving," she confessed, a soft giggle escaping her lips at the absurdity of the situation. The initial shock had worn off, leaving them both in a state of eager anticipation and somewhat fearful excitement.

Vi raised an eyebrow, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips. "What is it this time?" She asked, already mentally preparing herself to brave the early morning chill.

“Remember when we first met and we went to that shop?”

One of Vi’s eyes opened looking at her. “Jericho’s?”

Caitlyn nodded, reaching up to touch Vi's face gently. "Yes, that's the place. Whatever you had there… I kind of want it.”

The redhead nodded, kissing the woman’s cheek. “Right, I’ll be back as soon as possible then. Just... try not to miss me too much while I'm gone.” She was already swinging her legs over the side of the bed, stretching out her stiff muscles.

Caitlyn watched as Vi slipped on her boots and collected her jacket.

“Vi…?” Caitlyn called out softly, pausing for a moment before continuing, "You don't have to go…" She muttered, realizing how unreasonable her request must sound.

But Vi just turned around with a soft smile on her face. "It's not a big deal, Cait. Besides…,” she winked at the woman while shrugging herself into her jacket, “...I said I'd handle whatever you throw at me." She walked back towards the bed kissing the top of Caitlyn’s head. “I’ll get the food and come back as fast as I can." Her voice was tender, her eyes soft as they took in the sight of Caitlyn. "Just rest while I'm gone. You need it."

And with that, she was gone, leaving Caitlyn alone in their bed.
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Despite it being early in the morning the streets of Zaun were still lively. The music wafted through the air from the late night establishments, blending with the chatter of the late night patrons and the distant hum of nighttime machinery.

Tugging more on her hood she looked up watching Jericho slam the cleaver down, cutting the top part of the fish off with ease.

“Thanks again for this Jericho.”

Jericho gibbered, slamming the knife on the board again. He grinned at Vi before letting out a laugh. Vi hummed resting her chin into the palm of her hand, something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention making her sit back slightly.

Looking at the far wall a faded out graffiti piece on it, she had seen it before. Seeing Jinx on it, her heart clenched a bit.

“Still don't get it, huh, sis? I'm always with you. Even when we're worlds apart.”

Vi sighed, rubbing her forehead. A small clothed bundle was placed in front of her, taking her attention away. Jericho crossed his arms over his chest grinning down at her. She gave a nod reaching into her pocket pulling out a few coins tossing them to him before offering a grateful smile.

"Thanks, Jericho. I owe you one," she murmured before standing up.

Taking the bundle she pulled on her hood more walking down the path, she stopped right in front of the wall looking up at the graffiti.

“Always with you, sis.”

Her hand gripped the bundle a little tighter as she traced the faded lines of the image with her eyes, memories and emotions swirling in her chest. With a sigh, she shook her head slightly, lifting her gaze to the ink black sky above. "Always," she whispered to the cool night air before pushing off from the wall and continuing down the pathway, thoughts of Caitlyn urging her forward.

“Oh this is so good.” Caitlyn whispered, bringing the fork up to her mouth, biting into the fish covered in the most delicious sweet and tangy glaze that she had ever tasted. She felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction with each bite that she took.

Vi snorted, reaching into the bowl picking one up, biting into it, humming herself. “Now do you regret not trying it a while ago?”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes at Vi's teasing, though a smile still graced her lips. "I suppose I was too caught up in trying to get you to behave," she teased back, gesturing with her fork towards her companion. "Instead of being adventurous and trying new food. Though now I admit that I was clearly missing out.”

“Definitely missed out.” Vi grinned licking her thumb, her eyes locked on with Cait’s. She could see the woman’s eyebrows go up slightly, her eyes going from Vi’s fingers back to her eyes. “Something wrong, cupcake?”

“Must you be so distracting?”

"Oh, I'm sorry," Vi said through a wide grin, "I didn't realize merely existing was so distracting for you."

Caitlyn shot her a disdainful glance before finishing the last bite of her meal. The warmth in her belly, the drowsiness that always followed a satisfying feast, and the comfort of Vi's presence begin to lull her into a docile state of contentment. “I think I’m ready to go back to bed now before I have to wake up for an early morning.”

“I’m sure that you could get away with being late for a few hours, Sheriff.”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. "Oh, could I now? And whose fault would that be, Vi?"

The redhead chuckled, leaning back in her chair as she gazed at Caitlyn fondly. Her heart melted at the sight of the woman's sleepy eyes and sated smile. “Blame it on pregnancy hormones, I doubt anyone is going to bother you since you’re the Sheriff and you're pregnant.” Vi added, the words washing over Caitlyn in a comforting wave of warmth. "They'd be too scared of a pregnant woman's wrath."

“Even so I’d rather not be too late, thank you for the food however.”

Vi gave her a soft smile, reaching across the table to take Caitlyn's hand, giving it a light squeeze. “I am glad you liked it.” Her words were laced with genuine happiness, glad that her trip in the early morning had paid off.

“Mhm” Caitlyn nodded, interlacing her fingers with Vi’s. She leaned back into her chair, exhaustion evident on her face despite the pleased smile she wore. "I must admit, as absurd and exasperating as my cravings can be... they sure make for wonderful meals."

Vi chuckled softly, rising from her chair and leaning over the table to press a kiss onto Caitlyn's forehead. "That they do. Now come, let's get you back to bed."

Chapter Text

“Couldn’t we have at least just walked there?” Claggor asked, shifting up slightly.

Vi shook her head, clicking her tongue. “Gotta stay out of sight for this one.” She glanced up as the wind picked up looking at Powder, the girl sat there frozen staring down at the three of them.

“Called it. This is on you Vi.” Mylo said, glancing at the redhead. Vi let out a small groan as Claggor shifted.

“I’ll get her-”

Vi quickly held her hand up stopping him. “No. Powder look at me.” She called out, getting the girl's attention. “What did I tell you?”

“That… I’m ready.”

“That’s right! So?”

Vi watched as Powder took a deep breath, she slid down the roof jumping from the spot she stopped on her feeting going to the balcony. She managed to get down preparing herself to jump across and not a moment later she was across onto the other roof.

However, Powder lost her footing falling back, thankfully she was right there and managed to grab the girl's hand just in time.

She felt a shoulder bump into hers making her tear her eyes away from the building she was looking up at to Caitlyn. Flexing her hands in the Atlas gauntlets she tilted her head to the side.

“Something wrong?” She asked as they continued down the road slowly.

Caitlyn shook her head looking over at the man to the side giving him a small nod. “No, you just seemed a bit out of it. Did something catch your attention?”

Vi shifted, turning around slightly continuing to walk backwards looking up at the building again. “Just… remembering a job I took here in this district when I was a kid.”

“A job?” Caitlyn's brow crinkled, curiosity flashing in her gaze. "What kind of job?"

Vi gave a nonchalant shrug turning back around. “Got a job from Ekko years ago, he followed a guy all the way up here and gave us the tip. It was some rich inventor that had a bunch of trinkets and gadgets. Job went south and well… we blew up part of the building.” She mused her eyes going down to the ground, she didn’t notice Caitlyn had stopped walking until she took a few steps ahead and realized there was no one matching pace beside her. She halted and turned, finding Caitlyn a few feet behind, eyes wide.

"Blew up?" Caitlyn seemed to swallow the words, her voice barely above a whisper. She watched as the woman turned looking up at the building Vi had been looking at until she turned back around again meeting her eyes. “Wait.. that was you?”

“Uhh… what?”

“That explosion all those years ago was you?" Caitlyn repeated, her voice a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "I was there that day… that was Jayce’s apartment.” She trailed off the last part watching Vi shift uncomfortably.

"I... didn't know that," Vi admitted, the sound of the Atlas gauntlets came as she pulled one of them off, running a hand through her hair. "I was just a kid, you know? Didn't realize... who it was or what we were doing. Thought maybe people would take me more seriously if I did the job, I was old enough, Piltover wasn’t exactly going hungry… while we starved in the Undercity."

The statement hung between them, a reminder of the gaping divide that had once existed between their worlds. Caitlyn appeared taken aback, her eye momentarily clouding over as she digested this new information. For a moment, the steady beat of the city seemed to swallow up all other noise.

"You were just trying to survive," Caitlyn finally said. Her tone was neither forgiving nor accusing, just an acknowledgment of a grim reality. "And you've changed since then."

Vi hummed pushing her hand back into the gauntlet as Caitlyn stepped up next to her. “Now that you know, you going to arrest me, Sheriff ?” She was trying to ease the tension, a hint of a grin touching her lips despite the seriousness of their conversation.

Caitlyn gave her a mocking look in return. "As tempting as that might be... I think I'll let it slide, just this once. I don’t think arresting my wife on the grounds of a decades old crime would reflect well on the force, would it?”

Vi laughed at that, grinning wider now. “Nah, probably not.” she agreed. “I already served my time for it anyway.”

Caitlyn’s smile fell slightly at the reminder, slowly she gazed up at the building once more, remembering the smoky chaos of that day. She felt something cold press lightly against her stomach making her look down, Vi had flexed one of the fingers on the gauntlet touching her lightly, the cold metal a contrast against her warm body.

“You sure you’re good to keep patrolling? I can do this by myself, besides being the Sheriff and you know being pregnant and all you shouldn’t be out and about too much." Vi offered, her eyes filled with genuine concern and affection. Her gaze shifted towards Caitlyn's slightly swollen belly.

Caitlyn, however, chuckled and rested her hand on the already prominent bump of their child. “Three months pregnant isn’t exactly a disability, Vi." Caitlyn rolled her eyes playfully, nudging Vi lightly with her shoulder. "I can handle myself just fine, you know.”

Vi raised an eyebrow, her grin not receding for a moment. "I do know. Just making sure you're alright. And that the little one here,” she pointed to Caitlyn’s stomach, “is also alright.” Carefully, she ran the back of her gauntlet clad hand over the swell of Caitlyn's abdomen.

“You worry too much. Both my dad and the doctors have said that getting out and walking is beneficial for the health of both the baby and myself," Caitlyn reassured Vi, who still had that worried expression etched on her face. “Besides, I can't let you get all the fun with the patrols, can I?"

“Fun? You still think this is fun?” Vi grumbled under her breath, her gaze lingering on Caitlyn's stomach as she drew her hand away reluctantly. She shook her head slightly and returned the gauntlet to its resting position.

Caitlyn hummed as they continued to walk slowly down the road. “Being with you all the time is fun, besides I don’t have to worry too much with you here, one punch or look from you and anyone would think twice before being foolish."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Vi said with a slightly amused chuckle.

For the next hour or so they continued to walk through Piltover, thankfully not much happened besides greeting citizens and keeping a general eye out for trouble. The city was active with its residents in the midst of their daily routines, and occasional bursts of laughter from children playing carried over everything. Navigating through the steady flow of Piltover’s life, it felt a world away from where Vi had grown up.

Eventually they reached the bridge between Piltover and Zaun, watching as all kinds of people crossed back and forth.

Thinking back to the explosion, it made her think about what she talked to Ekko about a few years ago, after everything with Noxus. He told her about another version of their world he got stuck in for a few months.

At first she didn’t believe him until he started pointing out minuscule details that slowly started to make sense.

She felt something press against her shoulder again before Caitlyn laughed a little.

“You’ve been stuck in your head a lot, are you sure you’re not the one who needs to take a break?”

Vi smiled to herself as she adjusted the gauntlets leaning down resting them on the ground next to her feet, they gave off a small hiss as they slid off. “Sorry, it seems our patrol has me reminiscing a lot today.”

Caitlyn hummed, wrapping her arm around Vi’s leaning up against the railing next to her. “Want to talk about it?”

Vi opened her mouth before she closed it looking down at the ground. She didn’t know why she never told Caitlyn what Ekko told her, after everything that happened it just never seemed the right time. The story was wild, who would even believe something like that?

“I was just thinking about something Ekko once told me… it was a kind of a domino effect from thinking about that explosion again.” She mused crossing one leg over the other feeling Caitlyn’s hand run down her arm. “Do you remember when Jayce came back and he looked different?”

Caitlyn frowned but said nothing as she gave a small nod waiting for Vi to continue.

“I guess at some point Jayce, Ekko… and what was his name… Heimerdinger, had gone down to see what was wrong at the hexgates. Something happened and it sent them all to like… different worlds - alternate universes.” She explained waving her hand slightly to demonstrate.

Caitlyn blinked, surprise in her eyes. "Alternate universes?”

The woman gave a small nod clearing her throat before continuing. “Yeah, Ekko described the world to me he got sent to. It was basically like ours… but a lot of things were different, people were alive.”

"Alive?" Caitlyn echoed, her eyebrows furrowing deeper in confusion. “Like who?”

Vi took a deep breath rolling her neck slightly. “Vander for one… was still alive. In that world he was actually friends with Silco, they built the perfect Zaun, just like they wanted to.” She paused for a moment, biting the inside of her cheek. “Jinx wasn’t… well Jinx, she was Powder. Mylo and Claggor were there too, older but alive."

Caitlyn took a moment to process what Vi was saying. Vander and Silco as allies and Jinx being… normal, wasn’t something she could easily wrap her head around. And as for the last part about Mylo and Claggor, a small ache nestled in her chest. She knew how much those boys had meant to Vi.

“Were we there?”

Vi's eyes flickered for a moment. She knew Caitlyn was asking out of curiosity, but the answer wasn't all that comforting. "Yeah," she admitted after a brief pause. “You were there, too."

Caitlyn perked up at this, intrigued despite herself. “And what was I like in that other world?”

“Ekko never really met you, but he had seen some mentions of your name in papers and such," Vi explained, shrugging her shoulders. “Still working towards becoming the Sheriff, making a name for yourself.” She said watching as the woman let out a small laugh shaking her head.

“Were we partners?” For a moment, Vi was silent. The smile faded from her face and she looked out over the bridge.

“That… explosion I told you about… it happened just like it did here. But it… killed both Jayce and I. That alternate universe didn’t have hextech like we do. Because of that event they deemed it unsafe and destroyed all of his work.”

Caitlyn held her breath, the pulse in her throat ticking out the silent beats of the moment's passing. "Jayce and… you?" She echoed quietly. "You were dead in that other world?"

Vi gave a firm nod, her lips pressed tightly together. “I guess something changed and that explosion was far worse, he didn’t say much about it - it was hard to even tell me that much." She looked down, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the railing of the bridge.

Caitlyn's arm tightened around her, pulling her closer. A cold breeze swept across the bridge, causing both women to shudder. "I cannot imagine…" Caitlyn whispered hoarsely, "a world where you… where you aren't… with me."

Vi looked into her eye, the usual flame that lit them dimming slightly. "It wasn't something I wanted to think about either. But it also made me think about how peaceful it must have been, how many people were still alive because there was no hextech, even if it meant…" She trailed off, her voice suffocating in the thick air.

Caitlyn nodded and turned her gaze toward the horizon. The setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and crimson, reflecting off the river below and imparting it with a fiery glow. The sight was breathtakingly beautiful yet hauntingly poignant, a stark contrast to the conversation that weighed heavily between them.

“Is this…” Caitlyn began hesitantly, her voice barely audible above the distant hum of Piltover, “is this why you sometimes look so distant? Because you're thinking about another life that could have been?”

Vi exhaled deeply. Yes, she sometimes did wonder about that other world where things were different; where Vander and Silco were allies, where Powder didn’t lose herself to become Jinx, where there was no hextech… and where Caitlyn’s mom was still alive.

Funny how the thought at the cost of two lives could bring some semblance of peace to others. She tried not to dwell too much on that thought though, it wasn’t just that one moment that changed the course of that world, that letter she found with Jinx while looking for Vander, that was another point that was probably different in the alternate universe. It was a butterfly effect sort of thing, she supposed.

One wrong step, one wrong decision could tilt the scales drastically, change everything they once knew.

"I guess," Vi began, her voice thick with unshed emotions, "when you see the world through different lenses, when you see what could have been... you can't help but question everything."

For a minute Caitlyn didn't respond, instead she simply brought Vi's hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles. "Regret doesn't suit you, love," the sheriff finally muttered.

Vi chuckled, a sound that was simultaneously bitter and sweet. "Who said anything about regret?" She answered with her hand shifting down resting on Caitlyn’s stomach.

Caitlyn looked at her then. “Not regret, then… guilt?" At this, Vi stiffened. The sheriff was too sharp for her own good sometimes. Caitlyn sensed the shift in her instantly and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It wasn’t your fau-”

“Your mom would be alive.” She felt wrong for saying it, she knew deep down that Caitlyn didn’t blame her. She never spoke it into existence and never once allowed those words to escape her lips. Yet, Vi couldn’t help but feel it was her own fault.

Even after everything there was always that small part of her that knew. There was always that very small mocking whisper that reminded her of it. And even if he never said anything everytime she looked at Tobias she could see it. The accusation, the blame.

In the silence that followed, a gentle sigh stirred through Caitlyn's lips. She gently turned Vi’s face towards her, tilting it slightly so she could look into her eyes. “And you wouldn’t be there. I cannot sit here and simply say that I would prefer a world where you don't exist, Vi." Caitlyn’s eye held a sincerity that seeped into her words. "My mother would want me to live a life of love and happiness, and you give me that—your existence gives me that."

Vi's throat tightened at Caitlyn’s words, feeling a tear threaten to escape the corner of her eye.

“No matter how much it hurts, no matter how much I miss my mom, we're here now. We made it here and this baby," Caitlyn gently rubbed her swollen belly, her other hand still clasped tightly with Vi's, "is proof that we're meant to be in this world together. We survived, Vi. And we will continue to survive, for us and for our child."

Vi swallowed hard, the tears now stubbornly prickling at her eyes. The overwhelming guilt that consumed her earlier was slowly being replaced by an emotion she couldn't quite place, a strange mix of relief and gratitude. Caitlyn was right, they were here now; they survived. Despite everything they'd been through - the tragedies, the heartbreaks - she was here with the woman she loved, and they were going to be parents.

A pause followed Caitlyn's words as Vi stared at her in silence. At last, she spoke, "I... I didn't mean to upset you, Cait..." Her voice trailed off into a soft whisper worrying over how their conversation had turned out.

Caitlyn’s soft chuckle cut through the thick silence. “Upset? No, Vi,” She gently smoothed a wayward lock of hair from Vi's forehead before cupping her cheek. “You haven’t upset me. You can talk to me about these thoughts you have, like you do with the nightmares.”

Caitlyn had, after all, seen her at her most vulnerable. Those nights when she woke up screaming, sweat soaking through her clothes, were the most terrifying moments of her life. Yet Caitlyn never once wavered; she was always there to hold her, to whisper soothing words until the darkness receded.

Vi couldn’t remember a life without feeling some form of guilt or regret, but it was Caitlyn who taught her that emotions didn't define you. It wasn't about forgetting or repressing. It was about acceptance and growth.

“Thank you,” Vi whispered, getting a nod from the woman before she leaned forward their lips meeting in a soft, reassuring kiss. The taste of Caitlyn's lips was familiar and comforting, a silent promise that no matter how hard things got, they would face them together.

They pulled away only when the need for air became pressing. Caitlyn rested her forehead against Vi's, their eyes remaining closed as they savored the calming silence that wrapped around them. “Why don’t we go home now?”

Vi simply nodded before she leaned down grabbing the gauntlets. “Okay.”

Chapter Text

"When people look up to you, you don’t get to be selfish. You say run, they run. You say swim, they dive in. You say light a fire, they show up with oil. But whatever happens, it’s on you."

“Vi? You can't save him.” Vi slowly sank to her knees looking down at Vander. All she could see was the last time… the first time she lost him. Tears were in his eyes.

“You can’t save anyone. ”

Vi let out a slow sigh rubbing a hand down her face, she blinked a few times staring up above at the ceiling before she looked to her right watching Caitlyn sleep peacefully. She reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Caitlyn's ear before her hand drifted down to her stomach. 

She felt the gentle rise and fall of Caitlyn’s breathing, the soft swell of her belly beneath her palm. Beneath her hand, there was a tiny flutter. The sensation was so small, almost imperceptible, but it was there, their baby moving inside Caitlyn.

Shifting slightly she tugged on the blanket pulling it up more around Caitlyn before leaning over to press a gentle kiss to her temple. As she watched Caitlyn stir slightly at the gesture, a small smile crept onto her face. 

She watched the woman sleep for a little while longer before slowly slipping out of the bed and the room, sometimes she would wander the halls of the Kiramman Mansion at night, when sleep evaded and guilt gnawed at the edges of her consciousness.

She didn’t want to wake Caitlyn, especially with how far along she was already. Sleep was crucial, and Vi knew better than to disturb her. The sound of clocks ticking echoed as she found herself stepping down the stairs slowly, she almost missed the man sitting at the sofa at the bottom until she reached the last step.

Turning, she froze for a moment at the sight of him. Tobias sat there, his face weathered with time and marred by creased lines that seemed more pronounced in the soft glow of the moonlight pouring in through the large window.

Sensing a presence he looked up meeting her eyes, Vi felt a jolt run through her. His gaze was dull and emotionless, yet it held an intensity that seemed to stare right through her. For a moment, neither spoke. The room was filled with a stifling silence, the tension between them was well… tense. It always was.

She had talked to him a few times, but the conversations were always short, simple and unsurprisingly uncomfortable. They danced around the unspoken, careful to not step on the tangling vines of their past that laid between them, for Caitlyn's sake.

“I’m sorry… I… I’ll leave you alone.” Stumbling over her words slightly, Vi moved to step back, away from the living room.

"No, I... It's fine, come sit." Tobias found his voice, even though it came out rough and strained. He lifted a hand up in a half hearted gesture of reassurance. "Can't sleep either?"

Her footsteps halted, her hand resting on the banister. Slowly she took a deep breath slipping her foot off the first step before she turned back around, going over to the couch across from the one across from him. “No. I didn’t want to wake Caitlyn up, so here I am.” As she settled into the sofa, her eyes never left his face.

Tobias acknowledged her response with a curt nod, his gaze flicking towards the stairs. “She’s carrying it well,” he said, a touch of admiration gracing his voice. “The pregnancy.”

"She is," Vi answered softly, following his gaze before turning back to look at him. The room was awash with an eerie quietness again, the only sound being the old clock ticking incessantly in the room.

She watched as he leaned forward pouring tea into two cups from an ornate porcelain teapot that sat on the coffee table between them. The scent of chamomile filled the room, a calming fragrance that somewhat eased the tension in the air.

"Tea?" Tobias offered, extending one of the cups towards her. The glint of moonlight reflected off the rim, tracing outlines of intricate patterns on it.

"Sure," Vi accepted the cup, her fingers brushing against his as she took it from him. She cradled it in both hands, feeling the warmth seep into her skin.

Sipping quietly from their respective cups, they found themselves locked in an uneasy silence yet again. Each occupied with their own thoughts, they did what they could to avoid dipping into a conversation involving their past.

However, Tobias was the first to break the ice. He placed his cup down onto its saucer with a soft clink and cleared his throat. "I never..." he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I never got a chance to thank you."

Vi frowned at this, looking up at him in surprise. "Thank me? For what?"

Tobias' gaze held hers, an intensity brimming in his eyes that hadn't been there before. "For giving Caitlyn a chance at happiness," he said solemnly. "Ever since she met you… she's been different. Happier."

She opened and closed her mouth a few times before she looked down at the cup in her hands. “You don’t really mean that.”

"I do," Tobias said, his tone sincere. He was quiet for a moment before he continued. "It wasn't easy for me to accept. I won't lie about that. But seeing her... seeing her smile, hearing her laugh... I've come to realize that she has something with you, something very special. What I feel for you doesn’t matter, what matters is her happiness."

Vi looked up, her gaze locking with his again. She knew that coming to terms with their relationship hadn't been easy for Tobias. She saw the struggle in his eyes, the turmoil he was grappling with. But she also saw acceptance, resignation even.

One could argue that this was a discussion long overdue, yet at this moment it somehow felt right. The night, silent and observing, offered an uneasiness that bordered on tranquility.

"I honestly don't know what I did to deserve her," Vi confessed softly, her fingers playing with the rim of her cup. "There were times… times when I couldn't bear seeing my reflection in the mirror. Seeing who I'd become… It terrified me."

Yet the memory of those fear stricken days was slowly starting to fade away, replaced by the bittersweet reality of today. The somber confession hung in the room, a ghost from the past made real by the confessional moonlight.

"You didn't become anything," Tobias retorted after a moment, his tone firm, almost protective. “I mean, you became what you wanted. You have a good heart Vi, that’s what draws people to you, never believe that you’re not deserving. Caitlyn sees that in you."

His words hung heavily in the silence. Vi lifted her gaze towards him; there was no malice or judgement in his eyes, only a distant kind of understanding that she hadn't seen before.

“You've got a good heart. Don't ever lose it. No matter how the world tries to break you. Protect the family.”

She felt the lump in her throat swell as the silence fell between them once more. Vi stared into the steaming cup cradled in her hands. She closed her eyes and felt the warmth envelop her, breathing in the relaxing aroma. 

When she spoke again, her voice was just above a whisper and raspy. "I would do anything to protect Caitlyn... and our baby. They are my world now. And I won't let anyone hurt them."

A certain resolution was laced in her words, as though she’d made a silent pledge in that dark room, under the indifferent light of the moon and stars. For a moment, silence ruled over them both; it seemed as if time had paused and all that could be heard was their own beating hearts echoing the same promise.

Tobias looked at her then; truly looked at her. He scrutinized her face, marred with small scars, testified battles fought, but he found no deceit in those eyes that shone under the watchful gaze of moonlight. His lips curved into a small smile of understanding.

"Good," he said, a tone of approval sneaking into his voice. "Because I may disagree with a lot of things about you Vi, but I can’t deny the fierce loyalty you carry in your heart."

“I love her,” she whispered softly, words barely rising above a breath. "So much it hurts sometimes." The tears welled up in her eyes suddenly making them look glassy under the dim light. Her voice trembled with cracking vulnerability as she admitted. "She saved me from myself, Tobias. She's my everything."

Tobias nodded slowly, understanding now the depth of Vi's feelings for his daughter. His gaze softened and for the longest moment they just sat there, chatting about past memories and shared experiences. Their conversations felt oddly intimate in that low light.

"I hope this doesn't sound like an empty compliment," Tobias mentioned after a while, breaking another round of contemplative silence. "But I'm glad... glad that it's you who's standing by her side."

“I think that might be the first time you've said something nice to me,” Vi chuckled lightly, the sound soft and brittle in the stillness of the room. She looked into her now empty cup, her thoughts dancing with the last traces of chamomile.

"She deserves so much, and I..." Vi paused as if struggling to find the right words. “Sometimes… I feel I can’t give enough. I’ll just fail her again, like always, like everyone else." The words stumbled out in a whisper.

Tobias was silent listening to Vi’s confession, his gaze softened as he recognized her raw vulnerability. After a moment, he leaned forward, setting his cup back on the table. His voice broke through the quiet of the room resonating with a certain truth and sincerity that Vi hadn’t expected from him.

"Vi,” he began carefully, “Nobody's perfect. And life... Life is a series of trials and errors. We all make mistakes. You... I… everyone." He sighed softly, rubbing his temples as if searching for the right words.

"But it's how we learn from those mistakes; how we grow and become better... That's what defines us, not our mistakes." He paused before adding, "And believe me when I say this, Caitlyn does understand that. Love is an unusual force. It has this uncanny ability to inspire us, change us for the better. Love is forgiving, of mistakes, of flaws," Tobias glanced at the window where the moonlight splattered highlights across the room. "It makes even hardships worth enduring."

"Remember one thing though," he turned back to face her with a stern expression on his face. "Don't ever sell yourself short. You’ve got strength within you that many people could only dream of."

His words resonated within Vi, her hand clenching around the cup, her gaze dropping down to the liquid still swirling inside of it. She thought of Caitlyn then, the brilliant smile that would brighten her world like the rising sun, her laughter that echoed like a melody in her heart. Tobias's words became a gentle reminder of what she had, who she was, and who she could become.

Taking a deep breath, Vi looked up to Tobias again, her eyes glazed over. "Thank you," she said, her voice just above a whisper.
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Closing the door quietly behind her she made her way back to the bed. Carefully she slid in beside Caitlyn, trying not to wake her. She watched as the moonlight blanketed her face, softening her features. She was beautiful, more than words could capture, more than a brush could paint. Vi reached out, brushing a lock of hair from Caitlyn’s face with utmost care.

“The baby is kicking a lot.” Caitlyn whispered, making Vi freeze for a moment.

"I felt it earlier." Vi murmured, moving her hand slowly to rest gently on Caitlyn's stomach. The warmth seeping through the thin fabric of Caitlyn’s nightgown.

Caitlyn captured Vi's hand with her own, guiding it to the right spot, where the baby was making a ruckus. "Right there," she whispered, a gentle smile playing at her lips in response to the baby inside her. As if on cue, a soft movement fluttered beneath Vi’s palm.

Both of them sat there for a long moment, neither of them speaking. For a while Vi couldn’t tell if Caitlyn fell back asleep or not, it was broken however as the woman whispered again.

“Where did you go earlier?”

Vi hummed, pushing one arm up behind her head as the woman shifted more into her side. “I went for a walk, I didn’t want to wake you up.”

"Hmm," Caitlyn hummed in a sleepy tone, before nudging her head into the curve of Vi's shoulder. "Well, next time take me with you."

“You need sleep cupcake.”

Caitlyn gave a small snort shaking her head. “Kind of hard when your child decides to have a dance party at ungodly hours.” She muttered grumpily, though her tone was laced with warmth and undeniable affection.

Vi clicked her tongue shifting slightly, she leaned down tugging the blanket over her head as she went. Caitlyn was about to question what she was doing until she felt the woman shifting her nightgown up and a moment later she felt Vi’s head resting on her stomach.

“Hey little one, we love you very much but please, for the love of Piltover and all that is good, let your mom sleep. I’m the one that has to deal with her grumpiness in the morning and it's not a pretty sight."

Caitlyn pushed one finger against Vi's forehead, her soft laughter echoing in the quiet room. "I'm not grumpy," she protested half heartedly, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks at Vi's teasing.

"I promise you are," Vi chuckled, her words muffled against Caitlyn's stomach, “But I still love you even when you are.” She mused resting her hands on the woman’s legs. “You know since I’m already down-”

“Vi.”

“Okay okay I’m stopping.” Vi chuckled again pulling herself out from under Catilyn’s nightgown, making her way back up the bed until she was lying beside Caitlyn once more. An arm wrapped around her waist as she pressed a soft kiss to the crown of Caitlyn's head.

Caitlyn simply hummed in response, slipping an arm over Vi's torso and curling into her side, her body fitting perfectly against Vi's.

“Four more months.”

Vi's heart jumped at the words, four more months. Four more months and their lives would forever change. She found herself holding her breath, a strange mixture of excitement and fear gripping her heart. "Four more months," she echoed quietly, tracing circles idly on Caitlyn’s back.

“If it’s a girl I still want to name them after your mother.” Caitlyn whispered, running her nose along Vi’s collarbone.

"And if it's a boy?" Vi voiced out the question that had lingered in her mind for some time. It was only half serious, but she couldn’t help being curious about the answer.

Caitlyn took a moment before responding. "If it’s a boy..." She trailed off, shifting further into Vi’s side as if for support, “Would you want to name them after Vander? Or… some name that has the same sound as Vi?"

The question made Vi pause, a soft smile forming on her lips as she thought about it. "In honor of Vander… I'd love that," she whispered, her voice filled with a fondness that spoke volumes of her deep respect for the man who played such a pivotal role in her life. “But if we name them after my mother, it’s only fair that their middle name goes to your mother.”

“Felicia Cassandra Kiramman.” Caitlyn hummed to herself, "I like that. As for a boy..." Caitlyn paused again, rolling the idea around in her mind. "Vander Connol Kiramman. What do you think?"

“That seems a bit unfair to you, cupcake." Vi's voice was teasing as she wove her fingers through Caitlyn's hair.

“We have plenty of names to go around if we have another.” Caitlyn let out feeling the woman next to her pause at her words. In the hush of the room, Caitlyn's offhand comment echoed louder than she intended.

Vi's heart did an odd little flip. "Another?"

Caitlyn lifted her head up slightly looking at the woman, "Well, it's not off the table, is it?" She reached up and touched Vi’s cheek softly, a tender smile on her face that made Vi's heart flutter.

"Well, Cupcake, one hasn't even arrived yet," Vi chuckled, although her words were laced with surprise and warm affection. The thought of having another child with Caitlyn sent a strange wave of excitement coursing through her veins.

A soft yawn escaped Caitlyn's lips as sleep started to creep into her eyes. "Mmm, let's focus on surviving the first one then. Save that conversation for another day.”

Chapter Text

“I did appreciate your warmth.” The sound of the gun cocking behind her - and then the sound of it firing ringing in her ears. She felt like her world was in slow motion as she waited for the darkness.

Caitlyn took a deep breath as her eyes snapped open, she found herself staring up at the purple drapes on the bed. She blinked a few times, a shiver running through her body, the sound of shuffling beside her shot panic through her making her head snap over..

It was the sight of pink that relaxed Caitlyn, her heart slowing as she gazed at Vi, still fast asleep beside her. Although the nightmare was beginning to fade, the echo of the gunshot still rang in her ears. Vi slowly rolled onto her back, her arm going over her eyes as a soft snore escaped her lips.

The sight helped drain away the remaining tension in Caitlyn's body. She let out a shaky sigh reaching forward slightly letting two fingers run along Vi’s arm tracing part of her tattoo. Her eyes slowly went down to the woman’s stomach, her shirt was riding up so she could see the skin.

She could see the faded scars, a handful of marks, some she knew the story to and others not so much. Caitlyn felt a small shift in her stomach and glanced down, her hand moving to rest on her own abdomen. She could almost feel the tiny movements, the little kicks and nudges pressing against her hand.

“You’re sure active.” Caitlyn whispered as she pushed herself up carefully shifting to not disturb Vi. Her feet touched the cold floor and she stood one hand going to her lower back the other still resting on her stomach.

She only had three months left and every moment was starting to weigh on her. She was excited for the baby, don’t get her wrong, it was the pain and exhaustion she wasn't too fond of. Slowly she made her way down the hall towards the nursery room they had set up just before her second trimester.

Caitlyn didn’t bother closing the door behind her as she made her way over to the rocking chair in the corner of the nursery. Each move she made was slow and careful, taking into account the precious life within her. She drew in a deep breath as she settled onto the softened cushion of the chair, her hand still cradled over her belly.

The nursery was quiet with only the faintest hue of morning light creeping through the small window. The corner was filled with stuffed animals, a riot of colors, shapes and sizes that Vi had enthusiastically gathered. It was ready to welcome their child into the world.

She heard the sound of light footsteps going up to the door before they passed, they stopped for a moment however backtracking until Vi peeked her head in.

“That didn’t take long.” Caitlyn mused a small smile on her face as the woman stepped in going up to where she was before slowly sitting on the ground in front of her.

“The bed was empty and cold without you," Vi replied, her voice quiet in the hush of the nursery. She gingerly reached out to touch Caitlyn's swollen belly, a soft sigh of contentment escaping her lips.

Shifting slightly, Vi crossed her legs over one another before grabbing Caitlyn’s feet resting them on her lap. She started to gently massage her ankles, paying close attention to the arch of her foot. Each touch chased away the soreness that had settled there, causing Caitlyn to contentedly sigh and nestle further into the soft cushions.

“Did you have another nightmare?” Vi whispered, she could feel the slight tense feeling in Caitlyn's legs. She knew her too well, and one thing she knew was that she would usually find the woman in the nursery if she did.

It was something she slowly started to pick up on after Caitlyn's nightmares and even when panic attacks started to become more frequent. The jittery energy, the way her body felt slightly tight despite her best efforts to relax. In those moments, there was always a hint of anxiety that trickled into the air around them, tension that Vi had learned to pick on.

Some of the causes she knew about, thoughts of that day, the fight. Others were the day they watched the rocket hit the council room or the moment they rarely ever talked about but the day they separated after Jinx. But she knew there were more, others Caitlyn barely touched on.

Some that caused a lot of pain.

Usually after a shower she would find Caitlyn in here rocking in silence, every light on in the room and the curtains closed.

“Yeah.” Caitlyn responded after a moment, her eyes opening as they focused back on Vi. “The same one…”

Vi hummed, pressing her thumb into the base of Caitlyn's foot, her eyes never leaving Caitlyn's belly. She didn't need to ask which dream she was referring to.

It was one of the main one's she always talked about. There was a time however where even talking about that nightmare was like pulling teeth. 

It was a haunting memory that refused to leave Caitlyn in peace.

"I'm sorry," Vi murmured, feeling helpless in her attempts to comfort her partner. She had been there, she should have been able to prevent it, but she hadn’t.

“It’s not your fault, Vi,” Caitlyn reassured, rubbing her hand over her stomach. “It just likes to resurface every now and then.”

The woman nodded, pushing her hand up massaging Caitlyn’s ankle before moving on to her calf. Her fingers applied a firm pressure, seeking out knots and chasing away tension as best as she could. Caitlyn closed her eyes, allowing herself to sink deeper into the gentle rhythm of Vi's care.

The room was only broken by the soft sounds of their breathing and the occasional creak of the rocking chair.

The silence was comfortable, stretching out between them like a warm blanket. It was a familiarity that had been woven through countless shared moments, the silence of shared spaces and intimate familiarity.

“I might work out for a little, do you want to come with me? Or are you going to go down and get something to eat?”

“I think I might grab a bite, then perhaps join you later, if that’s alright.” Caitlyn replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Vi nodded, pressing one last reassuring squeeze to Caitlyn's calf before slowly withdrawing her hands.

“You know where to find me.”
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Our love, is a bubblin' fountain

Our love, that flows into a sea

Our love, deeper than any ocean

Our love, for eternity


Ooh, like Sunday I'll pray our love will always stay pure

Ooh, while the world turns around, he holds me down for sure

Leaning up against the doorframe Caitlyn brought the mug up to her lips, her eyes locked on the woman. She watched as Vi pulled herself up over the bar before going back down again, the steady rhythm of exertion causing sweat to glisten on her skin. 

The sight brought a slight blush to Caitlyn's cheeks, but she didn't look away. Instead, she took another long sip from her mug.

It was hypnotizing to watch Vi's body move with such precision and strength. Each muscle tightened and relaxed with every motion, showcasing the raw power that lay beneath the surface.

She loved running her hands over those strong arms, tracing the outlines of the tattoos that decorated her skin. Vi would always laugh, but she never pushed Caitlyn away, instead, she would pull her closer, wrapping those strong arms around her.

Just that thought alone made her feel warm inside.

Vi let go of the bar and dropped to the ground, landing with a soft thud. She took a moment to catch her breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she turned around and spotted Caitlyn leaning against the doorframe, her eyes drinking in the sight of Vi.

She was taken aback at first; she didn't even notice Caitlyn standing there. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she locked gazes with the woman.

Caitlyn said nothing as she stepped forward, on her way she set the mug down before continuing towards the redhead.

“Cupcake, I’m all sweaty-”

Before Vi could finish her sentence, Caitlyn silenced her with a soft kiss. Trailing her fingers up Vi's bare arm, she didn't flinch away from the beads of sweat that coated her skin. Instead, she moved closer, wrapping her arms around Vi's waist and pulling her in.

"I don't care," She murmured against Vi's lips pushing up and deepening the kiss, losing herself in the warmth of Vi's embrace.

Vi grinned into the kiss, her hands cupping at Caitlyn’s thighs before she picked her up and Caitlyn instinctively wrapped her legs around Vi's waist. She could feel the muscles in Vi's back flexing under her touch, and the sensation only served to deepen her blush and make her feel even more heated.

Vi carried her effortlessly, setting her down carefully on a table not too far away. Pulling away from the kiss Vi shifted down running her lips along Caitlyn’s neck drawing a soft whimper from her partner. Caitlyn's hands clutched onto the woman’s back, her nails pressing into the skin, causing a soft grunt from Vi. The sensation of her warm breath against her skin sent shivers down Caitlyn's spine, her body melting into Vi's touch.

“Did you get all hot and bothered watching me cupcake?”

"Only a little." Caitlyn responded in a whisper, her breath hitching as Vi’s lips moved traveling to the junction of her neck sucking lightly on the skin. 

Vi chuckled, tracing her hands up Caitlyn's side, feeling the curve of her figure beneath her touch, she pushed her hand along resting it on the woman’s stomach.

"Just a little, hmm?" She breathed into Caitlyn's ear, going back to lay soft kisses along her collarbone.

“Shut up.”

Vi's laughter was a low, husky sound that vibrated through Caitlyn, sending another wave of warmth pooling in between her legs.

Since she got pregnant they had taken things slow, savoring each other's company in nonphysical ways. But something about the way Vi's sweat slicked skin shone under the soft lights, the way her body pressed into Caitlyn's made a rush of desire spike within her. And based on Vi's responsive touch and amused smirk, it seemed she wasn't alone in that sentiment.

She felt Vi’s hands tug at the ropes of the robe she had on and almost involuntarily, she relaxed her grip on the garment. It pooled open at her front, revealing the swell of her pregnant belly and the soft curves of her body. Vi's eyes roamed over her, appreciation burning in their depths.

“You're so beautiful,” she breathed, letting her hands explore the roundness of Caitlyn's figure.

Caitlyn bit her lip, a flush spreading across her cheeks as she placed a hand on top of Vi's. “You think so? You don’t think I look fat?”

Vi paused for a moment giving Caitlyn a look before shaking her head, her thumb gently caressing Caitlyn's skin. “Fat? Absolutely not, Cupcake. You look… radiant,” She murmured, her eyes never leaving Caitlyn’s body.

Resting her hands on the woman’s thighs she pulled her closer to the edge, her fingers dancing along the edge of the nightgown. She felt Caitlyn's hand squeezing her shoulder in silent permission, and she took the hem into her hands, lifting it gingerly over the swell of Caitlyn's belly. The fabric came up to reveal a pair of simple white panties and she paused, meeting Caitlyn's eyes which had darkened.

With the support of Vi’s shoulders Caitlyn lifted her hips for the woman to pull the white fabric down, tugging gently at the edges. As the material slid down her legs, leaving her bare beneath the raised gown, Caitlyn felt a rush of self consciousness. She felt exposed and vulnerable under Vi's gaze.

Vi hummed to herself stuffing the panties into her back pocket, her eyes wandering back to Cait's body. Her fingertips traced along the stretch marks that were so beautifully scattered across the woman’s belly. She bent down, pressing her lips gently against the skin, earning a sharp intake of breath from Caitlyn.

She slid her eyes up to look at Caitlyn seeing her bite her lower lip. Leaning up again she pressed a kiss to the woman’s cheek before moving to her ear letting her warm breath tickle the skin there.

“If anything hurts or feels uncomfortable, you tell me, okay?" Vi whispered huskily into Caitlyn's ear. Caitlyn nodded, her breath hitching as she felt Vi's fingers trail down her belly and further south.

"I'll stop immediately," Vi assured her, pushing her hands on Caitlyn’s thighs, spreading them apart gently. Caitlyn whimpered softly at the touch, her grip tightening on Vi's shoulders.

Two fingers gently traced the inside of Caitlyn's thigh, causing a shiver to ripple through her body. Caitlyn’s breath hitched in her throat as Vi’s fingers gilded higher. When they finally made contact with her most sensitive area, she let out a gasping sigh, her head falling back against the wall.

A thumb pushed up rolling gently over her clit while Vi continued to press soft kisses along Caitlyn's jawline, her other hand sliding around to settle at the small of Caitlyn’s back, offering a steady support.

Caitlyn whimpered, the fingers between her legs and Vi's lips on her skin were too much. The anticipation was unbearable. Vi slipped one finger inside of her and she gasped, clutching the woman even tighter as a wave of pleasure radiated through her.

“More.” She moaned out her hand pushing down gripping the tank top Vi was wearing. In response, Vi pressed another finger inside, eliciting a moan from Caitlyn. She moved her fingers slowly at first, easing into a rhythm that drew soft gasps from Caitlyn's lips.

“So needy.” Vi mused adding a third bringing her lips down sucking on part of the skin on Caitlyn's neck, eliciting a sharp gasp from her. Caitlyn could feel Vi smirking against her skin, but all thoughts were quickly erased as the woman's fingers moved faster.

"Vi," she whimpered, her hips bucking in response to the increasing speed. The redhead chuckled but didn't relent, and soon Caitlyn felt herself teetering on the edge of release. “ Violet !” Her voice was a breathy whimper, fringed with need, and Vi caught the urgency in her tone.

"I've got you, Cupcake," Vi murmured, her voice deep and laced with affection. She continued to move, meeting Caitlyn's increasingly frantic pace. With each thrust of her fingers, Caitlyn's whimpers grew louder until they filled the room. Her grip on Vi's shoulder tightened to the point it was almost painful, but Vi didn't mind.

She watched Caitlyn's face contort with pleasure, her eyes squeezed shut and mouth partly open as she tried to regain control of her breathing. It was a sight that served to stoke the fires within Vi, who began to move even faster.

"Vi… I..." Caitlyn couldn't finish her sentence before she was going over the edge. Pleasure overtook her and she cried out, her body trembling in Vi's arms as wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over her.

Once Caitlyn stopped shaking, Vi gently withdrew her fingers tugging on the nightgown so it would cover her once more.

“Satisfied?”

Caitlyn shook her head grinning lazily up at Vi, her chest still heaving with strained breaths. “No…”

“No?” Vi turned her head slightly glancing at the clock on the wall. “I have patrols in little under an hour-”

“I’ll give you a pardon-”

Vi seemed amused by this, huffing a disbelieving sound. "Oh, you'll pardon me? The Sheriff herself is going to let me escape my duties because she's... what was it? Unsatisfied?"

Caitlyn only nodded, her smile widening at Vi's teasing. Her hand raised to caress Vi's cheek, her touch soft and adoring. “Exactly.”

Vi rolled her eyes bringing her hand up to rest on Caitlyn’s before pushing it over kissing her palm. “Can you suffer through a few hours? I want to at least get a few hours of patrol done and then I’ll devote the rest of the day to you,” she suggested with a gentle smirk, her fingers squeezing Caitlyn's hand reassuringly.

Caitlyn tried and failed to hold back a groan, but finally nodded, letting her hand fall from Vi's face. "Okay," she sighed out, before smirking up at her partner. "But you'd better make it up to me."

Vi chuckled, pressing one last chaste kiss to Caitlyn's lips. “I promise,” she whispered against her mouth before pulling away completely. “Do you want to join me for a shower?”

There was a brief flicker in Caitlyn’s eyes before a nod came from her.

“Alright, up we go then.” Vi whispered, pushing her hands up under Caitlyn's thighs, lifting her effortlessly off the edge she'd been perched upon. Caitlyn looped her arms around Vi's neck instinctively, letting out a small laugh as she was swung about like a bride on her wedding night.

“Show off.” Caitlyn taunted, but there was no real venom in it.

All that came from Vi was a snort as she made her way out of the gym.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn let out a long groan as she felt Vi’s palms push down slowly on her back, her hands gripping the dresser in front of her as the contraction washed over her.

“Remember to breathe, Cait.” Vi whispered, pressing into her lower back a little more firmly.

After another minute of pain, Caitlyn managed to find her breath again, each breath in was a signal of victory against the wave of contractions.

"Damn it, Vi," she rasped out, her knuckles white against the dresser. "I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle here."

Vi hummed leaning forward to press a kiss against the woman’s shoulder. “The contractions are getting shorter, your dad has already called for the uh the doula or whatever they're called.”

“It’s a doula, you got it right.” Caitlyn whispered, easing her grip on the dresser. Vi made a small face at that, her hands still firm on Caitlyn’s back.

“Do you want to move to the room now? Or do you still need some time?” Vi asked, mentally assessing the timing of Caitlyn's contractions.

Caitlyn inhaled deeply, letting her body relax a bit. "No… not yet," she managed to say after a pause. "I just… need a moment."

Vi gave another nod letting her hands slip down pushing up under the woman’s shirt massaging the skin. They were getting closer, Caitlyn’s contractions started roughly eight or nine hours ago, they were spread apart a lot to the point they didn’t have to worry much yet.

They did everything they could to simply ignore it, as what was recommended by the doctors and books for the signs of early labor. 

But now, as the contractions drew closer together and the pain grew worse, it was becoming more and more impossible to deny the fact that Caitlyn was going to be giving birth soon.

What was nice is they opted to have a home birth at the Kiramman mansion, enabling Caitlyn to be surrounded by more familiar surroundings and the comfort of their home.

In the early hours, she had paced the hallways, practiced her breathing techniques, and leaned on Vi for support.

“Another.” Caitlyn groaned, snapping Vi out of her thoughts. Immediately, like a machine reacting to a command, Vi's hands pressed again on Caitlyn's lower back, focusing her energy into applying the right amount of pressure.

A small knock came from the door before the doula slipped in her eyes going to the two of them. She was an older woman named Marabel, she had years of experience helping those who had the same desire of giving birth at home.

"Doing alright, dears?" Marabel asked, approaching the couple. Her hands reached out to check Caitlyn's forehead and pulse, then moved on to lightly palpate her abdomen. “How far along are contractions?”

“Four to five minutes.” Vi piped up as Caitlyn let out another groan, eyes squeezed shut against the onslaught of another contraction. Marabel nodded approvingly, reading the tension in Caitlyn's body language.

"That's good progress," she said in her soothing voice that had brought relief to countless mothers to be in their most challenging hours. She turned back to Caitlyn, meeting her pained gaze with a reassuring smile. "And how are you holding up?"

Caitlyn managed a strained chuckle, her hand squeezing Vi's for support before the pain subsided once more. "I've definitely had better days."

Marabel nodded, taking a deep breath. “Why don’t we move to the room you wanted to give birth in, it could give us a chance to get you changed into something more comfortable and to prepare everything for the actual birth. We can also check to see how dilated you are.”

With a grimace, Caitlyn gave a slight nod, her fingers interlocking with Vi's as she pushed herself off the dresser. Her legs wobbled under her but she managed to stay upright thanks to Vi's firm hold.

"Alright," Vi murmured, her other arm wrapping around Caitlyn's waist as they began the slow trek towards their prepared room.

Once they reached the room they quickly helped Caitlyn change into a more comfortable outfit before checking how far along she was. Being she was eight centimeters dilated already the process was moving along far quicker than any of them had anticipated.

Now it was just a waiting game.

“Any last minute guesses?” Caitlyn whispered, peaking her right eye looking at Vi who sat in a chair next to the bed, their hands interlocked.

"Guesses?" Vi feigned ignorance, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"The gender, silly," Caitlyn chided, lightly squeezing Vi’s hand. The baby's gender had become a source of friendly banter throughout the pregnancy, as they had chosen to keep it a surprise.

“Hmmm…” Vi tilted her head, pretending to think hard. Her free hand moved up pushing a strand of hair to the side. "I'm still saying girl. And I hope she looks just like you, which there is a very strong chance, those Kiramman genes are strong.”

Caitlyn gave a small laugh until a contraction stopped her for a brief moment. 

She knew Vi was referencing the wall of portraits of previous heads to the Kiramman name; her mother and grandmother both bore an unmistakable resemblance to her. The features passed down through generations: their sharp jawlines and striking blue eyes, a mirror of Caitlyn's own.

“Watch this baby come out with bright pink hair.”

Vi snorted, picking up a small cup that had ice chips in it and began feeding them to Caitlyn. “That’ll be one hell of a surprise.”

Over the next few hours the contractions became more intense, the intervals between them shorter. Vi never left Caitlyn’s side during this. She hated seeing Caitlyn in so much pain as they got closer for her to push, she just wanted to take all that pain away. But every time Caitlyn met Vi’s eyes there was never any regret for taking on this weight.

Soon after what felt like forever Marabel instructed to Caitlyn that the next time she had a contraction she would need to push, marking the beginning of the hardest and most crucial part of the birthing process.

Vi had to admit, her hands had been through a lot, punching walls and people alike but never had she felt the pain of having her fingers nearly crushed like they were now. But she would take that pain a thousand times over if that meant Caitlyn wouldn't have to suffer all by herself.

Leaning down Vi rested her forward against Caitlyn’s murmuring words of encouragement into her ear as she gritted her teeth, preparing for the next wave to hit. “You’re strong, Cait. You’ve got this.”

She ran her fingers through Caitlyn’s hair kissing her forehead, continuing to whisper as much encouragement as she could provide.

Another contraction washed over Caitlyn, and she let out a strangled cry. “Alright Cait,” Marabel instructed calmly. “It’s time to push, dear. You can do this.”

Caitlyn took a shaky breath and bore down, grunting loudly as she squeezed Vi's hand almost unbearably tight.

“That’s it," Marabel encouraged, her eyes focused on Caitlyn's progress. “You're doing amazing.”

Several tense minutes passed with Caitlyn’s groans echoing through the room. Meanwhile, Vi simply held on, her free hand gently stroking Caitlyn's dampened forehead and matted hair.

"Almost there," Vi whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead, feeling a pang in her heart at every pained noise Caitlyn made. “I'm so proud of you.”

“I can’t do it.” Caitlyn whimpered out. Just that sound made Vi’s stomach drop and her heart ache, but she forced a small smile on her face for the woman.

“Hey, look at me,” she gently cupped Caitlyn's face and turned it toward her. Her eyes were shimmering with exhaustion. “You’re doing so well. You're so strong, Cait, stronger than anyone I know. You can do this… just a few more pushes. Breathe, just breathe."

Caitlyn gulped in air as she listened to Vi's words. She grabbed onto Vi tighter, her already pale knuckles turning a ghostly shade of white.

Marabel’s voice broke the thick tension building up, "Caitlyn, dear, I need you to push again at the next one.”

Anxiety bubbled alongside the overwhelming pain consuming Caitlyn. She wouldn't admit it though, not now. She could do this.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime of waiting and pushing, the echoing cry of a baby reverberated through the room. A shuddering breath escaped Caitlyn as she finally relaxed against the sheets, her hand gradually loosening its death grip on Vi's.

Both were quick to look as Marabel wrapped a towel partially around the baby before bringing them over to Caitlyn, the echoing cries of the newborn filling the room. Vi watched in awe as Caitlyn cradled their newborn against her chest with a tired, yet radiant smile.

"It's a girl," Marabel announced, a warm smile on her face. The baby's cries slowly stopped once in Caitlyn's arms recognizing the feeling of her mother.

Caitlyn let out a small sigh, her head falling back onto the pillow as she ran her hand over the baby's back. This gave Vi a moment to look at their daughter seeing that the little one did not have bright pink hair but dark curls, akin to Caitlyn’s, soft against her small bald head.

She couldn’t look away as she felt an overwhelming sense of love and adoration for their daughter. "She's perfect," Vi murmured, her voice choked with emotion.

Caitlyn glanced at Vi, a tear slipping down her cheek. "We're... we're parents." She could barely believe the words as she said them. Their little girl lay in her arms, so tiny.

With a triumphant chuckle, Vi replied, "Told you it would be a girl." Her fingers trailed along their daughter's arm before moving to gently caress Caitlyn's hand.

“I never disagreed with you.” Caitlyn retorted, giving Vi a look before looking back down at the baby on her chest. She was still in disbelief, their child was actually here, after nine months of waiting. They made this beautiful, little life.

“Vi.” Marabel whispered, getting her attention holding up a small pair of scissors.

"Oh." Vi's heart skipped a beat but she nodded, accepting the scissors with as steady of hands as she could manage. "Right."

The older woman pointed out where she should cut the cord, her hands supporting Vi to ensure she wouldn't accidentally harm their little one.

“Are you sure?” Vi asked for the umpteenth time, her eyes darting from the scissors in her hand to the cord. She didn't want to mess this up.

"Fully sure," Marabel chuckled. "Just make a clean cut there, dear."

Taking a deep breath, Vi carefully went ahead and cut the cord, her hands surprisingly steady. The baby let out a weak gurgle but didn't cry, most likely too exhausted from the journey she had just made.

"There you go," Marabel said with an approving nod as she moved forward to clamp the end of the cord. Vi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding her eyes darting back to Caitlyn and their newborn. Caitlyn's blue eyes met hers, exhaustion seeping in but they were filled with a depth of love and admiration that left Vi breathless.

"She's beautiful." Vi murmured, her gaze softening as she looked down at the child in Caitlyn's arms.
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“Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Vi whispered shifting in her chair holding out her hands for the baby. Marabel gave her a small smile giving small instructions as to how to hold the baby, but Vi didn’t need to be told how to.

She knew already.

Vi’s arms circled slightly as she almost lost her balance on the crate she was standing up on. Connol’s hands rested on her shoulders to steady her.

"Easy there, kiddo," he said, putting his hands under her arms, picking her up off the crate, setting her down on the ground before turning to Felicia who gave them a smile.

“I want to see her.” Vi said, bouncing on her feet following her mother to a small couch against the wall.

“Hold on hold on, come sit up here.” She said, patting the couch beside her. Vi obediently clambered up, turning around quickly settling into the couch next to the woman.

Felicia turned slightly, bringing her one hand out, taking Vi’s hands. “Make sure you hold her head, alright?” Vi nodded seriously, her focus completely on the tiny bundle cradled in Felicia's arms.”

With all the delicacy in the world, Felicia handed over the newborn to Vi. The baby curled into her arms. Vi's heart stirred as she looked at the baby's little features, her chubby cheeks and her small pouty lips. A soft shock of hair covered her head, bright blue.

"She's so small," Vi found herself saying, a sense of wonderment lacing her words. "Are they always this small?"

Connol laughed squatting down in front of Vi.

"Always, at the start," he said, tapping her shoe. "But they grow fast, too fast sometimes. You were this small once.”

She gave a small nod watching as the baby’s eyes opened slowly. “What’s her name?”

Felicia hummed, leaning over resting her head on top of Vi’s head. “Her name is Powder.”

She let out the breath she was holding in slowly as she leaned back in the chair. There was a shiver that ran down her spine as she looked down at her daughter, so small. A tear slowly trickled down her cheek, unnoticed until it fell onto the baby blanket. Blinking, Vi quickly wiped it away watching as her eyes opened, light grey eyes staring up at her.

Shifting the blanket that was wrapped around her shoulders she felt the baby's hand flex on her chest. Bringing her hand up she ran her thumb over the small fist before kissing the tiny hand.

Looking up she found Caitlyn’s eyes watching them, she smiled standing up slowly from the chair going towards the bed. Carefully she sat down next to the woman feeling her rest her head against her shoulder. Vi gently adjusted the baby in her arms, allowing Caitlyn to get a better look at their daughter.

"Look at her," Caitlyn murmured softly, her fingers tracing a feather light touch across the baby’s cheek. "She's amazing."

“She is.” Vi whispered, leaning her head down to rest on Caitlyn’s. “You did good."

Caitlyn let out a soft laugh before tipping her head up to press a tender kiss to Vi's cheek. "We did good."

“You’re the one who did all the work.” Vi chuckled, her gaze lingering on their little girl, whose eyes were lazily opening and then closing. “I just stood worrying like a fool."

"But you were there, holding my hand. If it wasn’t for your support, I don't know how I would've gotten through it," Caitlyn confessed, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Thank you.”

“I should be thanking you.” Vi whispered, shifting slightly to look at Caitlyn. “She’s here because of you."

Tears welled in Caitlyn's eyes. "She's here because of us," she corrected softly, her fingers brushing against the baby's cheek. The baby responded, instinctively nuzzling into the warmth of Caitlyn’s gentle touch.

"Us." Vi echoed the word letting out a small laugh.

“Are you doing okay? Do you feel well?”

Caitlyn smiled, shaking her head as she adjusted in the bed patting her father’s hand. “I’m fine really.”

"I know, I know," he replied, worry still etched into his features. "I'm just… you're my little girl, Caity. Seeing you like this, seeing the pain you went through earlier… I couldn't help but worry."

She squeezed his hand gently. "I know, dad," she said softly. "But I promise I'm alright."

Vi cleared her throat getting Tobias’ attention. "Would you like to hold her?" She asked, gently rocking their baby in her arms. She looked at Caitlyn for confirmation and got a small nod.

Tobias looked taken aback for a moment before a gentle smile crossed his face. "That would be nice," he admitted, reaching out shyly. Vi carefully placed the sleeping baby in his arms.

Tobias studied his granddaughter's tiny features with tear filled eyes before looking back up to Caitlyn. "She's beautiful, just like her mom," he chuckled, lightly running a finger over the baby’s soft wisps of hair. “What’s her name?”

Caitlyn wrapped her arm around Vi’s looking at her father with a smile. “We wanted her to have something for the both of us. Something that… meant a lot to us.” She took a deep breath running her thumb over Vi’s knuckles feeling the scars beneath her fingers. “Obviously she has the Kiramman name. Her first name is Felicia, after Vi’s mother. And her middle name… is Cassandra.”

Tobias’ eyes shot up to meet Caitlyn's. "After... your mother," he said, his voice choked up.

Both women nodded.

He let out a long sigh looking back down at the baby in his arms. “She would have loved her, spoiled her rotten, for sure.” He paused before whispering again. “Felicia Cassandra Kiramman... That's a beautiful name."

Chapter Text

Vi pushed her forehead into the bars of the crib watching Felicia sleep. Reaching over slightly she traced a small light circle in the baby’s hand before withdrawing her hand, careful not to wake the sleeping newborn.

She felt hands pushing into her shoulders before she leaned back looking up at Caitlyn. “You watch her too much.”

“And it’s not going to stop anytime soon you know that right?” Vi retorted, reaching up behind her rubbing the back of Caitlyn’s thighs. “You’ve had her for nine months. Nine! It’s my turn now.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes looking up at Felicia. “She’s stolen you already and it’s only been two weeks.”

Vi snorted, shifting slightly pushing herself up before wrapping her arms lightly around Catilyn’s waist kissing her neck. “Oh you still have me,” she whispered, her voice muffled against the skin of Caitlyn's neck. "You'll always have me."

The woman hummed as they swayed in their spot watching Felicia. “I can share you.”

"Can you now?" Vi chuckled, pressing another gentle kiss onto the woman’s shoulder before running her nose along the skin.

A soft exhale left Caitlyn’s lips as she laid her head back on Vi’s shoulder. “Will you come with me to sleep? Before I have to wake up again to feed her?”

A coy smile tugged on her lips. “Is this your subtle way of telling me you miss me in bed?”

Caitlyn shook her head reaching back poking the redhead in the ribs. "This is my not so subtle way of telling you I need you near."

“Okay okay, bed it is.”

Vi gently extricated herself from Caitlyn's grasp to steal one last adoring glance at their sleeping daughter. With a soft whisper of a promise to be back soon, she turned and caught Caitlyn’s hand, lacing their fingers together. The two women moved towards their room before settling back into bed.

Caitlyn settled onto her side pushing her face into Vi's chest, her hand resting comfortably over Vi's heart. Vi's arm found its home around Caitlyn's waist, drawing her closer.

“I love you.”

"I love you too," Vi mumbled sleepily, her fingers tracing lazy circles on Caitlyn's back.

There were small subtle signs Vi started to see, the way Caitlyn’s mood would swing from serene to irritable with a flick of her wrist, the way she would stare at empty space for minutes on end, or the occasional tears she would notice silently making their way down Caitlyn’s cheek before being hastily wiped away.

Caitlyn tried her hardest to never let her see these moments but Vi always saw them. Vi spent countless hours thinking about what she could do. She wanted to provide comfort, wanted to be a pillar for Caitlyn to lean on. But every time she approached her, Caitlyn would put on a brave smile and assure her that she was doing fine.

She knew what it was, she spent time before the pregnancy doing research on what to expect. Any book she could get her hands on she read and when she could she would talk to Tobias about it.

Caitlyn was experiencing postpartum depression.

It had been three almost four weeks since she gave birth to Felicia and she could see the impact it was having. But Caitlyn’s stubbornness, her desire not to worry Vi, kept her from seeking help.

It made it hard for Caitlyn to bond with Felicia.

There were times where despite Caitlyn’s best effort the baby would keep crying and Caitlyn would just sit there, helpless, her cheeks streaked with tears. Yet despite the weight of her despair, Caitlyn continued to hide it all behind a smile, behind tender kisses and loving gazes whenever Vi was around.

In truth, Vi hated it. But also she knew she couldn’t force Caitlyn to confront her emotions, to reveal her inner turmoil, that was a step Caitlyn had to take for herself. But that didn’t mean Vi would back down either.

Vi dabbed the end of the bottle against the back of her hand feeling the temperature, when she felt it had cooled down enough she looked over at Caitlyn who had her head in one hand and Felicia balanced on her other arm. The button up shirt she was wearing was open due to the fact she was trying to breastfeed Felicia, but the baby was being fussy, and Caitlyn was clearly on the verge of giving up.

“I can take her.”

She could hear the woman take a deep breath before passing over the tiny, wriggling bundle. "I'm sorry," Caitlyn muttered, avoiding Vi's gaze.

“Don’t apologize.” Vi said as she adjusted the baby pushing the nipple of the bottle on her top lip, this got Felicia to open her mouth urging for the food source. “You shouldn’t have to blame yourself for this, okay?”

“How else am I supposed to feel? I can’t even produce enough milk to feed our child. I'm supposed to be her mother," Caitlyn's words were filled with self reproach. “I’m supposed to be able to do this."

“Hey,” Vi said gently, turning her attention to the woman, while balancing Felicia in one arm. “You are her mother. You’ve been doing a wonderful job. It doesn’t matter how she gets fed as long as she is happy and healthy.”

Looking down, Caitlyn watched as Felicia began to feed from the bottle. A sad smile graced her lips as she saw that their daughter was content in Vi's arms. “She likes you better.”

“That’s not true,” Vi denied swiftly looking down at the baby.

“It is. Every time she’s in your arms she calms down. You have this… magic touch.” Caitlyn brushed a hand against Felicia’s head.

Vi placed her free hand on Caitlyn’s cheek, tilting the woman's face to meet her eyes. “Listen to me,” she said in a steady voice. “Just because the baby seems to respond better to me right now does not mean she likes me better. She needs both of us. Also… I know you’re not doing well, but I want you to know that you are a good mother Caitlyn, and you're doing a great job."

Caitlyn turned her gaze away, a flush of shame coating her soft features. "I'm not... I don't..."

"Don't deny it," Vi interrupted, her voice soft and gentle even as she kept her gaze steady on Caitlyn. "I see you trying, fighting every day for her. She might not understand it just yet, but she will soon realize how much she is loved by her mom. And that's all that matters. If you need to talk to someone or need some help, I'm right here. There's no shame in that."

A tear rolled down Caitlyn’s cheek as she stared at the baby in Vi's arms. She reached out a hand again to caress Felicia’s soft hair, and the baby wriggled a little at her touch, cooing softly. “What if I can’t be enough for her.”

"That's the thing, Caitlyn," Vi began gently, her eyes studying the woman before her. "You are enough. You're more than enough. You can't measure your worth as a mother by the amount of milk you can provide, or how much she cries when she's with you. She loves you, and so do I."

Caitlyn wiped away her tears and gave a small nod. It was a small step, but it was a start towards acknowledging the struggle within her. Her gaze drifted over to Felicia, who was now starting to fall asleep in Vi's arms, a little line of milk dribbling from the corner of her mouth.

"She's beautiful," Caitlyn murmured, leaning more into Vi.

Vi let out a hum wiping the milk away from Felicia’s face, "Just like her mother."

A semblance of a smile tugged at Caitlyn's lips at the statement, one that didn't reach all the way up to her eyes but it was there nonetheless.

“She's stubborn too," Caitlyn admitted, her finger resting in Felicia’s grasping fingers which curled around it.

“Also like her mother.” Vi teased earning a pinch on her arm. “Hey watch it, I’m holding the baby here!”

Now Vi was used to little to no sleep. But it was a completely different story when it involved a tiny human who demanded attention at random intervals during the night. 

Yet, she didn’t mind the coos and cries that would wake her from a deep sleep, nor did she mind the gentle tugs Caitlyn would give to rouse her awake to assist with a late night feeding.

She would take this over being in Stillwater any single day.

The mix of barely any sleep and now the thought of going back to work had her stressed.

“You’ll be okay?” Vi asked as she tugged on her jacket turning towards Caitlyn who was nestled into the corner of the couch, nursing a cup of tea. Caitlyn glanced up, her eyes tired but trying to put on a brave face as she nodded.

"I'll be okay," she said softly, though her uncertainty was tangible.

One month with Felicia had gone by rather quickly and they were beginning to settle into a rhythm. Not an easy one, but a rhythm nonetheless. 

Caitlyn was slowly growing more accustomed to her role as a mother, though she still had her moments of doubt and despair. Vi could see this in her moments of silence, moments when she would gaze longingly at Felicia with tears pooling in her eyes. She had never seen Caitlyn cry as much as she had in the last month.

But still, Caitlyn was pushing through the doubt and the guilt that gnawed at her every waking moment.

"Are you sure?" Vi asked concern lacing her voice as she moved closer to Caitlyn, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’m sure Steb won’t mind me being out of the office for a little longer, he usually corrects most of the stuff I’m working on anyway."

Caitlyn chuckled, putting a hand over Vi's. "No, it's alright. I need to get used to being alone with her. We can't be together all the time; we have our own lives too. I... just need time."

Vi lips were pressed into a tight line, she wanted nothing more than to alleviate the uncertainty etched into Caitlyn’s face. “I won’t be long, few patrols, paperwork and then I'll be back. If you need anything, anything at all-"

“I know. I’ll be fine.”

The woman nodded leaning forward and pressed a kiss to Caitlyn’s lips before nuzzling into the crook of her neck, taking in a deep breath filled with the familiar scent of lavender and baby powder. "I love you," she whispered, feeling the woman hum.

“I love you too, be safe.”

“Always.” Vi gave another kiss to Caitlyn’s cheek before she moved away from the couch going to the playmat Felicia was laying on, the baby’s eyes were trained on a tiny shiny star dangling above her face. Her hand twitched slightly before it went to her mouth.

Squatting down slightly in front of the baby, Vi brought her hand up rubbing her head. 

“Hey firecracker.” The response was a coo and her legs flexing a little at hearing Vi’s voice. “Be good for your mama, okay?" She leaned down kissing the baby’s forehead before whispering lightly. “She works really hard to give you the best and she loves you so much. Don't give her too much trouble please?”

Her eyes went to Caitlyn seeing that the woman was watching them, a small smile on her lips. The sight melted Vi's heart. She could only hope that Caitlyn believed just how much they all loved her, despite the doubts and fears that muddled her mind.

"Alright, I'm off," she announced, giving Felicia one more affectionate pat before rising from her spot.

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Truthfully, Caitlyn was jealous, she missed work… she missed how structured everything felt. It was easy, she knew without doubt what to do and how to do it. She could picture in her mind most cases, read a report and know exactly where to place her resources. Look at a crime scene and know exactly where someone stood and what they did.

But with Felicia, it was different.

No amount of baby books or parenting guides could have prepared her for the reality of looking after a newborn. Even with Vi’s reassurance and her dad’s help she felt like she was doing everything wrong. And at times it felt like Felicia somehow was confirming that fear.

She had never felt so much stress and guilt with each day that passed, even when Felicia was calm, sleeping peacefully in her crib she still felt on edge. What if something happened to her while she was asleep? What if she stopped breathing, or choked on her own spit? What if she couldn't be there in time or what if she couldn't help her?

This kept her up at night, the thoughts being combined with nightmares were a horrible mix. She wanted to be perfect, a perfect protector, a perfect provider, and most of all, a perfect mother.

But part of her also knew there was nothing such as a perfect mother. She was a flawed human being and she knew that deep down, she had made many mistakes in her life and was still making amends for some of them. And she knew, without a doubt, that she would make mistakes with Felicia too.

It wasn't a matter of 'if', but 'when'.

Cradling the baby in her arms she leaned back on the couch looking down at her watching her sleep peacefully. She couldn’t help it but tears started to well up in her eyes just staring at the tiny, trusting being in her arms.

No one ever told you how hard it would be to carry a child for nine months and then bring her into the world, hoping that you could be everything she needs and more. No one told you about the guilt that gnawed at your gut each time she cried and you couldn't soothe her instantly. No one told you of the fear that gripped your heart each time her tiny chest fell still for a moment too long between breaths.

"Mama loves you," she whispered through a choked sob, her thumb gently grazing Felicia's soft cheek. "I'm sorry if it doesn't always seem like it, but I do."

She wished she could ask her mother for advice. All the times she refused to listen whenever her mother did try to talk about anything came rushing back, accumulating in a single throbbing regret.

So many questions she wanted to ask… yet she couldn't.

Taking a deep breath she pushed the back of her hand over her eyes. “One day I’ll tell you about her,” She whispered, laying her head back and closing her eyes. “Tell you why you have the name you do, and share all the stories about her that I can remember."

Caitlyn ran a finger down the baby's arm, watching her hand twitch in response. “She would’ve loved you, Felicia… just as much as I love you.”

She knew all of these emotions she was having were what she normally felt, but it also was her hormones still running rampant, a culmination of postpartum and anxiety. They had been warned about this, but knowing and experiencing were two different things. Caitlyn desperately wanted to feel in control again.

Vi rolled the pen over the desk slowly, her eyes locked on the reports scattered in front of her. They went up slowly to the desk across from hers, a small sigh coming from her lips. The office was quiet without Caitlyn, even though most of the time it was Vi talking and Caitlyn absorbed in her work making small comments here and there.

The silence was deafening without her.

She found it hard to focus, more so than usual. Vi wasn’t the best at the reports, it wasn’t like reading a book with descriptions that kept her attention. These reports were just lines of text, dates, times, locations, all very dry and mind numbing.

Leaning back in her chair more she let out a yawn stretching her arms above her head. Her hands then went down resting on the desk before her thumb pushed up running along the ring on her left hand, a simple white gold band.

“Are you sure about this, Cait?” Vi whispered, pushing two fingers into the tie around her neck, loosening it until she could breathe a little more easily. She hated wearing it, but she would for today.

She pushed her hands down resting them on her knees as she looked up to Caitlyn who was standing in front of the dresser. A mirror was in front of her and she met the woman’s eyes in the reflection.

Caitlyn turned slowly adjusting the eyepatch before letting her hands fall down resting on the dresser. The woman let out a small sigh after a few moments before she stepped forward going over to where Vi was, she brought her hands up running them along the woman’s shoulders gently cupping her face. “Are you having second thoughts?”

“As if.” Vi retorted rather quickly as she brought her hands up resting them on Caitlyn’s legs. “I just… your father-”

“-Will have to deal with it.” Caitlyn finished the sentence for the woman. Her thumb gently stroked Vi’s cheek tracing the tattoo. “He’s not who I’m marrying.”

“Don’t you have traditions here in Piltover or something?” Vi couldn't help but tease, trying to lighten the mood. The worries clouding her thoughts seemed frivolous now, spoken out loud.

“I doubt anyone will speak against us.” Caitlyn replied, her thumb continuing to brush softly over Vi's cheek. “You're taking the Kiramman name. I want to give it in a way that means something. I don’t want a hundred pairs of eyes judging us on our day." Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. "I want to celebrate our love, not put on a tedious spectacle for the aristocracy.”

“What, you don’t want a big fancy ceremony fit for a princess? Did you not dream of that as a little girl?” Vi's voice softened. She knew Caitlyn wasn't too fond of the opulence and pretense that Piltover parties were known for, but she wondered if a part of the woman longed for a wedding associated with such grandeur.

"Not for me, Vi,” Caitlyn replied, shaking her head. “I just want us. That's all that matters.”

“Alright, just us then.”
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Hearing the sound of a bag rustling Caitlyn’s eyes fluttered open seeing Vi standing across from her. A small smile tugged on her lips as the redhead sat down on the couch next to her with a groan. “Hey beautiful.”

“Hi.” She hummed slowly leaning over until she felt Vi’s shoulder press against hers. “Did you have a good day at work?”

Vi snorted, bringing her hand up lightly brushing her finger over Felicia’s head as she nursed from Caitlyn’s breast. "Depends on what you define as a good day . Files and paperwork are becoming my worst nightmare," she admitted with a grin, looking down at their baby. “I missed you both a lot.”

“You were missed too.” Caitlyn replied softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. Vi’s presence instantly lifted the weight she had been feeling, like a comforting blanket wrapped around her. As Felicia detached from her nipple she went to stand up before Vi stopped her holding her hands out.

“I can take her.” She whispered her eyes meeting Caitlyn's. The tired lines around her eyes were more pronounced than usual, she could see red lines from where she'd been rubbing at them.

As she took Felicia into her arms she stood up patting the babies back gently. She hummed a soft melody under her breath, watching as Felicia's eyes fluttered closed. Caitlyn watched them both, her heart warming despite the fatigue in her bones.

"There you go, Felicia," Vi whispered, her voice low and soothing against Felicia's ear. "That's it." After a moment, she turned to Caitlyn who was already starting to drift off on the couch.

She gently nudged Caitlyn’s leg, smiling softly when the other woman opened her eyes looking up at her again. “I stopped off at Jericho’s and picked up food, it’s still warm. Why don’t you eat, take a bath and sleep?”

“What about-”

“I’ll take care of the next feeding, there is some milk you pumped before.”

“You worked all day and you're still-”

“Taking care of you and Felicia is my first priority. It's what I live for, Cait,” Vi cut her off gently, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head. “Go on, while the food’s hot.”

Hesitating for a moment, Caitlyn fixed her shirt before she leaned forward grabbing the bag as Vi sat down on the couch again holding Felicia close against her chest. Shifting slightly, Caitlyn leaned back into the arm of the couch watching them as she popped open the small container of food.

The aroma of food instantly filled the room. Pushing her legs up onto the couch she stuffed her feet under Vi’s thigh for warmth, taking a bite from her dinner. As Caitlyn chewed the fish slowly she felt a tightness in her chest looking down at the food.

It tasted amazing and she hadn't realized just how hungry she had been until she took the first bite. Tears welled up in her eyes, making the room blur. She wiped at them quickly, the fatigue and stress getting to her.

It was the sound of Felicia being fussy that pulled her back from her thoughts. Vi was softly bouncing the baby on her shoulder, the rhythmic hum of a lullaby slipping from her lips. Soon the words spilled out from Vi’s lips as she sang softly.


Dear friend across the river

My hands are cold and bare

Dear friend across the river

I'll take what you can spare

I ask of you a penny

My fortune, it will be

I ask you without envy

We raise no mighty towers

Our homes are built of stone

So come across the river

And find the world below


Vi looked over at Caitlyn watching as more tears slowly slipped down her face and trickled onto her meal.


Dear friend across the river

My hands are cold and bare

Dear friend across the river

I'll take what you can spare

I ask of you a penny

My fortune, it will be

I ask you without еnvy

We raise no mighty towers

Our homеs are built of stone

So come across the river

And find the world below


Seeing that Felicia had fallen asleep Vi let out a small sigh bringing one finger up to brush along her cheek.

“I’ve only ever heard you hum that song.” Caitlyn whispered quietly, not wanting to disturb the baby. "It's beautiful."

"It was something my mother used to sing to us all the time," Vi admitted softly. "Whenever we couldn’t sleep." She brought one hand down lightly squeezing Caitlyn’s leg. “Are you okay?” She brought that hand up wiping a stray tear with her thumb that had slipped down Caitlyn's cheek.

"I'm fine," Caitlyn assured her, offering a weak smile. "Just a bit tired, that's all."

“How was she today?”

The woman paused as she brought the piece of fish up, she left it hanging in the air for a moment before putting the fork back down into the bowl. “She was okay at some moments but others… she just cried and cried no matter what I did. It was as if she was aching and I couldn't figure out how to help her." Caitlyn's voice cracked on the last sentence, bringing her hand up to rub at her sore eyes. “I barely even pumped any milk today. She didn’t let me put her down at all. I-I…”

Vi watched as Caitlyn fell silent, the exhaustion and frustration radiating off of her. With a sympathetic frown, she gently squeezed Caitlyn’s shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," she murmured, readjusting Felicia in her arms. “Does it hurt?”

She noticed the confused look on Caitlyn’s face before her eyes adjusted down giving the woman a knowing look. "Your breasts, I mean. Are they sore?"

Caitlyn went to say something before she stopped herself. It was only after a few moments did she nod slightly. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vi hummed getting up from the couch slowly not to wake Felicia. “Okay, finish your food, take the time you need. I’ll run you a hot bath and you can pump after. Okay?”

Caitlyn nodded, her throat clogged with emotions she couldn't articulate. Vi gave her a small smile followed by a nod before she made her way out of the room.

It didn’t take Caitlyn that long to finish her meal and after she did she stayed on the couch for a while, her eyes trained on the spot where Vi sat not that long ago. Eventually, she got up and slowly meandered towards their bedroom, the sound of running water drawing her towards the bathroom.

Vi was there, bent over and checking the temperature of the water. Hearing Caitlyn's quiet entry, she turned around her hands going to her hips. The armor pads she had on her shoulders were gone and her jacket was open showing the undershirt she had on.

“It’s at the temperature you normally like, if it’s too hot you can let me know.” The redhead went to step around Caitlyn before a hand pressed against her stomach, halting her. Caitlyn had reached out, her touch gently holding Vi back. Her eyes held a pleading look, a silent request for company, for comfort.

"You're tired too," Caitlyn murmured, her hand still pressing slightly against Vi's abdomen. "Stay with me?" The woman stepped forward pushing both hands up more, slipping the jacket off Vi’s shoulders letting it pool at her feet.

Vi's eyes softened at the action, as she gave a small nod in agreement. She brought her hands up slowly unbuttoning Caitlyn’s shirt, copying the woman’s movements she pushed it off, letting it fall down joining Vi's jacket on the bathroom floor.

Slowly Vi’s eyes trailed down the woman’s face past the slender column of her neck and the expanse of her collarbone, they continued down past her breasts to her stomach where the stretch marks from her pregnancy still etched the skin. She let her hand trail down gently across Caitlyn's stomach, her thumb gliding smoothly over the silvery lines. Caitlyn closed her eyes for a moment letting out a slow sigh.

Vi shifted slowly crouching down, tugging the woman’s shorts and panties down, coaxing her to lift her feet one by one. The discarded pieces of clothing joined the others on the floor. Vi didn’t make a move to get up, instead she stayed looking up at the woman in front of her for a brief moment.

Caitlyn was about to ask what Vi was doing until she opened her eyes and looked down meeting Vi's gaze. The redhead seemed entranced, completely in awe of the woman standing before her. A slow smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she traced her fingers along the curve of Caitlyn's hips, up to her stomach again, she leaned forward leaving a few kisses on the woman’s stomach before standing up again.

“Ready?”

Caitlyn simply nodded in response, the tenderness and warmth in Vi’s actions leaving her speechless. She watched as Vi carefully undid her own belt, letting her pants fall to the floor before she stepped out of them. The undershirt followed a moment later, leaving the redhead in only her undergarments.

Not bothering to hide the way her eyes roamed over Vi’s figure she let herself drink in the sight of the strong woman standing before her. While the woman still held a very defined muscularity, there was a softness to her that Caitlyn had come to appreciate. Healthy weight had filled out the contours of her body and rounded her muscles beautifully.

“Come on cupcake.” Vi whispered, leading her closer to the tub. She watched as the woman stepped in sitting down before gesturing for Caitlyn to join her.

Caitlyn stepped into the warm bath, the water instantly soothing her fatigue. She winced slightly as the hot water rippled over her tender breasts but settled back against Vi with a content sigh.

Vi's arms wrapped around Caitlyn from behind, the source of comfort she hadn't known she was seeking until she felt it. The exhaustion of the day seemed to seep away in the warmth of the water and Vi’s embrace.

“Better?”

"Yes, better," Caitlyn whispered, her gaze fixated on the surface of the water. She leaned back further into Vi, her head falling back against the woman's shoulder.

“Do you want me to help with the pain?” Caitlyn hesitated, then nodded silently. In response, Vi's arm shifted so her fingers brushed the underside of Caitlyn's one breast, a question in the touch. Caitlyn held her breath for a moment before giving another slight nod.

Slowly Vi shifted her hand up squeezing a bit harder but continuing to be gentle as she tried to ease the pain. Her other arm remained wrapped securely around Caitlyn's waist, holding her close. Caitlyn winced slightly but allowed Vi to continue, knowing that this was meant to help. After a few minutes she sighed, the tension ebbing away as Vi’s touch worked its magic.

As they continued in silence, Vi couldn’t help but let her gaze fall on the woman in front of her. She saw the tiredness still etched into her features, the worry lines forming around her eyes. “Caitlyn,” she murmured, her voice soft and comforting within the peaceful little sanctuary they created. “You’re doing a great job, you know that right?”

Caitlyn made a choked noise that might've been a laugh or a cry, before clearing her throat and trying again. “Doesn’t feel like it,” she admitted quietly. “I hate feeling… so helpless, so… weak." The words tumbled out of her, almost as though they were being wrenched from somewhere deep inside.

Vi's hold around her tightened slightly, the silent transmission of empathy and reassurance. "You're not weak, Caitlyn. You've just had a child, poor sleep, and you're dealing with everything else on top of that. If you need help… you need to talk or cry or just rest, there’s no harm in asking. No one is expecting you to do all this alone, I’m certainly not asking you to do it alone.”

The last words, accompanied by another gentle squeeze, was enough to set something free in Caitlyn. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to really feel the weight of all that had been piling on her since the birth of Felicia. She had cried but not like this.

Turning in the woman’s arms Caitlyn stuffed her face into the crook of Vi's neck, her body shaking with sudden, raw emotion. Vi held her close, murmuring soft words of comfort into her ear as Caitlyn let the tears come.

It was a cathartic release for her, one she had needed for a while now. Vi didn't rush her, she never did.

Running her fingers through Caitlyn’s hair she leaned her head down kissing the crown of the woman's head.

“I’m sorry Vi, I - I'm just so embarrassed," Caitlyn sobbed. "I'm supposed to be strong, resilient."

Vi hummed, shaking her head slowly. “Don’t ever apologize please. You’re hurting, you’re overwhelmed, you’re human, Caitlyn. And believe me, you are strong. You’re the strongest woman I know. Things will take time and I know that might not be the best answer right now, but it's the truth. You're not alone in this, remember?"

Caitlyn nodded against Vi's shoulder, her muffled ‘Thank you’ hardly louder than a whisper. They stayed like that for a while, the soothing embrace and the warmth of the water working wonders on Caitlyn. Her sobs gradually subsided into soft whimpers before these too faded into silence.

“I think I might go back to the doctor… maybe get some medication, it’s supposed to help with these hormones.”

Vi nodded, placing a gentle kiss to Caitlyn's forehead. "That's a good idea. Whatever you need, I'm here for you. Take what you need to find your balance again, cupcake." Her hand ran down Caitlyn’s left arm before it lifted her hand and came up holding them both up, her thumb pushed at the ring that was on the woman’s hand. “I made a promise to you, a promise I intend to keep. And that promise is to be here, to support you in any and every way possible."

"And you're doing just that, Vi," Caitlyn said, her voice hoarse from crying. "I... I might not say this enough, but thank you. You've been my rock in all of this. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Vi swallowed hard at Caitlyn's words. She had known that her love was appreciated, but hearing it firsthand made it all the more real.

“I love you.” She whispered bringing their hands up to her mouth kissing the back of Caitlyn's hand before lingering on her wedding ring. The small symbol of their commitment, a piece of metal.

"I love you too." Caitlyn managed to say after a few moments, a small but genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips. There was a long silence before Caitlyn spoke again, her voice soft and barely above a whisper. “I want to go back to work eventually. It’s been so long since I've done anything... anything other than taking care of Felicia. I love her, but I miss being a part of things, doing what I love. I miss being a sheriff.”

Vi hummed, massaging her hand down Caitlyn’s back. “Take your time, cupcake. There’s no rush. You’ll go back whenever you’re ready. You’re an amazing sheriff and mother, and you’ll handle both when it feels right for you. The logical step you mentioned is going to the doctors, getting medication, then we see how it goes from there. One step at a time, okay?”

Caitlyn nodded against Vi's shoulder, the words sinking in as she sighed softly. Vi's hand continued its soothing path across Caitlyn's back, and she found herself gradually relaxing into the embrace.

“One step at a time.” 

Chapter Text

“Have you felt helpless or overwhelmed lately?" The doctor asked, her eyes gentle behind the glasses perched on her nose.

Caitlyn nodded, swallowing hard as she met the doctor's gaze. "Yes," she admitted softly, biting down on her lip.

"And have you found it difficult to bond with your baby or has your interest in her waned?" The question was tenderly asked, but it felt as heavy as lead on Caitlyn's heart.

She shook her head immediately. "No, not at all. I... I love Felicia more than anything. It's just..."

Caitlyn took a deep breath and continued in one long rush, "I just… I do find it hard sometimes to balance it all, to be the mother she needs and the sheriff I am inside… and then there's the constant fear that I'm failing her, failing my wife." Her voice cracked a little at the last sentence.

The doctor nodded, her gaze full of understanding. "That sense of inadequacy, Caitlyn, it's common with postpartum depression. It doesn't mean you are failing, believe me, it's just your mind trying to deal with the overwhelming changes. Your hormones change drastically after birth due to the placenta which carries large amounts of estrogen and progesterone that abruptly drops after childbirth, resulting in chemical changes in the brain that could alter your mood. This, coupled with sleep deprivation and the stress of caring for a newborn, can trigger these feelings."

"That doesn't make it seem any less real," Caitlyn said quietly, picking at a loose thread on the cuff of her blouse.

"True," the doctor said, setting her pen down. "But understanding why it's happening can often help in managing it. If you have a cold and I tell you it's caused by a virus, that doesn't make the symptoms any less real, but knowledge of the cause can help you accept and deal with them."

“What do I do?” Caitlyn whispered, rubbing her hands together slowly.

"The first thing you should do is remember that it's okay. These feelings are not your fault, and they do not make you a bad mother or wife. Secondly, take care of yourself. Eat well, try to get as much sleep as possible, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it."

Drawing in a shaky breath, Caitlyn nodded slowly, “And what about medication?”

The doctor hummed, reaching for her pen again. "I can prescribe something that will help stabilize your mood swings," she explained. "However, this is just one part of treatment. I would also recommend you start seeing a therapist who specializes in postpartum depression and if you want, find a group of new mothers to talk about your experiences."

She wrote the prescription and handed it to Caitlyn with a reassuring smile.

Caitlyn listened to every word, taking it all in and processing it slowly. "I think... I think that's a good idea," she conceded, taking the note. “Thank you.”

Setting her bag on the table she pulled out another small plastic bag before grabbing a small pill bottle from it. She rattled it gently, staring at the name of the medication printed on the label.

‘Sertraline’

“Take one tablet a day preferably either in the morning or evening, stick with one to maintain the consistency, effects may take up to four weeks to be noticeable. We’ll have you on this for likely six months to a year. It depends on how your body responds to the medication."

The doctor's words echoed in her mind as she placed the bottle on the table and sighed. Turning she walked towards the stairs going up making her way towards their room, the sound of whispers and coos reached her ears.

Pushing her shoulder against the doorframe she saw Vi sitting next to the ottoman with Felicia. She watched as Vi made a few whooshing sounds as she helped Felicia roll over making a gasping sound when she went to her stomach.

“Look at you firecracker, doing so well.” Vi whispered she then tucked the baby's arms slightly in getting her to lift her head as she pushed Felicia’s arms slightly under herself to get the baby to look up at her, gently stroking her back as Felicia cooed and gurgled at her. "There, that's it," she encouraged as the baby managed to push herself up slightly. "'Atta girl."

Felicia was staring right at Vi, a small grunt coming from her before a smile spread on her tiny face. Caitlyn felt a lump form in her throat as she leaned her head against the doorframe watching the two in front of her.

Seeing Vi and Felicia together stirred feelings of warmth within her, but it also kindled that incessant worry. Was she failing them? Could she ever be able to juggle the responsibilities of motherhood and a career? Time and time again, Vi had reassured her that the answer was yes. But believing it herself seemed to be an insurmountable task at times.

After a few moments, Caitlyn pushed herself off the frame making her way over towards them. This got Vi’s attention who gave a small gasp to Felicia. “Look who it is Felicia, it’s your mama.”

Squatting down next to Vi, Caitlyn made a small face watching as the baby's face lit up with a gummy smile. Felicia’s arms and legs moved not in any particular direction but the movement was enough for Caitlyn’s heart to melt a bit. 

Placing a gentle hand over the moving limbs, Caitlyn leaned closer and whispered softly, “Hello little one, I’ve missed you.” Felicia, not yet understanding but grasping the familiar voice and touch cooed in response.

“You’re probably hungry, you know already.” Caitlyn mused shifting her body slightly to pick Felicia up before going to stand up, Vi beat her to it, getting up and holding a hand out for Caitlyn. She accepted it gratefully and Vi pulled her into a standing position, keeping a firm grip on her waist to steady her.

“In here or in the nursery?”

“In here.” She gestured towards the armchair taking a seat. With one hand she adjusted her shirt and bra with practiced ease while the other held Felicia steady. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Vi staring at them. Caitlyn blushed slightly, but shrugged off the sense of discomfort that nagged at her.

Once Felicia had latched on properly, Caitlyn leaned back in the armchair, one arm cradling their child to her chest and the other running a soothing hand over her hair. Vi had taken a moment shaking her head as she sat down in front of the armchair bringing Caitlyn’s feet into her lap, gently loosening the laces of her boots before easing them off her feet.

There was something profoundly soothing about the simple act of being cared for, and Caitlyn found herself leaning further into the comfort of the armchair, eyes half closed as she watched Felicia's little eyelids flutter closed.

"You know," Vi started quietly, careful not to startle the baby, "you're doing such an incredible job." She smiled at Caitlyn before reaching out and lightly brushing a finger against Felicia’s tiny hand.

Caitlyn blinked at her in surprise. “I…” She started but was interrupted by a small sigh from Felicia causing both women to look at their child. Caitlyn’s words caught in her throat, replaced by a soft smile.

"That's right, Felicia," Vi said affectionately looking at the happily feeding baby, "Always interrupting mama when she tries to argue with me." The warmth in her voice melted Caitlyn's heart a little more.

This was what it was all about. Their daughter, their family. It was harder than Caitlyn could have ever anticipated, but moments like these were what she held onto during the difficult times.

A rogue tear rolled down her cheek which she hastily brushed away with one hand, cradling Felicia even closer to herself with the other instead. Vi watched her silently for a few moments before massaging Caitlyn’s feet.

“What about you? How are you doing?” Caitlyn asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful silence that was settling over them. Vi looked up at her, her eyes softening.

“Oh, you know me, cupcake,” she said with a small shrug, her hands temporarily pausing their movements. “I’m more worried about you.”

“While I appreciate that Vi," Caitlyn replied softly, "you have as much right to your feelings as I do. We're in this together, remember?"

A hint of a smile played on Vi's lips. "Of course I remember. But my feelings are pretty straightforward, I'm happy. Happy because of our girl, happy because I'm living with the most wonderful woman in the world."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Caitlyn accused lightly, but her heart swelled regardless.

"No, cupcake," Vi answered seriously. "I say that because it's the truth. Sure my back may hurt and I’m a little tired, but really all of that means nothing compared to being here today.”

Caitlyn hummed, switching Felicia to the other side before pursing her lips. “Your back is hurting again?”

Vi shrugged with a little grimace, her hands briefly moving to massage the small of her back. "A bit, yeah. But it's nothing to worry about, cupcake."

Caitlyn frowned at this, her eyes softening as she watched Vi's struggles. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked quietly, a hint of remorse in her tone.

"I didn't want to add more to your plate," Vi said simply. "You already have a lot on your mind."

“Even with everything I’m going through right now Vi," she began earnestly, "I never want you to hide anything from me, especially if you're hurting. When she goes down for her nap I can give you a back massage.”

Vi waved one hand slightly dismissively, "Nah, you don't have to worry about that. I'm good."

Caitlyn gave the woman a look that allowed no argument. "You don't get to decide whether I worry or not, Vi," she said softly, her gaze never leaving the other woman's face. "I care about you. I want to make sure you're okay too."

Vi merely chuckled, running a hand through her hair before leaning down and kissing Catilyn’s leg. "Alright, cupcake," she conceded. "If it’ll make you feel better.”

“It will.”

Vi jumped forward landing face first into the bed with an exaggerated moan of relief. The bed was soft and warm, almost inviting in its comfort. Caitlyn a few steps behind the woman rolled her eyes making her way to her nightstand.

“You’re going to break the bed one day," Caitlyn chided, a hint of amusement coloring her tone as she picked up a small bottle of lotion from the nightstand.

Vi merely hummed in response, her face buried into one of the pillows as she languidly sprawled across the bed. She turned her head to the side, clearing her throat. 

“I have other ways we could break the bed, cupcake." Vi's words were muffled by the pillow, but the suggestion was clear as day. 

Caitlyn blushed, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

Climbing into bed, Caitlyn situated herself on Vi’s calves, opening the bottle of lotion and pooling a little into her palm. 

“First off, you said your back hurt. Second Felicia is only down for a nap and could wake any minute." Caitlyn coated her hands with the lotion, the scent filling the air. She placed her hands gingerly onto Vi's back, starting to knead the tired muscles there.

"And third," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper as she traced her fingers along Vi’s spine, “I’m a hot mess right now.”

She could hear the woman let out a snort before it was followed by a groan. “Listen Cait, you could be in a potato sack and still be the most attractive person in the room," Vi teased, her voice muffled against the pillow. She winced when Caitlyn hit a particularly sore spot, but sighed in relief as the tension was slowly kneaded out from her bruised muscle.

“I haven’t even shaved my legs and it’s certainly not well groomed down there so I’m not exactly at my most appealing,” Caitlyn continued, her focus solely on each ridge of muscle and knot under her touch. “I have skin that’s stretched and bloated from carrying Felicia and bags under my eyes from all the sleepless nights. And let's not forget about the baby weight I have yet to lose."

Vi snorted again, a breathy chuckle against the pillow. “Cait, do you remember that we’re adults? Busy, tired adults with a baby? I certainly don’t care if you’ve got a bit more hair than usual or if you've put on some baby weight. You’re always gorgeous to me. Besides we've been together for how many years, do you think I care for all of that?”

Caitlyn could feel her cheeks heating up, the sound of Vi's laughter still echoing in her ears. She cleared her throat and continued with her task. “I just… I don’t like the way I look right now.” She whispered, shifting her hands to trace Vi’s tattoo, her fingers lightly running over the black markings against the expanse of Vi's skin. "I feel like I’m not in control of my own body anymore."

Vi took a deep breath at this interruption, her body stiffening under Caitlyn's touch. She reached back, her hand finding Caitlyn's and giving it a soft squeeze. "Caitlyn," she started, her voice more serious than before. "I love you exactly as you are. Every change you've gone through... It's beautiful because it has brought us Felicia."

"Still," Caitlyn admitted with a heavy heartbeat, "I miss feeling like myself."

Vi was silent for a while before she turned her head to the side to look at Caitlyn. “You’ll get there again, Cait. Give it some time,” she reassured her softly. “How did it go at the doctors?”

Shifting slightly, Caitlyn fell onto her side waiting for Vi to turn to face her before wrapping her arms around the woman, their foreheads resting against each other. “Doctor says I’m healing nicely, if I want to I could go back to work in a week. She also prescribed me medication that should help my hormones ease back to normal sooner," Caitlyn confessed, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll probably be on it for around six months to a year.”

Vi gave a small nod kissing the woman's forehead before pressing her elbow into the bed resting her cheek into the palm of her hand. “That’s not too bad.”

“It’s not, it’ll just take time.”

Vi's eyes softened, her fingertips gently tracing the side of Caitlyn's face. "And we have plenty of that. All the time in the world," she murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to Caitlyn's forehead.

Caitlyn seemed to exhale at the contact, her own fingers idly playing with the hem of Vi's shirt. "Thank you for being here," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss against Vi's collarbone. The woman chuckled, her grip around Caitlyn tightening a little.

"I'd be nowhere else but here cupcake, nowhere else at all," she mumbled fondly, tugging a loose curl behind Caitlyn’s ear and studying her intently as if to etch this moment forever in her memory.

Caitlyn closed the distance slowly, their lips meeting in a soft, slow kiss. A few moments after they pulled away resting their foreheads against each other again. They said nothing as their lips met again and again, each kiss softer and sweeter than the last. 

Slowly they shifted, rolling over with Vi on top of Caitlyn, careful to keep her weight on her arms and not on the woman beneath her.

Vi’s lips strayed to Caitlyn’s jaw before she continued sucking on the sensitive skin of her neck, causing soft moans to escape Caitlyn's lips. The tension eased out of her body as she arched slightly under Vi, her fingers curling into the woman's hair.

"You're so damn beautiful, cupcake," Vi murmured huskily, a shudder running through her body as Caitlyn’s hands traced a long path down her back. "And you taste even better."

Caitlyn gasped softly at the words, her heart pounding in her chest as Vi teased the hem of her shirt up. “I don't.”

The woman above her let out a small snort before she leaned back looking down at her. “Let’s see. You’re beautiful, you’re amazing, you smell great and you taste… like a cupcake," Vi replied, her voice low and husky, as she dipped her head again, kissing Caitlyn deeply. "I've been with you all this time, don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about."

Caitlyn’s hands found the back of Vi's neck, pulling her closer. She could feel Vi push her hand up slowly, the edge of her fingers touching the bottom part of her bra before a cry echoed down the hall making both of them freeze.

“So much for a nap.” Vi muttered her forehead falling onto Caitlyn’s shoulder before she rolled over grabbing her shirt. “I’ve got her.”

Caitlyn watched as Vi pushed herself off the bed, her muscles shifting as she pulled on the shirt before quickly disappearing through the door.

Letting out a small sigh Caitlyn rolled onto her side staring at the bed. 

Felicia’s crying was still echoing down the hallway, the sound was making her skin prickle with an ingrained instinct to comfort her child. She bit down on the inside of her cheek pushing the palm of her hand into forehead before finally resigning to the inevitable. She rose from the bed, following after Vi.

She arrived at the door to the nursery the sound of Felicia’s crying louder and more heartbreaking.

“Vi.”

The redhead hummed, turning slightly rubbing Felicia’s back.

“I’ll take her.”

“It’s okay I have it-”

“Vi please.” The urgency in Caitlyn's voice seemed to stop Vi in her tracks. Her eyes met Caitlyn's for a moment, the soft concern etched into her features telling her all she needed to know. Shifting towards the woman she passed Felicia to Caitlyn. The tears and cries of Felicia immediately lessened as Caitlyn cradled her, the scent of her mother bringing the baby some comfort, she brought the baby over to the rocking chair taking a seat.

She rested her cheek on the top of the baby’s head rocking slowly in the chair, while the crying lessened it didn’t stop completely. Still, Caitlyn held the infant to her chest, humming a soft lullaby under her breath.

“Did you change her diaper?” Caitlyn whispered, closing her eyes.

"Yeah," Vi responded in a low tone. "I think she just wants her mama."

Caitlyn gave a soft hum of acknowledgment, continuing to rock Felicia gently in her arms.
.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Closing the door slowly she kept it cracked open just enough to still hear Felicia if she started crying again. She made her way down the dark hallway reaching their room, she did the same thing with their door turning towards the bed.

She could see that Vi had laid down on the edge still in her clothes and fast asleep - snoring. Taking a few steps she cleared the space resting her hands on Vi’s knees squeezing gently to rouse the woman from her sleep. "Vi," she coaxed softly, letting her hands run down resting on the woman’s stomach.

Vi’s eyes slowly fluttered open as she registered where she was before mumbling. “I’m up… I’m awake. Where’s Felicia?”

"She's settled down," Caitlyn reassured her, her fingers tenderly drawing small circles on Vi's stomach. “Finally.”

Vi hummed, sitting up slowly wrapping her arms around Caitlyn, her cheek resting on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

"For not being able to settle her down," Vi confessed, her voice thick with exhaustion. "For leaving you to do it."

Caitlyn shook her head leaning back tugging on Vi’s shirt gently. "Don't apologize, Vi," she murmured, catching the woman's gaze. "You did what you could... and you're doing great."

Vi's brows furrowed, her throat bobbing as she swallowed hard, her fingers tightening on Caitlyn's waist. "I just... I wanted to help. Make things easier for you."

“It’s not your fault. I’m the one who told you to leave the room.”

Vi gave a small nod as she lifted her shirt up over her head letting it fall to the floor. Caitlyn moved back letting the woman stand up before she felt Vi’s hands tug lightly on her shirt.

“Vi-”

“To sleep, you need it more than I do.”

Caitlyn let the woman help her out of her shirt and into a comfortable nightgown. Soon they settled into the bed with Vi laying on her stomach and Caitlyn curling up against her back, wrapping an arm around her waist. The faint scent of Vi filled her nostrils.

“I love you.” Caitlyn whispered, kissing Vi’s shoulder softly, drawing a gentle sigh from the woman.

"I love you too, cupcake," Vi murmured, her hand covering Caitlyn's as they interlaced their fingers together. The response was soft but seemed to echo in the room, and with a faint smile on her lips, Caitlyn let her eyes drift closed.

Chapter Text

“Here are some of the letters that came in.” Tobias set down the small stack on the desk looking up towards his daughter who didn’t move. Her forehead was in her hand as she tapped a finger against the pen in her hand.

After a few moments she cleared her throat writing something down on the paper in front of her. “Thank you father, is Felicia still asleep?”

“She is and don’t worry I will take care of her when she wakes up," Tobias reassured her, stroking his greying beard. "You just focus on your work."

“Are you sure?”

"Absolutely," Tobias confirmed, giving her a smile. "After all, I am her grandfather. It's part of my duties."

Caitlyn gave a small smile, lifting her gaze to meet her father’s. "Thank you," she murmured.

“How are you feeling? How does it feel to be able to do work again?”

The woman hummed, rubbing a hand down her face before pushing two fingers over her left eye, a slight pain coming from it. “If I’m being honest it is a little stressful but therapeutic in its own way I suppose.”

Tobias nodded, his gaze filled with fatherly concern. "You have always had a knack for work... but remember, Caity, stress should be kept to a minimum," he warned her gently. "The last thing you need is to wear yourself out."

Caitlyn sighed. "I know," she said rather reluctantly, her eyes dropping back down to the deck of papers in front of her. “I will do a little more work here before I call it. I just need to do something.”

"Very well," Tobias said, his tone betraying a hint of resignation. He knew all too well the stubborn nature of his daughter; once she had set her mind to something, there was little anyone could do to change it. Just like Cassandra.  "I should attend to a few matters myself," he said, moving towards the door taking his leave.

For the next hour or so Caitlyn found herself going through report after report, her pen moving across the paper with a determined rhythm. The monotony of the task was strangely comforting, the simple act of reviewing and making decisions providing a sense of control she'd been missing in the whirlwind of motherhood.

At some points she had to keep herself in her chair, at moments she thought she could hear Felicia crying over the hush of her pen, but each time she would halt and listen, no cry would come.

That was the painful part, while she was cleared to go back to work and she desired to be back in the office and patrolling the streets the constant fear and worry over Felicia left her with a boulder in her chest. The constant back and forth was a horrible battle, so Vi pushed a medium for her to take.

Every few days Steb would put together paperwork for Vi to take home to Caitlyn, she could work on it if she wanted and if she didn't feel up to it, she could simply rest. It was a solution that somewhat eased the internal turmoil she felt.

A start.

Tapping the pen lightly against the desk her eyes shifted over to the pile of mail her father brought in. Setting the pen to the side along with the paperwork she picked up the mail quickly glancing at each letter making a mental note to each before she paused.

Picking up the card she brought it up looking at the design on the front. It was a simple design of a random painted forest, nothing indicating where it could be from. Flipping it over she saw one sentence in blue marker.

Make sure she’s sleeping.

Caitlyn felt the smallest smile tug at her lips flicking her finger at the corner of the card. They didn’t need to sign it for her to know who it was and it certainly wasn’t the first postcard she received like this. Turning to the side slightly she reached down pushing on a drawer to open it, pulling it out she grabbed the few cards that were there already.

The first one she received was a few months after everything. It came in a similar fashion, no name and no indication where it could have come from but with a different message.

Don’t tell her .

Three words. Only three words.  

At first she was confused on who it could possibly be from but after looking at it for a while it finally clicked. 

The handwriting, the simplicity of the message. Jinx.

Reaching into the drawer again her fingers found the small item she was looking for before she pulled it out. It was the top piece of Jinx’s bomb, the one they found at the bottom of the hexgate. Even after all these years she kept it.

A reminder.

Looking down at the postcards she let out a slow exhale. She knew Jinx was alive, all the evidence she had pointed right at her being alive. But… she kept it to herself. As far as anyone in Zaun or Piltover knew was that Jinx had died in the explosion at the hexgate.

Everyone also included Vi.

She didn’t keep that information to herself with malicious intent but out of a protective one. The woman she loved had suffered enough losses and the knowledge that her sister was still alive would not do any good for Vi's mental state. 

She'd already lost her once, to find out she was alive again only to not know where she was, who knew what that would do.

Vi was a protective person at heart and she would stop at nothing to make sure the people she cared about were safe. To ignite that loaded gun could be disastrous, especially since there was no clear answer as to where Jinx was.

Don’t tell her.

One day maybe she would tell Vi about this, perhaps when she had better answers, better reassurances to give. But now was not that day. With a heavy sigh, Caitlyn placed the postcards and the top piece of Jinx's bomb back in the drawer, her fingers lingering on it for a moment before she finally closed it.

Vi sucked in a breath as Steb pushed the cloth into the wound on her forehead, other Enforcers running past them making both of them pause before they went back to what they were doing.

“Steb?” She could see him raise an eyebrow before he tilted his head to the side. “I’ll do any damn report I need to… but please don’t tell Caitlyn that this happened.”

He didn’t have to say anything but he gave her a look, she knew what he was trying to convey, his eyes reflecting disbelief at Vi's request. With a heavy sigh, Steb removed his hand from the wound, the cloth now stained in red.

“Please. She already has enough stress on her as is, with the baby and everything.” She went to stand up before a dizzy spell washed over her; Steb reached out a sturdy arm and helped steady her.

He gave her another look gesturing to her but she quickly waved it off. “I’ll be fine, just some bruises and small cuts. I’ve been hit with far worse.”

Looking at her with a stern gaze, Steb's lips pressed in a thin line. His fingers clenched and unclenched by his side, a clear sign of his internal battle.

“Let’s just make sure that everyone is okay again ,” She sighed, sitting back down on the wooden crate before gesturing towards the building. “We’ll write up some reports and send them to the council, business as usual.”

He gave her another reluctant look before finally conceding with a nod and walking off to check on others. Vi watched him go, a knot of guilt twisting in her gut.

She hated the thought of lying to Caitlyn, especially about something serious like this, but she also knew her wife had enough on her plate already. And that Caitlyn would freak out.

She thought of ten different scenarios of how Caitlyn would react and not one of them ended well. She'd fret, she'd worry, she'd insist Vi stayed home and then she herself would not focus on her work, instead constantly worrying about Vi.

Then, both of them wouldn't sleep properly. Not that they were in the first place.

Felicia had hit six weeks not that long ago and she was in a fussy stage of sleep, effectively resulting in both of them being up at odd hours to try and calm her down. The sleep deprivation was evident in the occasional clumsiness and the heavy bags under Caitlyn's eyes, and Vi was sure she looked no better.

This was supposed to be a simple raid. They got a tip on someone running or well attempting to run a shimmer factory down at the lower parts of Zaun, and they were to go in, shut it down and get out. That was it. It was supposed to be routine, like many other times before.

It didn’t take long once the raid started for the people running the operation to surrender due to how fast they were overrun and soon after they began the cleanup process. Everything was going according to plan.

But she missed it. She missed one damn wire that was hidden.

She had taken the brunt of it because she'd been nearest to the blast and thankfully with the gauntlets she didn’t take any heat, just the impact of being thrown against the wall. Her forehead was already swelling up and she could feel the ache beginning to travel down to her jaw.

Leaning back slowly resting against the wall she brought her hand down resting it on her stomach hissing slightly at the tenderness that rippled beneath her touch. She'd been thrown pretty hard, her entire torso probably had a big angry bruise.

Thankfully they didn’t lose anyone, just a few minor injuries. It would’ve been all on her if a single Enforcer died due to her oversight. But even though there were no fatalities, she was the one at fault, the one responsible for the injuries including her own.

Clenching her fist she let out a groan, her head thudding against the wall behind her.
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Slowly Vi sat on the ground next to the crib before she leaned her side into the bars looking at Felicia. The baby’s hands twitched slightly in her sleep and her tiny chest rose and fell rhythmically. She could sit here for hours and watch her. The peacefulness of the moment provided a stark contrast to the chaos of the day, something she needed.

Tears welled up in her eyes, it wasn’t from the physical discomfort; it was the mental anguish that hurt more. She was careless for one split second and it nearly cost her everything. The thought of leaving Felicia without one of her mothers, leaving Caitlyn alone… it was unbearable.

Despite the guilt eating at her insides, she reached out a gentle hand to stroke the baby’s head. Her fingers ran over the small amount of hair she had. As if sensing her presence, Felicia gave a small whimper in her sleep before settling down again.

“I’m sorry firecracker.” She breathed out a small laugh feeling her body shiver slightly. “Your mom made a dumb mistake today… a really big one.” Vi whispered, her voice filled with regret and guilt.

“Nobody's perfect. And life... Life is a series of trials and errors. We all make mistakes. You... I… everyone. But it's how we learn from those mistakes; how we grow and become better... That's what defines us, not our mistakes."

"Vi?" A soft voice interrupted her thoughts and she didn't have to look up to know it was Caitlyn. She pushed her hand up quickly, wiping her face before adjusting her hair slightly so you couldn’t see the bandage on the upper part of her forehead.

Using the crib slightly she pulled herself up doing everything in her power not to hiss at the pain in her stomach. Even with the meds the doctors gave her it was still a raw, throbbing burn.

"Hey, cupcake," she gave a reassuring smile, even though every fiber of her being cried out for rest and relief. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Caitlyn stepped into the room, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but with a soft warmth as she glanced at their baby and then at Vi. "You didn't. I heard some noise. I thought something may have happened."

"No, nothing," Vi replied quickly, perhaps too quickly. She moved away from the crib, attempting to draw Caitlyn's attention away from her. She flashed another of her smiles, a false mask over the truth that threatened to spill from her lips.

But she swallowed it down, buried it deep. She knew they agreed to be open with each other, but this was one time where it felt like the truth would do more harm than good.

Caitlyn furrowed her brows slightly as she glanced at Vi. "Are you okay?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" She chuckled, wrapping an arm loosely around Caitlyn's waist and pulling her close. The contact was comforting, warm, familiar, it eased some of the tension she had been carrying since the incident.

"Just... you know," Caitlyn mumbled, leaning into Vi's touch with her eyes studying the woman. "You sort of... you have that smile."

"What smile?" Vi inquired, feigning innocence mentally cursing at how observant her wife was.

"The one you put on when something's bothering you but you don't want to talk about it," Caitlyn murmured after a moment, her own lips tugged down in a faint frown.

Vi gave her a bemused look before looking away, biting at the inside of her cheek nervously. Her hand began to absentmindedly rub circles on Caitlyn's back, attempting to soothe any worry that may have started brewing.

“Just tired, long day with paperwork and all,” she deflected, maintaining her casual tone. “Nothing much. Nothing to worry about.”

A soft puff of disbelief escaped Caitlyn's lips as she looked at Vi, scepticism clear in her gaze. Yet, she nodded, choosing not to push the topic for now.

"Well, come to bed then. No sense in standing here all night," Caitlyn sighed softly, tugging lightly on Vi's arm. “I know you like to sit in here for hours but you’re still in uniform.”

Vi nodded, allowing herself to be led towards their bedroom. As soon as they went through the door her hand slipped from Caitlyn’s before she let them rest on the woman’s hips giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to shower since I probably stink, don’t wait for me to fall asleep."

With one last squeeze, Vi pulled away and headed towards the bathroom, her movements a little more stiff than usual. As the door shut behind her, she leaned against it for a moment, letting out a sigh.

Taking a few steps towards the shower slid open the door pushing the handle down for the water to start pouring out. Walking towards the counter she reached up biting her bottom lip as she pulled off the shoulder pads setting them down in front of her the metal clanging against the counter.

Next her hands tugged on the belt around her waist, loosening it before popping her jacket open, she pushed the undershirt she had on up slowly looking at the bruises that marred her skin, a vicious mosaic of blacks, blues, and purples. She traced the edge of one particularly large one with a grimace, the color spreading out from her stomach up towards her ribs.

“Check the other side, bring two people with you.” She got a nod from the man in front of her before he turned around gesturing towards two others to come with him. She glanced towards the three others signaling for them to follow her as she turned going towards a hallway, her eyes scanned the area slowly.

The group slowly split up, widening their vision around the dark corridor. The silence was eerie; the only sound coming from their combined breaths. As she went to step through a wide open door her eyes gave a quick scan, her foot going through the threshold.

That’s when she felt it, something tugged on her boot and before she could even blink, an overwhelming force sent her back. All she could remember was her body slamming against the wall before she was on the ground staring up at the ceiling.

Was she dead? God she hoped not. What would Caitlyn say… did she give enough kisses to Felicia before she left this morning? The questions overwhelmed her mind faster than the pain that eventually seared through her entire torso.

Her ears were ringing and the sound of muffled voices reached her, distorted and distant. She was still alive.

How did she miss it? She checked for trip wires. She had walked what seemed like a hundred similar corridors before and had always been careful.

Sitting up slowly she felt hands resting on her shoulders.

“Vi?”

Her hands pushed down the shirt quickly as her eyes shot up in the mirror at Caitlyn in the reflection. She moved towards Vi before the redhead turned away, clearing her throat and leaning against the sink casually, her back to Caitlyn. She could feel the woman’s eyes on her back and she held her breath even though her injuries were obscured from view.

"Caitlyn, I told you not to wait for me," Vi tried to sound as casual as possible but her voice betrayed her tension. She could feel Caitlyn's presence inching closer and she clutched her hand on her arm. “Waters wasting.” Vi went to step away before Caitlyn cleared her throat.

“Violet.”

Oh she didn’t sound happy. Vi froze in her steps as Caitlyn summoned her with her full name. This was a tone she recognized all too well; it was the one Caitlyn used when she didn’t appreciate being dodged or dismissed.

“Turn around,” Caitlyn ordered softly, but there was an edge to her voice that meant there was no room for argument.

Slowly she turned around, her face carefully maintaining a mask of nonchalance despite the pain of moving her body around. But Caitlyn's gaze went past the facade and dropped to the lower part of her shirt. Before she could even say anything Caitlyn cleared the space between them, her hands pulling the shirt up carefully.

Caitlyn's eyes widened in surprise, her lips pressing into a thin line as she took in the sea of bruises that painted Vi's skin. "Violet," she whispered, her fingers hovering over the discolored flesh as if afraid to touch. Her gaze flickered up to meet Vi's.

"Okay, before you say anything-" Vi began, but Caitlyn cut her off.

"When? When did this happen?" Caitlyn kept her voice steady despite the alarmed look on her face. "Why didn't you tell me?"

“It’s not that bad-”

"Not that bad?" Caitlyn stared at Vi in disbelief. “Not that bad? Vi these are not just scratches, these… they… these are serious injuries." Caitlyn's voice wavered, a mix of fear and anger surfacing.

"Look, I didn't want to worry you," Vi explained hurriedly. Her eyes flickered down, avoiding Caitlyn's piercing gaze.

"Worry me?" Caitlyn scoffed, shaking her head. “How did this happen? And how the hell was I not informed about this? Was it something that happened at work? Who did this?”

The questions came out rapid fire, each one hitting Vi like a physical blow. Her mouth opened and closed several times, trying to find an answer that would not stoke the flames of Caitlyn's displeasure. "I… it was an accident," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"An accident?" Caitlyn questioned skeptically, her gaze darting back to the extensive injuries on Vi's torso.

“I made a mistake.”

Caitlyn's hands stilled, withdrawing from Vi's shirt slowly. Her jaw set rigidly, and she released a tight breath through her nose. "A mistake that did all of… this?" Her hands fluttered helplessly back towards the network of angry bruises decorating Vi's body.

Vi swallowed, her throat suddenly uncomfortably dry. She felt a sharp sting in her eyes and blinked it away hastily. "Yeah, a mistake." She kept her voice even, resisting the urge to look away from Caitlyn's gaze. “I was careless… didn’t check and set off a bomb on a raid today, I should’ve been more cautious."

Silence stretched between them, tension threading its way through every word left unsaid. Caitlyn's gaze dropped back to the bruising once more, her eyes tracing each mark. She reached out slowly, her fingers barely grazing the skin before pulling back.

Her voice was softer when she spoke next. "And why didn't you tell me? Why did you think keeping it from me would be the better option? And why wasn't I informed of any bombs going off on a damn raid?”

"I..." Vi hesitated, her eyes darting away briefly. "I didn't want you to worry. Or feel guilty. It was my mistake - I can take responsibility for it. I told Steb I would take care of the paperwork and send it to the council, which I did!”

“Do you honestly think I care about the bloody paperwork?” Caitlyn's voice rang out in the bathroom, echoing off the walls. She took a step back as if to distance herself from the entire situation. Her gaze, however, never left Vi. "How can you stand there and tell me it was your mistake like it was nothing more than a misstep? You could've been killed, Vi!"

“I know.” The redhead whispered softly, finally breaking eye contact with Caitlyn. A moment of silence slipped between them, filled with the echoing sound of the water still running. “The moment I hit that wall… my first thought was am I dead? And how much I prayed I wasn't. How much I didn't want to leave you alone." She choked out, her voice trembling. Her hands curled into fists, the knuckles whitening.

“It was a mistake. I was the one who stepped into that wire, I was the one who set off that bomb, I would’ve been the one responsible if people died and yes no one did but that still doesn’t change the fact that I almost got myself killed because of my own damn stupidity, my own damn irresponsibility.”

She took a sharp breath, trying to steady her shaking voice. Caitlyn remained silent, her initial shock and anger slowly subsiding into a quieter, deeper worry.

“I’m sorry… I know you’re mad because I didn’t tell you but I didn’t want you to worry. I didn’t want them to send you a damn letter telling you I got hurt. I took care of it all, I went to the doctor and got the patching up I needed. I just… didn’t want you to see this. Didn't want you to see me like this."

Caitlyn closed her eyes, struggling to control the flurry of emotions swirling within her. She pushed the palms of her hands into her eyes, tears starting to form.

“Vi,” she started, her voice trembling a little, “Do you not understand how scared I am? The look in your eyes when I walked in... The way you tried to hide from me. Do you have any idea how much that hurts?”

Vi bowed her head as if physically weighed down by Caitlyn’s words. She cleared the small distance between them wrapping her arms around the woman feeling her push her face into her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Cait," Vi breathed, her voice barely audible over erratic hitching of Caitlyn's breath, "I promise, I'll never hide anything like this from you again."

"Don't promise me things because you think it's what I want to hear," Caitlyn sniffed, her tears soaking the collar of Vi's shirt. "Promise me things because you mean them."

"I do mean it, Cait." Vi affirmed, holding her tighter. "I swear."

“Then don’t do it again.”

"Never," said Vi, with a sincerity that resonated in her voice. "I swear to you."

Caitlyn let out a shaky breath, her body wracked by silent shivers. Her grip on Vi tightened, fingers clutching onto the fabric. She allowed herself to breathe in the scent of Vi.

Vi's thumb traced soothing circles over Caitlyn's back, her other hand pressing securely against the small of her back.

“You’re taking a week off.”

“Cait-”

"No, no arguments," Caitlyn interrupted, voice strained but firm. "You need time to heal, Vi. I won't have you return to work until you're recovered."

Vi wanted to argue, to tell Caitlyn her body was used to the wear and tear, that she couldn’t afford the time off. But seeing Caitlyn's expression and the fear still lingering in her eyes- Vi swallowed those protests.

“And once you’re healed I’m going back with you. It’s about time I go back into the field too. No more sitting behind a desk at home for me, I want to be side by side with you."

Vi pulled Caitlyn back slightly, enough to meet her eyes. "Cait, you don't have to," she started, but the look in Caitlyn's eyes stopped her in her tracks.

"I'm not saying this because of what happened today," Caitlyn said, cutting through Vi's objections before they even formed. "This… this isn't about that. It's about me wanting to be there for you. And not just for paperwork or at the end of the day when we're both exhausted and barely managing to share a few words or a quick kiss before we pass out. Felicia is eight weeks, two months. My father has already agreed and has been taking care of her over the last few weeks while I do work at home. He can look after her, Vi.”

“And what about therapy?”

“My appointments are at the end of the week, I’ll go there after work. It will be fine.”

Vi searched the woman’s eyes for a moment before she let out a sigh. “As long as it’s not too much for you.”

Caitlyn shook her head tugging on Vi’s jacket carefully letting it fall to the floor. “I’ll have you, I’ll be fine.” She whispered letting her hands fall to the belt holding up the woman’s pants. “I’ll help you shower, it’s getting a bit hot in here.”

"Alright," Vi murmured, the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips despite the weighty conversation. With Caitlyn’s help Vi got undressed and stepped into the shower, soon after Caitlyn joined her having slipped out of the robe she had been wearing.

Vi pushed the temperature down to be cold as Caitlyn stepped into the stream of water behind her. Shivering slightly, Caitlyn wrapped her arms around herself, pressing her body against Vi's back for warmth.

“I’m sorry it’s going to be cold, the doctor said I should avoid hot water on the bruising.”

Caitlyn merely sighed, resting her head against Vi's back. "It doesn't matter," she murmured, squeezing her eyes shut.

“She’s lost a lot of blood. Her injuries are severe-”

“Will she live?” Caitlyn let out staring at Vi laying in the bed unconscious, the drip attached to her arm slowly dripping what the doctor had said were painkillers.

The doctor looked down, adjusting his glasses. "It's too early to tell," he finally admitted, his voice hesitant. "The next 48 hours will be crucial. All we can do is wait and hope."

“Hope?” She whispered scoffing to herself as she took a step towards the bed. Her hand trembled as she reached out to gently brush a strand of hair off Vi’s pale face. “You’re supposed to be a doctor, you can do more than just hope.”

The doctor watched her in silence for a moment before sighing, stepping back and running a hand down his face. “We’ve done everything we can, Miss Kiramman.”

Caitlyn barely registered his words or his departure as she pulled up the chair next to Vi’s bedside, her gaze fixed intently on the rise and fall of Vi’s chest.

Pushing her palms into her eyes she rested her elbows on her knees before pushing her hands down and interlocking her fingers behind her neck.

She almost forgot how to breathe as a horrible pain constricted in her chest, it wasn’t physical, but emotional. An overwhelming fear of the unthinkable, losing Vi. She couldn’t lose another person she cared about… not again.

“Caitlyn?” She didn’t realize that she was crying until a hiccup came from her lips. Vi turned slowly in her arms before she stuffed her face into the crook of the woman’s neck, careful not to squeeze her arms too tight around her. "Hey, hey, breathe with me." Vi's voice, hoarse but steady, vibrating against Caitlyn's ear, soothing the storm raging within her.

"N-no," Caitlyn stuttered, her words choked by sobs. “ Don’t ever do that to me again. I know our work is dangerous and one of us might not make it home one day, but… I can’t lose you, Vi. I...” She sucked in a shaky breath, as though the very act of admitting her fears could somehow make them come true.

“I’m right here.” Vi whispered, pulling back just enough to lift a hand and brush away the tears streaming down Caitlyn's face. "I'm not going anywhere, okay?"

Her eyes were filled with understanding and tenderness; it was almost too much for Caitlyn to bear. She buried her face in Vi's neck once again, trying to absorb her grounding presence. Warm, steady, alive.

"Hey," Vi said softly into her ear after a long moment of silence. "You're not about to lose me. I promise, I'll be careful."

“Felicia needs both of us.”

Vi let out a small sigh giving a small nod. "I know," she murmured. Her hands slowly ran from Caitlyn’s shoulders down to the small of her back, drawing soothing lines on her skin. “I know.”

Chapter Text

Tugging on the bottom part of her shirt, she brushed her hands over it, taking a deep breath. Picking up the hair tie on the counter she put it between her lips before gathering her hair with both hands. Pulling it into a high ponytail, she secured it with the band, letting out a sigh as she glanced at herself in the mirror.

Bringing two fingers up she ran them lightly over the scar on her left eye before she grabbed the eyepatch from the counter. After securing it in place, she studied her reflection for a few moments before the sound of brushing came from her right as Vi stepped into the bathroom. The redhead spit into the sink in front of her, turning slightly to look at Caitlyn, she could see the woman’s eyes roam over her body.

It sent a small shiver down her spine, a heat surge in her chest. Clearing her throat she noticed Vi’s eyes shoot back up before they met, a smile tugging at the redhead’s lips.

“Looking good cupcake.”

“Now I wouldn’t go that far,” Caitlyn retorted, her hands idly tugging at the hem of her shirt. “But I suppose it’ll do - for now.”

Vi chuckled, rinsing her mouth before turning towards Caitlyn fully. “You always look great, Cait. Ready to go?”

“As ready as I will ever be.” She mused, following the women out of the bathroom and their room before they made their way down to the living room where Tobias was with Felicia. He was cooing at her before the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs pulled his attention away.

"Morning, you two," Tobias greeted them, turning towards them as Caitlyn stopped next to him, her hands taking the baby from him.

Vi sucked in a breath, grinning slightly in return. "Morning, Tobias."

Caitlyn gave a small ‘good morning’ but her attention was on Felicia in her arms. Bringing the baby up slightly she kissed her forehead before resting her face against the soft skin.

A small coo came from Felicia in response, her tiny fingers curling slightly around Caitlyn's thumb. “Mama is going to be gone for a little while, but I’ll be back later.” She whispered to Felicia as she brushed her fingers lightly against the baby's cheek.

She felt a lump form in her throat watching as a small smile tugged on Felicia’s face as if understanding her mother's words. It was moments like these she wished she could freeze in time, create a world where Felicia wouldn't have to grow without her around, where work couldn't pull them away from their daughter. But she also knew she couldn't always be around, there will be moments where she is not there.

"She'll be okay," Vi said softly, leaning over to plant a gentle kiss on Felicia's head and then on Caitlyn’s cheek. “You could always stay home.” She whispered into the side of the woman’s head. “Take another week.”

“And leave you on your own? You know I couldn’t do that.” Caitlyn offered her a soft smile, even as her heart ached at the thought. “If I don’t leave I never will, so it's best to get it over with now."

Vi hummed letting her hand rest on top of Felicia’s head running her thumb gently over the baby's soft hair. “We won’t be gone long, promise.” She met Caitlyn’s eyes giving her a small smile of reassurance.

“Okay okay.” Reluctantly Caitlyn handed Felicia to her father who in turn gave her a small nod as if to assure her that he would take care of the child. Her heart squeezed uncomfortably in her chest as she bent over to give Felicia one last kiss on her forehead.

"Be good, little one," she murmured, her voice caught thick with unshed tears, "Mama loves you." She then straightened up and turned toward Vi.

“Ready?” 

With another nod she followed behind Vi towards the door, turning back one more time to look at Felicia before finally stepping out.

“Welcome back Sheriff.”  

Caitlyn had heard it over and over as she walked through towards her office, each time she gave them a smile and a nod of greeting before she finally reached her office.

Steb looked up his papers quickly standing up bowing his head slightly seeing the two.

“Steb.” Caitlyn returned the gesture pushing the set of double doors open. Her eyes immediately settled on her desk next to the window illuminated by sunlight. Not a single paper on it, but Vi’s desk was a whole other story.

Piles of papers and folders ‘neatly’ organized in a Vi fashion. You would think she would be used to it by now, but just seeing it made her eye twitch slightly.

Caitlyn turned her head looking at the woman who stopped next to her, giving a small shrug and a sheepish grin.

“Listen, I haven’t been here in a week cupcake.”

"And I can see the fruits of your labor, Vi," Caitlyn replied drily, eyeing the anarchic heap of paperwork with a mix of amusement and dread. She stepped forward grabbing a small stack shifting over and setting it down in the middle of her desk.

Sighing, she turned her gaze back to the pile of folders on Vi’s desk before she rested her hands on her hips. "We need to get started."

Vi's lips twitched into a smirk as she walked over and plopped herself down on her chair, causing it to creak under her weight. "As you wish, Sheriff," She mused, kicking her feet up onto the corner of her desk grabbing a folder from the stacks.

Going around to the other side of the desk taking a seat in her own chair, Caitlyn rolled her eyes at Vi's casualness, though a small smile tugged at her lips. Picking up one of the folders she flipped it open laying it down in front before she reached over to the drawer next to her, pulling it open she grabbed a pen from inside.

Raising an eyebrow she tilted her head looking inside before she sighed. “Did you steal a pen from my drawer?”

At that moment Vi raised her arm into the air, a pen in hand. “Guilty. Sorry I lost all of mine."

Her quip earned her an exasperated glance from Caitlyn, quickly followed by a fond shake of her head. "Well," she murmured, closing the drawer, "Remind me to purchase more pens before they all disappear."

“I’ll see what I can do,” Vi replied, a grin crossing her face. Leaning back more in her chair, she began skimming again over the contents of the folder in her hand.

Caitlyn could tell just how happy Vi was to have her back, even if she didn't say anything she could see it based on the soft smile she had.

It was nice to be back, despite the mountain of work and the prospect of extended hours away from Felicia. But she could do it… hopefully.

For a while, they worked in silence, every once in a while Vi would make some kind of comment about a folder she was looking at either laughing to herself or groaning in frustration, but the quiet was comfortable and familiar.

Although Caitlyn had gotten used to working on the paperwork again since she had been doing it at home for a few weeks she still felt… off. Every few sentences her mind would wander slowly, wondering how Felicia was doing.

Was she napping? Did she eat? Was she crying? All of those questions would then spiral her down a list in her head of times she would’ve fed her or put her down for a nap or how she would comfort her.

Resting her mouth into the back of her hand her eyes flicked up to the clock on the wall as she sighed quietly. It was almost 10 o'clock, which meant Felicia would be due for her next feeding soon. Her instincts kicked in her body ready to move before she realized there was nowhere for her to rush off to. Felicia wasn't with her.

Briefly, Caitlyn worried if her dad might need help before the rational part of her mind reminded her that he knew what he was doing, he had gone through this all before.

Vi must have sensed her restlessness because she looked up from her paperwork, eyes watching the woman for a moment before she cleared her throat. “She’ll be okay, Cait,” reassured Vi without needing an explanation.

“I know, I know.” She whispered letting her gaze fall back down to the papers before her, fingers tracing the edge of the documents. “How did you deal with it? With this feeling?”

Vi pursed her lips, considering the question. She leaned her head back in her chair, her gaze drifting up towards the ceiling. "At first it was... tough," she admitted, crossing her arms behind her head. “I didn’t like leaving either of you and I’ll admit being in this damn office alone was so damn boring. ”

“What without me here to nag you on your paperwork or leaving everything tidy?” Caitlyn asked with a quirked brow and a small smirk dancing on the corner of her lips.

Vi chuckled, "Exactly! Someone has to keep me in line." Her gaze softened as she continued, "But seriously, it eventually does get ‘easier.’ At the end of the day I know she’ll be there and despite how tired I feel from the day I get to see her. And you, well," she gave a smirk, "You're always worth coming home to."

“I see I’m second best now.” Caitlyn replied, a playful tone touching the edges of her words.

Vi's smirk morphed into a full blown smile. "Well, in fairness," she responded with a teasing glint in her eyes, "Felicia has that adorable gummy smile going on right now. Makes it hard to compete. You’ll have to do better, Cait.”

Caitlyn couldn't resist a chuckle at that, despite the knot of worry still settled in her stomach and the heavy feeling of anxiety in her chest.

"Oh, is that so?" She retorted in mock offense, "I'll have to up my game then." Placing the pen on her desk resting her chin into the palm of her hand and gave Vi a sly look. "Maybe I'll start greeting you at the door in one of those fancy nightgowns you seem to like, the one with the lace."

Vi choked on air, her eyes wide with surprise before breaking into laughter, throwing her head back as she clutched her stomach. "Cupcake, you'd kill me if you did that," she managed to get out between her laughs. "I wouldn't make it through the damn doorway."

“Shame.” Caitlyn mused, picking her pen back up, sliding a folder to the side and pulling a new one in from the pile. "It's a real pity you'll miss out then." Her voice was schooled to nonchalance, trying to mask the laughter fighting to break free at Vi's flustered reaction.

Vi, recovering from her laughing fit, cocked an eyebrow and picked up a new folder as well. "Well, if you decide on it, just warn me in advance," she said, grinning wide.

“It would ruin the surprise.”

“I’ll act surprised.” Vi said, shifting her feet off the desk, her chair creaking as she held her face up behind the folder. A moment later she brought it down with a surprised look on her face like she had seen a ghost. "See, I've got my surprised face all ready and everything."

Caitlyn shook her head pushing the back of her hand into her mouth to hold back her laughter. “You are ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous? You married me so you’re stuck with it.” Vi let out a sigh kicking her feet back up what she didn’t anticipate was her chair toppling over. The impact knocked the breath out of her and she lay sprawled on the floor, the swivel chair spinning in a mad dance away from her.

For a moment, the room was thick with silence, then a squeaky snort echoed from Caitlyn, escalating into waves of laughter. "Oh my," she gasped, clutching her stomach as she struggled for composure, "And here you are saying I have to up my game."

Picking herself up quickly off of the floor, Vi shot Caitlyn a playful glare and grumbled a laugh. "I see how it is," she said, trying to regain some of her lost dignity, "Laugh at your wife when she takes a tumble. I could’ve been wounded!”

"But alas, you have lived to tease another day," Caitlyn managed to reply between laughs. She locked eyes with Vi shaking her head. "Your pride might have taken a blow, though."

“Haha.” Vi rolled her eyes pushing her chair back towards her desk before taking a seat again, this time keeping her feet on the ground. “Laugh all you want.”

“Oh I will.” There was a long silence as Caitlyn attempted to stifle her laughter with limited success. “You’re okay though… right?”

“Oh I'm fine, it doesn't hurt.”

“Did you do that on purpose?”

Vi’s eyes widened in surprise before a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "What? Me? Take a tumble intentionally for a laugh just for my wife?" She stretched herself out, pretending to check for 'injuries’ even with the faded bruising she already had. "I'm offended that you'd even suggest such a thing."

Caitlyn's laughter finally died down as she shook her head, unable to wipe the grin off her face. "Of course not, how foolish of me," she responded with evident sarcasm. She pushed aside another finished folder, setting a new one down from the stack.

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“Can you close the door?” Caitlyn asked over her shoulder as she made her way to her desk.

Vi raised an eyebrow tilting her head slightly. “What for?”

Caitlyn held up the pump kit from beneath her desk, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "For this," she murmured, fussing with the box.

The realization hit Vi quickly closing and locking the door. “Ooh okay.”

“No you don’t get to touch.” Caitlyn mused rolling her eyes.

“Awh really?" Vi pouted dramatically, crossing her arms over her chest as she sat down at her chair.

Caitlyn tried to give Vi a stern look, but her blush and the small smile betraying her amusement softened it significantly. "Yes, really. We don’t need to repeat the last time, do we?"

“Last I remember you weren’t complaining cupcake, too busy moaning my name.” Vi flashed a devilish grin.

“ Violet.”

“Just like that.”

Caitlyn gave a mock shudder, throwing a scrunched up piece of paper at Vi. "That is not fair and you know it."

Vi caught the flying object with a quick hand, her grin never wavering. "Perhaps not. But it sure is fun."

The woman rolled her eyes again as she adjusted her shirt before starting the pump. Vi watched with unapologetic interest, her smirk softening into a look of admiration. "You're doing great by the way."

Caitlyn hummed, rubbing her right eye before letting out a sigh. “Lunch time has come and gone and I just want to go home. This first day back has gone on too long.”

"And we will cupcake," Vi assured her, pushing herself away from the desk. "Just a bit longer."

Caitlyn heaved another sigh as she adjusted the pump, not quite meeting Vi's eyes. “Too many hours.”

Vi gave a small laugh but it was followed by a wince her hand resting on her side.

“Vi-”

“I'm fine, I'm okay.” She shifted to the side in her chair taking a deep breath before settling back a little. “Medication from lunch hasn't kicked in yet.”

“Please do not overdo it.”

Vi waved her hand dismissively, though her wince didn't go unnoticed. "I won’t, I won’t. You worry too much.”

“I am your wife, it is my job to worry about you constantly.” She muttered rubbing her forehead with her hand.

Vi hummed carefully, kicking her feet back up carefully onto the desk before tossing a stressball into the air, catching it as it came back down. “That’s a two way street then.” She mused.

Caitlyn offered a nod of agreement, her hands still busily adjusting the pump. "Fair enough." A soft murmur, and then she was silent again, only the hum of the pump and the tapping of her fingers filling the room.

The hours went on after lunch, too slow for Caitlyn’s liking. She wanted to leave early, pack whatever paperwork she was working on and bring it home with her. But part of her felt bad for the others in the office that the Sheriff would be cutting out early on the first day back from maternity leave.

So she continued to work. Folder after folder and report after report. Eventually she glanced up at the clock again seeing that there was about an hour left before it was a reasonable time to leave. Never once in her life had Caitlyn ever been a clock watcher, but today it seemed she simply couldn’t stop.

The hormones were getting to her brain and the sleep deprivation was making her irritable.

She was about to make a comment to Vi when a soft snore reached her ears. Vi had her arms folded on the desk and her head resting on top, fast asleep. Caitlyn opened her mouth to wake her up before it quickly snapped shut.

A fond smile tugged at her lips as she set the pen aside carefully getting up from her chair. Grabbing the jacket she had behind her she walked over to Vi’s side of the room, careful not to disturb the peace that had settled. She unfolded it and gently draped it over Vi's shoulders, brushing a few stray locks of hair away from her face. Vi stirred slightly but didn't wake, her breathing shallow but even.

She shook her head letting her fingers brush lightly against the woman’s cheek just under her tattoo.

It didn’t bother her all that much that Vi had fallen asleep, truthfully it wasn’t something new at all. Vi had a habit of falling asleep at her desk and most times were met with Caitlyn gently waking her.

But she knew both of them were sleep deprived from the late night feedings and general care of their child. Part of her was glad for the silence that it purchased them; the office had been a whirlwind of catch ups, congratulations, and demands since they arrived.

She returned to her desk and to her work, casting glancing looks every few seconds at Vi’s sleeping form. She deserved a little sleep, and Caitlyn was all too happy to provide it.
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Eventually it grew closer to the time they would normally leave, Caitlyn made sure to pack up a few reports leaving the rest on her desk for the next day. The first day back wasn’t that bad, she had to admit, it was bearable thankfully due to Vi.

But now that it was time to go home she just wanted to see Felicia. Walking over to Vi’s desk she rubbed the woman’s back shaking her a little. “Vi, wake up.”

Vi stirred, mumbling something unintelligible before slowly opening her eyes. She blinked up at Caitlyn, confusion clear on her face before it faded to recognition.

"We're going home," Caitlyn informed, smiling down at her.

Vi grumbled something that sounded suspiciously like 'five more minutes', earning an eyeroll from Caitlyn.

“Come on, sleepyhead,” Caitlyn coaxed gently, pulling at Vi’s arm. “Home means comfortable bed and Felicia.”

That seemed to do the trick. Vi’s eyes brightened a little at the mention of their daughter’s name. Slowly, she pushed herself off the desk, yawning as she stretched her arms above her head.

“Alright, alright,” she mumbled, cracking her neck. “Let’s get going.”

Vi peaked an eye open looking to her left watching as Caitlyn fed Felicia. The woman had her eyes closed leaning her head back into the headboard. The sound of the baby suckling was the only noise in the room. It was a soft, comforting noise, one that lulled Vi into a haze of drowsiness.

“First day back,” Vi whispered, adjusting her pillow slightly. “How do you feel?”

“Stressed.” Caitlyn murmured in response, her eyes still closed. “Anxious all day, glad to be home to her.”

Vi let out a small laugh rolling to her side bringing her hand up to rub Felicia’s head. “It’ll get better, Cupcake." She quietly assured the other woman, her fingers brushing lightly against soft strands of baby hair. "You’re adjusting. It'll take time."

Caitlyn hummed in agreement, lips pursing as she watched their daughter suckle, her tiny fingers resting against Caitlyn's chest. "It's not just work... It's being away from her."

Vi's hand moved from Felicia's head to Caitlyn's back, applying a soothing pressure. "I feel you there," she admitted, sleep tugging at her words. "It feels wrong to leave her even for a day."

Caitlyn sighed once more as the baby finally detached herself with a content sigh. She adjusted Felicia bringing her up patting her back gently until a tiny burp echoed through the otherwise silent room. The baby gave a sleepy coo in response, her eyes fluttering closed as she was passed into Vi's waiting arms.

“I’ll just bring her with me to work.”

Vi snorted, cradling the baby into one arm. “No one would get any work done, they would just be gazing at her all day.”

Caitlyn chuckled, reaching over to tickle Felicia's chubby cheek. The baby squirmed slightly, her mouth opening in a wide yawn. “Maybe when she is older then.”

“Maybe.” The redhead hummed, leaning over kissing the woman’s forehead. “Alright you, get some sleep. I’m going to put her in her room, she’s already falling asleep as we speak.” She said, adjusting Felicia in her arms.

Caitlyn gave a nod, leaning back against the headboard as her eyes drifted shut. “Don’t be too long, okay? I want my cuddles too." Her voice was teasing, though there was a note of longing in it.

Vi gave the woman a smile using two fingers to give a small salute. “Aye aye sheriff cupcake I’ll be back before you know it.”

The woman didn’t say anything more as Vi quickly left the room leaving her alone. This gave her time to shift slightly in the bed resting her head on her pillow before she let out a sigh. The anxiety of the day was still heavy on her chest and to think she would do it all over again tomorrow… And the next day… and the day after that, and so on.

She ran both hands over her face before resting her palms into her eyes. She had to keep reminding herself that everything was going to be fine, she could manage everything just fine. She could do it… A Kiramman could do anything.

Feeling the bed dip she shifted her hands finding Vi’s eyes, she noticed the woman’s eyebrow go up.

“Everything okay?” Vi laid on her back, her eyes still on the woman next to her. She wanted to say yes but the words felt caught in her throat. Caitlyn opened her mouth, shut it, then opened it again.

"No," Caitlyn finally admitted after a long pause, rolling over to bury her face into Vi's neck. "I… still feel anxious."

She could feel Vi hum under her cheek before arms wrapped around her giving a small squeeze. “What can I do?”

“You’ve already done so much today. Just having you with me at work made my day more bearable," Caitlyn confessed, her voice muffled against Vi's skin. "Just you being here is enough."

Vi's arms tightened around her slightly more. "I'm always gonna be here, Cupcake." Her voice was soft, and while there was a sleepy edge to it, Caitlyn knew the words held truth.

Caitlyn moved ever so slightly, lips grazing the curve of Vi’s neck as she tipped her head back before leaning forward, their lips brushing against each other in a slow and sweet kiss.

"Thank you, Vi," she whispered against her lips, pressing another brief kiss onto them before snuggling back into the redhead’s chest.

Vi gave a soft laugh shaking her head. “No need to thank me Cait.”

“I will because I appreciate you Violet." The words were soft, a tender murmur against Vi's skin.

Vi's reply was equally quiet, her fingers tracing idle patterns on Caitlyn's back. "And I appreciate you, Caitlyn."

They lay in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound in the room their breathing. Caitlyn's anxiety had eased somewhat; it still lingered like a shadow but felt less oppressing with Vi by her side.

As she teetered on the edge of sleep, exhaustion finally gnawing at her conscious mind, Caitlyn whispered a final goodnight. Her voice was barely there, muffled into Vi’s shoulder. “Goodnight, Vi.”

“Goodnight, Cupcake.” Vi replied softly, planting a soft kiss atop her head.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn had no idea what Vi had planned. 

All day the woman had been acting strange, checking the time, whispering to herself. This all continued on throughout the work day and every time Caitlyn asked she was met with a small wave and a smile, the usual Vi way of putting something off.

Despite her curiosity Caitlyn never sought out the actual answer, she knew eventually she would find out what Vi was mulling over the whole day. That’s when after Caitlyn was done with her last meeting of the day Vi was nowhere to be found, she had asked around but not a single person not even Steb knew where she went.

It wasn’t until she returned to their office did she find a note left on her desk. Something about how Vi had to leave early to take care of something at home.

Not something that caused any alarm bells to go off but definitely made her question what she was up to. It had her thinking to herself about if she missed something. Felicia had no doctors appointments, Caitlyn didn’t have therapy today and as far as she knew, there was no special event or occasion that Vi needed to prepare for. Even their anniversary wasn't anywhere near.

With all of that in mind Vi was never one to go home without her, she would usually wait and bug Caitlyn until she finally packed up for the day so they could go home together.

The note was an anomaly and it sparked Caitlyn's curiosity.

Whatever Vi was up to, Caitlyn had a feeling she would find out soon enough. Part of her was excited to find out and yet another part couldn't help but be slightly stressed.

She finished up her last paperwork for the day, sorted the rest into piles for next time before she took her leave saying goodbye to those still in the office.

Once she returned home she found that the living room, where her father usually was reading his newspaper and sitting with Felicia, was empty. 

Of course her first thought was: don’t panic.

Caitlyn dropped her bag on the table before making her way upstairs. Her first stop was their bedroom. If Vi was home she would either be there or in the gym. 

She only gave a quick glance into the room and called out to Vi before she went to turn and continue down the hall. However the sight of something resting on the foot of their bed made her turn back around. A box with a red bow on top rested on it.

Making her way over she picked up the envelope that had her name on it and she turned sitting on the edge of the bed.

Caitlyn, 

I know you’re probably panicking and questioning where Felicia is. Don’t worry she’s with your father. Hopefully you read this note before you open the box, but the contents inside are for you.

I have a surprise for you. When you’re ready, come meet me at the place where we said yes.

Vi

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow looking away from the letter towards the box. Setting the paper to the side she brought the box into her lap setting the bow next to the paper before opening it. Moving the paper that was on the inside to the side she saw what looked like a dark purple dress. She ran her fingers over it, feeling the soft silk under her fingertips.

After a moment she felt a small smile tug at her lips. Her eyes went up slowly to the bathroom door before she gave a small nod to herself.

“How many more secret spots does this place have?” Vi asked as she ran her thumb over the back of Caitlyn’s hand.

“Oh plenty, maybe when you stop getting lost I will show you more.”

Vi let out a snort letting her head fall onto Caitlyn’s as they looked at the stars above them. “I doubt that’ll be anytime soon. There are so many doors and hallways I feel like I need a minimap, maybe I’ll draw one on my hand.”

Caitlyn laughed, squeezing Vi's hand at that. "I can make a map for you if that would help," she offered, lifting Vi’s hand drawing random shapes in her palm with her finger.

The pair sat comfortably in the silence that followed just enjoying the quiet night and the stars. Slowly Caitlyn rested their hands in her lap before she cleared her throat.

“Vi?”

The woman next to her gave a small hum acknowledging that she heard her.

“I have been thinking… and if I’m being honest I didn’t know how to bring it up.”

"Go on," Vi encouraged, her tone gentle as she turned to face Caitlyn, using her free hand to lightly tuck some of Caitlyn's loose hair behind her ear.

“Do you… have you thought about marriage?”

Caitlyn was hesitant, she had been mulling over this question for weeks, continuously thinking it over, wondering how to phrase it without scaring Vi away. So when she finally asked, she held her breath, feeling the sudden tension in their intertwined hands.

Vi shifted into a seated position, turning to face Caitlyn completely. Her expression was unreadable as she ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath. “Is that something you want?”

Caitlyn nodded, feeling her heart pound in her chest as she met Vi's gaze. "Yes," she admitted softly, the sincerity of her admission hanging heavily between them. "I've always thought about it, you know, to have something that's… ours.”

Vi swallowed audibly, avoiding Caitlyn's gaze as she clenched and unclenched her hand. "And you… you want that with me?" The uncertainly in Vi's voice touched Caitlyn deeply.

With a gentle smile, she reached for Vi's chin and raised it until their eyes met. "Only if it's you," Caitlyn assured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not forcing you into this if it’s something you do not want.” 

“Am I enough?”

"Absolutely," Caitlyn said without missing a beat though the question did have her heart skip a beat. Her hand moved to cup Vi's cheek, her thumb gently sweeping away the tear that had managed to escape from the corner of Vi's eye. "You're more than enough, Vi."

She could see the woman searching her eyes for any hint of insincerity, and Caitlyn held her gaze, letting her see the truth on her own. She watched as Vi's eyes softened, a slight tremble in her lower lip as she took a shuddering breath.

“Alright, sure… let’s do it.”

“That’s a yes?”

"That's a 'hell yes,'" Vi confirmed, her voice barely more than a whisper, yet somehow, it was the loudest thing in Caitlyn's world at that moment. “I'll be a Kiramman.” 

Stepping out onto the balcony a small shiver ran through her body with the cold air. The faint sound of music reached her ears causing a smile to tug at her lips as she walked towards the other side. Keeping to the wall and her footsteps quiet she rounded the corner leaning her shoulder up against the cold stone, her eyes falling on the sight before her.

Vi was leaning up against the balcony railing one hand in her pocket the other had a small flower in hand twirling it between her fingers. It appeared that the redhead didn’t notice her presence, giving her a few moments to look her over.

Vi was wearing a white button up paired with black slacks and black suspenders. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows giving her quite the sight of Vi's arms. The button up also wasn't fully buttoned up all the way giving her a glimpse of the woman's collarbone.

The sight sent a warmth through Caitlyn’s body, her heartbeat quickened. Honestly she could sit here all night and watch Vi. But she knew, the longer she delayed, the more anxious the other woman would become. Her lips curved into a bigger smile as she pushed herself off the wall slowly, taking light steps so as not to startle Vi.

“Hey handsome.”

Vi snapped her head up at the sound of Caitlyn's voice, something akin to relief washing over her features. "You're here," she breathed out, as if she had been holding her breath waiting.

"And so are you," Caitlyn answered her eyes discreetly scanning the area around them. There was a small table past Vi and a window was open next to it, likely where the music was coming from.

On the table there were a few covered plates, a few glasses and a small candle that was lit.

"Did you do all this?" She asked, genuinely surprised, her gaze finally landing back on Vi.

Vi scratched her cheek giving Caitlyn a small bashful smile. “I figured it would be a nice little surprise. I know you don’t like leaving the house because of Felicia and I also know it’s been… well over a few months since we’ve just had a moment to ourselves.” Her voice was low, carrying a tender note that made Caitlyn's heart flutter.

“Is this… our first date after becoming parents?” Caitlyn asked, chuckling softly as she moved to take Vi's hand in hers.

Vi grinned, “It is.” She held out the flower to Caitlyn who took it with a soft smile, twirling it between her fingers.

“It’s beautiful," she said, holding it closer to give it a sniff. The fragrance was delicate and sweet, not unlike the woman who had gifted it to her.

“Like you," Vi countered, looking towards the table. “I know it’s all a little cheesy-” She stopped when Caitlyn squeezed her hand.

“That’s not a bad thing, I like cheesy, I like when you do cheesy things.” Caitlyn reassured, her fingers tracing over Vi’s knuckles feeling each scar.

“I thought you would.” Vi replied, shooting her a playful smirk. She gently tugged on Caitlyn's hand leading her towards the small table, pulling out the chair for her. “Please, take a seat.”

Caitlyn shook her head at the chivalry, but obliged and sat down. She watched as Vi moved around to the other side of the table and took a seat directly across from her. Vi reached out pulling both covers off revealing two bowls of ravioli.

“Ravioli?”

Vi nodded, looking a bit bashful. “Yeah… I know it’s not the most fancy or romantic meal but…”

Caitlyn gave her a reassuring smile, reaching across the table to gently grasp Vi’s hand. “It’s perfect.”

The redhead nodded, holding up a finger. 

“And…” She shifted back a little in her chair reaching down under the table before holding up a bottle. At first glance it looked like wine but Caitlyn knew that label, she had seen it before. “I know you can’t have alcohol on your medication and your father recommended this. Sparkling raspberry cocktail… juice, the non alcoholic version." She uncorked the bottle and poured the bubbly liquid into their glasses, watching it fizz up and settle down.

Caitlyn let her fingers wrap around the stem of the glass looking at the pink liquid, she felt a small lump form in her throat before giving a small laugh. “I used to drink this all the time with my mother. When I was younger and she wasn’t busy with the council, we would have little garden parties, just the two of us. She allowed me a glass of this, saying it was our 'special drink.'" Caitlyn's voice was choked up, and she felt a tear sneak down her cheek.

“I’m sorry is it bad-”

"No, no... it's just the opposite," Caitlyn reassured quickly, her other hand coming up to brush her tear away. "It's perfect, Vi. You have no idea."

The relief that washed over Vi’s features was evident and she gave Caitlyn a soft, understanding smile. "Good. I'm glad you like it then."

“I cannot believe you planned all of this.” Caitlyn whispered, taking a small sip of the carbonated juice. “And how I didn’t find out.”

"Well, I had a bit of help," Vi admitted, her own cheeks coloring slightly as she picked up her fork and began to poke at the ravioli. “Your dad has Felicia for the whole night and most of tomorrow, so you can sleep in and relax tonight while we just... enjoy this time together."

Caitlyn's smile widened as she glanced at the food before them, feeling a warmth spread through her. She felt utterly seen and cherished in this moment, a rare gift between the daily chaos of parenting and their duty to the city, to their work.

“Relax?” She asked cheekily, her brows bouncing up as she took another sip from her glass. “I think I have lost the meaning of that word since Felicia came along.”

Vi let out a short laugh cutting half of a piece of ravioli pushing her fork into it before holding it up for Caitlyn. “Out of everyone in this house it’s you who deserves it.”

Caitlyn leaned in, accepting the offered bite with a soft, "Mm, thank you." She chewed carefully, a pleased expression crossing her face as the flavors exploded on her taste buds. "This is delicious."

“I’m glad.” She switched her fork to the other hand before holding up her glass. “Toast?”

“To our first date as parents?" Caitlyn suggested, leaning forward slightly with her own glass.

Vi chuckled and nodded, clinking her glass against Caitlyn’s, the sound ringing. "To our first date as parents," she echoed, looking into Caitlyn's eyes.

Over the next few hours, they ate, talked, and laughed. Halfway through their meal, Vi rose from her seat and moved towards the open window where the soft music was playing from a vinyl record. She fiddled with the player, changing the song to a slower melody.

“Okay, I may not be great at dancing but I want to try again. Will you join me?” Vi asked, extending her hand out to Caitlyn with a hopeful look.

Caitlyn placed her fork down and stood, slipping her hand into Vi's. "It would be my pleasure." She let herself be led a few steps away from the table and into the open space. She felt Vi’s hand rest on her lower back, the other hand still holding hers. Their bodies swayed softly to the tune, stumbling occasionally when Vi misjudged a step, but Caitlyn's laughter kept it light.

“You are horrible at this.”

Vi rolled her eyes but a willing grin curved up her lips, "Hey now, don't insult the dance master."

"Dance master?" Caitlyn echoed with a chuckle, pressing her forehead to Vi's. “More like a disaster.”

Vi pretended to wince. "Oh cupcake, you wound me."

Caitlyn hummed, closing her eyes as she tightened her hold around Vi, her fingers lightly trailing along the other woman's shoulder before settling comfortably. "Well, you have to learn to live with that criticism, dance disaster."

Vi let out a groan in response but didn’t pull away; instead, she moved even closer until their bodies were flush against each other.

“You sure know how to make a woman feel special,” Caitlyn whispered, opening her eyes to find Vi’s.

“Only for you.” Vi squeezed the small part of Caitlyn’s back where her hand rested.

Caitlyn sighed contentedly when Vi leaned to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. The warmth of it seeped down into her very bones, alleviating any lingering stress or tension from the day. Vi's lips moved down, peppering kisses to Caitlyn's eyelids giving a few extra to the scar over her left eye before continuing to her nose, cheeks taking her time.

When their lips met, it was unhurried and tender. It was slow at first before turning into something more intense, a burning need that neither of them had truly felt since parenthood had shifted their priorities. Their lips moved together in a practiced rhythm, one that sent a thrilling shiver down Caitlyn's spine.

Vi tasted of ravioli and raspberry cocktail, and… home. Caitlyn cupped Vi’s face in her hands, her thumbs lightly stroking the freckled cheeks she had come to adore.

Pulling away from the kiss it was her turn to pepper kisses all over Vi’s face getting a laugh from the woman.

“Was this your plan all along? Dine and swoon me?" Caitlyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Vi shook her head resting both hands on Caitlyn’s hips pulling her closer. "If you must know, I didn't have any plans for after dinner.”

“Shame on you, Vi.” Caitlyn teased, tracing her fingers delicately along Vi’s jawline. “You know a woman likes to know she’s being thought about.”

One of Vi’s eyebrows shot up before she let out a short laugh. “Cait,” She let out a sigh, her eyes softening, "I think about you all the time." Their noses brushed as Vi leaned in closer, her thumb gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind Caitlyn's ear. “I was being honest when I told you that you’re so damn beautiful, stretch marks, extra skin, hair or no hair, tired eyes and all. I always think about you."

Caitlyn leaned into Vi's touch, her heart fluttering at the words being whispered. "And I, you," she murmured in response, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry I haven’t been myself lately.”

"Don't apologize, Cait." Vi hugged her closer, her whisper barely audible over the soft melody still playing on the record player. “We both know being a parent is no easy task. And you've been juggling everything so well.”

"But I feel like I’m not giving you enough time.” Caitlyn confessed, her voice thick with emotions. She had been feeling inadequate for quite some time and tonight had finally given her an opportunity to let loose. Vi had been taking everything on without a single complaint and it had been playing heavily on Caitlyn's heart. “When was the last time we even-”

“That doesn’t matter," Vi interrupted her, giving her a gentle squeeze. "We've been living in a whirlwind, taking care of a little human who loves us but demands so much of us. I didn’t do this to put pressure on you or to make you feel inadequate. I did this because I wanted to give you a break." She paused, looking deeply into Caitlyn's eyes. "And this doesn't mean we have to be romantic or intimate all the time. It means being patient, supportive, and understanding with one another... That's why I love you, Cait."

Caitlyn was quiet for a moment, her heart full to the brim as she processed Vi’s words. Tears welled up in her eyes, not from sadness but from a profound sense of relief and love. She bit her lower lip to keep it from quivering and blinked away the mist in her eyes. "I love you too. Are you sure you're okay with the way things are? With… well… everything?"

The redhead nodded, leaning forward nuzzling her nose into Caitlyn’s neck. “I told you before, I’m pretty straightforward. As long as you and Felicia are happy and healthy, then I'm more than okay." She allowed herself a moment to breathe in the faintly floral scent of Caitlyn's perfume.

They swayed to the music for what felt like hours, or maybe it was only a fleeting moment. Time seemed to warp when they were together like this, dancing and laughing in the quiet peace of their own world. It was easy to forget everything else.

Caitlyn lifted her head up from Vi's shoulder resting her cheek into the woman’s cheek feeling the comforting warmth. “Do you have anything more planned for out here?”

Vi hummed, turning her head slightly to leave a soft kiss on Caitlyn's cheek. "Not specifically, no," she admitted, her arms tightening for a moment around the other woman. “Do you have something in mind?”

Caitlyn paused for a few moments before a smile tugged at her lips. She ran her hands down Vi’s arms before taking her hand. “Come.”

Vi raised an eyebrow at being pulled away before she held up a hand grabbing the raspberry wine bottle from the table, her grin matching Caitlyn's as they ventured back into the house. Vi soon realized that Caitlyn was leading them back to their room.

Smiling to herself she brought the bottle to her lips taking a few sips from it making a small face for a moment. She certainly wasn’t used to the carbonation just yet but the sweetness was growing on her.

As they made their way into the room she set the bottle on a table nearby before tugging on Caitlyn’s hand slightly to turn her around. Her arms wrapped around the woman’s waist feeling Caitlyn’s rest on her shoulders. Their lips met again in another gentle dance, slow and loving. She hadn’t planned to go this far tonight, sex wasn’t even the first thought on her mind when she planned the dinner.

She was truthful when she told the woman she was happy, she didn’t need or want to pressure her into anything she didn't want or feel ready for. But if Caitlyn was leading them here, she wasn't going to complain. 

Vi pulled back slightly her lips kissing along Caitlyn’s jaw going to her neck feeling Caitlyn tilt her head to give her more access. She gently nipped at the skin, a soft hum of contentment vibrating against Caitlyn's throat.

She let her hands slide up the woman’s back her fingers dancing with the zipper of Caitlyn’s dress, a silent question in the air between them. Caitlyn's breath hitched at Vi's touch, her fingers curling into the fabric of Vi’s shirt. They hadn't had much alone time in a while. It seemed like ages since they’d been this close, really close.

She gave a small nod giving the confirmation Vi needed to pull it down. Vi continued tugging the fabric off of her shoulders sliding down and pooling on the ground around her feet. Taking a step back slightly she met Caitlyn’s eyes before looking down. 

She sucked in a breath at the sight before her. It made her whole body tingle as her gaze traveled down the length of Caitlyn’s body, taking in every curve, every mole and scar. Seeing the woman in only her underwear made a heat swirl within Vi's stomach, reigniting a yearning that had been all too neglected lately.

There were stretch marks on Caitlyn’s stomach and sides. Leaning down she ran her lips over them, feeling Caitlyn shiver under her touch. Gentle kisses were scattered over the marks, a silent vow of love and acceptance for the changes motherhood had brought upon her.

Caitlyn's hands tangled in Vi's hair, her grip tightening as her wife worshipped her body. Each kiss from Vi was a healing balm to old wounds and a reassurance that she was indeed beautiful even after all the changes. She let out a soft sigh, tipping her head back as Vi moved her attention down.

Hooking her thumbs into the fabric, Vi brought the underwear down and released it to mingle with the dress on the floor, her hands ran up Caitlyn's bare legs, fingers tracing a path back up her body. Caitlyn gasped softly, Vi’s touch igniting a fire in her that she hadn’t felt in so long.

"Vi," she whimpered, knees nearly buckling.

With a swift move Vi stood up, her hands gripping Caitlyn’s hips picking her up and taking a few steps forward. She gently set her down on the edge of their bed, continuing her exploration with soft kisses and trailing fingertips.

Caitlyn pulled on the bottom of the button up causing the redhead to step back slightly both hands popping the suspenders, the action caused the woman in front of her to suck in a breath as the fabric rippled down Vi's torso, creating a sight that made Caitlyn's heart beat faster. It had been too long since they'd seen each other like this, too long since they'd been able to appreciate and adore every inch of the other's body.

With deft fingers, Caitlyn undid the buttons of Vi’s shirt one by one, her movements slow but deliberate. Her eyes never left Vi’s face, drinking in the way her eyes fluttered closed at the touch and how her lips parted ever so slightly. Finally, the last button was undone and she pushed the shirt off Vi’s shoulders, revealing more of the woman beneath.

Her hands fell down to pulling on the belt and unbuttoning her pants before slipping them off, along with the boxers beneath. Vi was left bare before Caitlyn, a sight that never failed to take her breath away. She reached out, placing her hands on Vi's hips. Caitlyn couldn't resist running her fingers over the familiar skin.

She let her fingers run along the scars on Vi’s stomach before she let her hand continue down to her thighs. Vi's body tensed at the touch, her muscles twitching under Caitlyn's gentle caress. Caitlyn watched as Vi closed her eyes again, letting out a soft sigh at the contact. Using that same hand she pushed Vi’s thighs apart slightly before using two fingers to circle Vi's clit. 

Vi arched at the touch, her hand finding Caitlyn's shoulder for balance as a gasp spilled from her lips. Caitlyn was slow and gentle, coaxing soft moans from Vi's lips with just her fingers. She took her time, watching the way Vi shuddered each time she circled the nub.

She pushed her tongue into the back of her teeth using her other hand to tap Vi’s thigh getting her attention. Pushing her slightly to the side she stood up, turning them around before coaxing Vi to sit on the edge of the bed where she had been sitting. Leaning down she kissed Vi’s cheek before shifting her lips to her ears.

“Be a good girl and stay put for me," Caitlyn murmured softly against Vi's ear, her voice husky. This earned her a shallow nod from Vi, a breathy sigh escaping her lips as Caitlyn’s fingers continued in addition to the woman’s lips now brushing against her neck.

Vi’s hand gripped the bed sheet tightly, her breathing becoming heavier with each sweet circle Caitlyn's fingers requested from her swollen bud. Digging her feet into the ground she flexed her legs, her body twitching at the touch. Vi bit her lower lip, her eyes shut tight as she felt the heat rising within her.

Carefully pushing down on Vi's shoulders, Caitlyn lowered her onto the bed, her fingers never ceasing. Vi continued to pant and squirm beneath her touch, each groan sent a wave of anticipation through Caitlyn.

Finally reaching the woman’s breasts she circled her tongue around the nipple before lightly tugging on it with her teeth, eliciting a high whimper from Vi. The sounds of Vi's pleasure were music to Caitlyn's ears, spurring her on.

Kissing down she pushed one knee onto the part of the bed frame using both hands to push on the bottom part of Vi’s thighs sending her up the bed slightly. 

Leaning down Caitlyn brought Vi’s legs up over her shoulders, kissing the pink happy trail down her stomach before descending lower, her tongue flicking against Vi's clit. Vi gasped, involuntarily arching her back, her fingers winding in Caitlyn's hair, pressing the woman closer.

"Cait..." Vi's voice was breathless and shaky, the pleasure causing her words to be fractured and incomplete. But Caitlyn knew exactly what she meant. Instead of responding verbally, she let her actions speak for her, increasing pressure with her tongue.

Along with that she thrusted two fingers in all the way to her knuckle, feeling how wet and warm the woman was. It made her moan against Vi, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Caitlyn followed a rhythm, her fingers pumping in and out in sync with the flicks of her tongue against Vi’s swollen bud. Each thrust seemed to drive Vi deeper into the world of pleasure, causing her to gasp and whimper Caitlyn's name again and again, louder each time.

She felt Vi lock her ankle around her other leg on her back and the tightening grip of her fingers in her hair. The sensation spurred her on, knowing that she was bringing Vi closer and closer to the edge. Caitlyn redoubled her efforts, her fingers pumping quicker now, the rhythmic squelching sounds of wetness filling the room along with Vi's breathless moans.

Occasionally, Caitlyn would withdraw her fingers only to plunge them back in even deeper. Each time she did so, Vi’s body would rock in response, a choked gasp or a wordless cry escaping her lips.

Caitlyn’s rhythm didn’t falter as she felt Vi’s walls clench around her fingers tightening with a ferocity that spurred her on. Even as Vi's body bucked and twitched beneath her, Caitlyn remained steadfast. She let her tongue glide over Vi's clit one last time before gently sucking it between her lips.

Vi gave a shuddered gasp, her body arching off the bed as a powerful orgasm overtook her. Her grip on Caitlyn's hair tightened, her nails digging into the scalp. 

Caitlyn slowly let off as Vi began to shudder in the aftermath, her fingers moving more gently, easing her down from the orgasm.

She withdrew her fingers from Vi and placed a soft kiss on her inner thighs, slowly pulling herself up back to standing. Vi's body was still trembling, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Caitlyn gently ran her hand over Vi's sweaty stomach, watching as the redhead slowly regained her composure.

Vi brought her hand up, running it through her hair before rubbing it down her face. “Fuck cupcake.” She peaked her eyes looking down, feeling Caitlyn rest a hand on her knee. She watched as the woman wiped a hand over her mouth before her tongue darted out, licking her fingers clean. The sight drew a soft groan from Vi, her body still sensitive from her orgasm.

She sat up grabbing her chin and pulling Caitlyn’s lips to hers, tasting herself in the kiss, it caused a small shudder to run through her. Caitlyn's hands cupped her face gently, returning the kiss with equal fervor.

“Vi?” Caitlyn whispered as the woman’s lips began trailing kisses down her neck.

"Mmh?" Vi responded, her lips never ceasing their journey.

“Wait…” She could feel the woman freeze at her words, pulling back slightly to look at her with questioning eyes. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, feeling Vi’s eyes on her again made her very self conscious about her body for a moment before she cleared her throat.

Caitlyn rarely ever hesitated, if at all when it came to sex. She was confident in her body, but after having Felicia she was still getting used to the changes it had gone through. Taking a deep breath she brushed it aside giving the woman in front of her a small smile.

“Can we… use the strap?” She let out in a whisper searching Vi’s eyes for a moment.

She could hear the woman suck in a breath before nodding slowly. “You sure? It won’t hurt you or anything?" Vi asked, concern knitting her brows together as she reached out to gently stroke Caitlyn's cheek.

“Positive. I’m all healed… I want to feel you."

A shiver ran down Vi's spine at the words, the prospect of what was to come making her heart race. She kissed the corner of Caitlyn’s mouth quickly getting up from the bed, she stumbled slightly, her legs still shaky. A soft chuckle escaped Caitlyn as she watched Vi move to the closet disappearing for a little.

Caitlyn took this moment to walk around to the side of the bed, she tugged on the blankets sliding inside laying into the middle of the mattress with a sigh. The cool sheets were a stark contrast to the heated flush of her skin, making her shiver slightly as she nestled in.

Part of her body urged her to fall asleep right then and there, but the anticipation of what was to come kept her eyes wide open.

From the closet, there was a quiet rustle of fabric and the clink of metal, sounds that only heightened Caitlyn's anticipation. Her heart thumped hard against her chest, echoing in her ears. Her fingers traced along her collarbone idly as she waited for Vi to reappear.

Eventually, Vi emerged from the closet giving her a wink. “Miss me?”

Caitlyn's reply was abrupt, "Always," her gaze fixated on the strap. 

Seeing that Caitlyn’s gaze went down, Vi stopped halfway lifting her arm up to rest behind her flexing slightly grinning at the mesmerized look on Caitlyn's face. “You like what you see?” She said teasingly, letting her free hand glide down her torso and towards the strap.

Caitlyn bit her lip, her eyes still fixated on Vi and the strap, she simply nodded in response. 

Vi chuckled, the raw desire in Caitlyn's gaze sending a thrill through her. Stepping up to the bed the redhead pulled on the blanket lifting it slightly giving her enough space to slide in, she settled in between Caitlyn’s legs feeling them rest on her hips. Caitlyn’s hands immediately went to rest on Vi's shoulders, her fingers tracing the muscles beneath the woman's skin.

Vi leaned down, pressing her lips against Caitlyn's in a slow kiss. 

Pulling away from their kiss, Vi let her hand glide over Caitlyn's side, ghosting over her curves and valleys until she reached the inside of the woman’s thigh. Her fingers tenderly traced the soft skin before deciding to tease her in kind, lightly flicking against Caitlyn's clit causing her to gasp and arch towards her touch.

“Fuck… Vi," Caitlyn whimpered, wrapping her legs tighter around Vi’s waist bringing them closer together. The redhead grinned at the desperate pleading note in Caitlyn's voice and decided not to keep her waiting any longer.

Caitlyn felt Vi shifting running two fingers through her folds getting the strap slicked up a bit, making Caitlyn's breath hitch. Once Vi felt it was enough she lined herself with the woman beneath her. Their eyes met and Vi tilted her head to the side slightly before Caitlyn nodded. As soon as Caitlyn gave the signal, Vi pushed forward, sliding the strap inside her. Caitlyn gasped at the sudden fullness, her nails digging into Vi's shoulders as she adjusted to the sensation.

Keeping a slow pace, Vi moved in and out of Caitlyn, each thrust drawing a soft moan from the woman beneath her. The sight of Caitlyn writhing beneath her, eyes shut tight and lips parted as she gasped for breath was intoxicating for Vi.

She kept the rhythm slow and steady, wanting to draw out the pleasure for as long as possible. She paid careful attention to the small reactions of Caitlyn's body, altering her movements slightly whenever she felt her muscles tighten or heard a sharper intake of breath.

Slowly, she increased the pace, her thrusts becoming more forceful and deliberate. Caitlyn matched her rhythm, moving with her and drawing her closer. Caitlyn could feel a climax approaching, an intoxicating wave that was threatening to break over her any second.

Her legs wrapped tighter around Vi, pulling her closer, urging her on. She gripped Vi’s shoulders harder, leaving deep white scratches on the redhead's skin as she lost herself.

Vi continued to thrust, reaching her hand down between them to find Caitlyn's clit. Her touch was a shock of pleasure that made Caitlyn gasp, her walls tightening around the strap. Vi grinned, the sounds of Caitlyn's pleasure bolstering her on.

Her fingers skillfully danced on Caitlyn's sensitive nub while her hips kept their steady rhythm. Caitlyn's breaths came out in ragged pants as she gripped onto Vi for dear life. The simple movements and sensations seemed to set her on fire, a warmth that spread through her body making it feel like she was melting into the sheets beneath them.

"Vi..." She barely got the name out before her vision whited out, pleasure washing over her in waves as she came hard.

Her body trembled wildly, gasping for air as if she was drowning in pure ecstasy.

Vi didn't stop her movements immediately, helping Caitlyn ride out the high of her orgasm, gradually slowing down until all that was left was a soft hum of satisfaction spreading throughout Caitlyn's body.

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Leaning down she kissed the top of Vi’s head getting a hum from her. She ran her hand down Vi’s back feeling the muscles relax under her touch, the soft patter of her fingers leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

“Thank you for tonight.” She whispered, feeling Vi smile into her chest.

"Mmm, happy to oblige." Vi murmured contentedly against Caitlyn's skin. Silence washed over them as they laid entwined, both basking in afterglow. Her fingers traced gently down Vi's spine, making her shiver every now and then.

“Can you believe Felicia is 10 weeks already? She’s almost three months old.”

Vi hummed in agreement, her fingertip tracing absent patterns on the skin of Caitlyn's stomach. "I can hardly believe it," she mumbled, eyes closed in content. "Our little girl is growing so fast."

Hearing that Caitlyn sucked in a breath feeling a slight sting in her eyes. “She’s growing up too fast…”

Vi lifted her head from Caitlyn's chest to look at her. "Hey," she said softly, reaching up to brush a strand of hair away from Caitlyn's face. "She may be growing fast but that doesn't mean we're missing out on anything, okay?"

“What if I do miss something?” Caitlyn's lips trembled slightly as she whispered. "What if I blink and suddenly she's not a baby anymore? She's walking and talking and… and..."

Vi moved to cradle her face, thumb brushing away the single tear that escaped from Caitlyn’s eye. She kissed Caitlyn gently before kissing her nose. “We’ll be there for every moment, Caitlyn. Every milestone... her first word, her first step, her first day at school. We'll be cheering her on, every step of the way." 

Caitlyn nodded, leaning into Vi's touch as she held back a small sob. Vi gently wiped away the rest of the tears that had welled up in Caitlyn's eyes.

"We're going to be there for all of it," she reiterated softly, capturing Caitlyn's gaze with her own. "Every moment of our little girl's life."

Caitlyn found comfort in those words, a kind of peace that washed over her as Vi held her gaze. She nodded again, more assured this time. A small smile tugged at her lips as she rested a hand on Vi's cheek.

"Promise?" She asked, needing to hear it out loud one more time.

Vi mirrored the smile on Caitlyn's face. "Promise," she confirmed.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn let out a sigh, a puff of air escaping from her lips. She watched it float away l before she felt something cold press into her back making her shiver. Looking over her shoulder she saw Vi giving her a look.

“It will probably snow soon.” She mused as the two continued down the street doing their patrols.

“You think?” Vi responded, her own breath creating a cloud in the crisp air. Her gaze darted to the cloudy sky for a moment, her brows furrowing.

“It is getting colder, so it's possible," Caitlyn answered absently. Her gaze remained focused straight ahead, her eyes scanning through the handful of people. “It will be Felcia’s first snow.”

“I hope it happens on the next day we are off,” Vi said, flexing the Atlas gauntlets on her hands. "I'd love to see her reaction."

“I bet we will likely see it in the next week or so.”

“Oh I really hope so.”
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Caitlyn carefully adjusted the blanket, the sound of Vi snoring tugging a smile on her lips. Both Felicia and Vi were laying on their backs asleep, the baby snuggled close to her mother, mirroring Vi's position. 

Pulling out the camera she lined it up clicking the button on the top of it, the sound of the camera going off along with the flash.

Vi’s eyes opened slowly as a photo printed out of the camera. The redhead blinked a few times confused, she looked over seeing Caitlyn holding the camera.

"Caitlyn," Vi groaned, stretching her arms above her head, "You could have warned me."

Rolling her eyes, Caitlyn regarded Vi with a soft gaze. "But then I would not have captured such an authentic moment." She gently pulled the photo out, shaking it lightly.

Vi hummed rolling over to her side resting her hand on Felicia’s stomach, she kissed the side of her head before turning her attention to Caitlyn. “Can I see?”

Caitlyn nodded, passing the photo to the other woman.

“Wow,” Vi finally said, looking at the image with a sense of awe. The picture had captured a moment of pure peace. “This is a good photo, worth the wake up call.”

“I’m glad you like it.” She mused looking at Felicia, she leaned over kissing the baby’s head. “I need to wake her up to feed her.”

"Already?" Vi glanced at the clock on the bedside table, blinking in surprise. "Didn’t really realize the time."

Caitlyn nodded, carefully shifting Felicia into her arms and sitting down on the bed. The baby whimpered slightly in her sleep, but didn't wake as Caitlyn started to unbutton her nightshirt.

"You can go back to sleep," she told Vi, keeping her voice low.

“Nah, I'll keep you company." Vi assured, rustling the blankets as she sat up against the headboard. She relaxed as she watched Caitlyn.

With a soft sigh, Caitlyn woke the baby up before began to feed her. The baby latched onto her breast with an eagerness that never failed to make her laugh. 

"Look at her go," she whispered, more to herself than to Vi. But the redhead smirked, shaking her head in amusement.

"I swear she can eat more than me." Vi joked in a hushed tone, reaching to gently stroke Felicia's chubby cheek with one finger.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes leaning back more into the headboard. "I doubt that," she retorted, glancing at Vi. "You eat like a beast."

Vi mock gasped, laying a hand over her heart. "I’ll have you know I eat like a lady," she defended, chuckling softly as she watched Felicia nurse.

Caitlyn just hummed in response, too focused on their daughter to respond. Vi took this moment to roll off the bed going over towards the window, tugging on the curtain opening it up just a bit. She looked out into the morning light stretching her arm over her head.

“Oh wow… Caitlyn.”

“Hm?" She gave another hum, adjusting her grip on the baby as she curiously lifted her gaze to the woman.

“It’s snowing." Vi said, her voice filled with a childlike excitement. She pressed her palm against the cold glass of the window, watching as soft, white flakes floated down from the sky.

Caitlyn’s eyes widened with surprise. "Really?"

“Yeah!”
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Adjusting the beanie on Felicia’s head she booped the baby on the nose making a small face getting a small giggle from her. 

She looked up seeing Vi squatting down gathering up what little snow she could into a small ball. The morning chill was biting, but it was a pleasant change from the cozy warmth they’d woken up to. Caitlyn could see her breath fogging in the cool air as she watched Vi rolling the snowball in her hands, pushing more snow onto it every now and then as she built it larger.

“Hey, Vi! Isn’t that… a bit big for a snowball?” Caitlyn called out. She was hoping the woman wasn’t planning on throwing that at her.

Vi turned around to face her, a broad grin on her face. “What can I say? Go big or go home!” She hoisted the growing snowball with a laugh before putting it back on the ground somehow not breaking it in the process.

Shaking her head Caitlyn carefully walked over to where the woman was, she didn’t want to slip on the stone. She slowly sat down with Felicia sitting in front of her making sure to keep the baby upright. The baby was still getting used to finding her balance.

"Here," Caitlyn said, scooping up a handful of snow and shaping it into a small ball. She held it up in front of Felicia, who reached out gripping the snow ball with her chubby fingers. The cold seemed to startle her through her gloves as she dropped it, but then she giggled, her arms flailing slightly.

Vi at this point pushed the giant ball of snow she had sitting in front of the baby. Being only three months old Felicia could do little else but gawk at the massive mound of white. “She has no idea what it is.”

Vi snorted, going to stand up but due to where she was, part of the stone was iced over, causing her to slip and fall backwards onto the ground with a thud.

“Vi!”

The redhead groaned, giving a small thumbs up into the air in response to Caitlyn's concerned exclamation.

"I'm good,” she declared, trying to push herself up but failing miserably as she kept slipping on the icy stone. Laughing, she flopped back onto the ground and stretched her arms over her head. "Just taking a break, resting my eyes.”

Felicia gurgled, giving a small laugh at Vi's antics, flapping her tiny mitten covered hands in joy. Caitlyn couldn't help but laugh at the sight, Vi sprawled dramatically on the ground and Felicia giggling away. Picking the baby up, Caitlyn shifted carefully holding Felicia above Vi before she made dramatic sounds like she was dropping the baby on her.

“Ah no Felicia! The audacity! Don’t attack your mama!” Vi gasped out dramatically, as Caitlyn teased a soft landing on her chest. Felicia let out a screech of laughter, her arms and legs flailing out more as the unexpected rush of motion stunned her for a brief moment.

“Oh, the horror!” Vi played along, her arms coming up to catch Felicia and pull her securely against her chest. Caitlyn was doubled over now, clutching at her stomach as laughter spilled from her lips.

Vi took this moment to quickly reach for a small handful of snow pushing it into the side of Caitlyn’s face eliciting a surprised yelp from the woman. "Vi!" She protested, laughter still lacing her voice as she wiped away the cold, wet snow from her cheek.

She went to pick up snow before the redhead held up her hand into the air. “I have our daughter! You can’t!” She shifted Felicia placing the baby over her face using her as a shield.

Seeing this, Caitlyn paused, a smirk spreading across her face. "Oh, really now?" She asked, her hand hovering over the pile of snow she was gathering. "Are you sure about that?"

She could tell that Vi was processing it for a moment even with the baby over her face and before she could say anything, Caitlyn's hand shot out pulling the bottom of her shirt up and dumping a handful of snow onto her stomach, causing the redhead to yelp in surprise. 

"Caitlyn!" Vi protested, though she was still laughing, shifting Felicia to one side as she attempted to shake off the shock of coldness on her bare skin. “That’s dirty!”

"Dirty? Me?" Caitlyn echoed, feigning shock. She crossed her arms, grinning down at the gasping redhead. “Never.”

Vi quickly sat up her arm holding Felicia to her chest the other hand grabbing a little bit of snow and tossing it at Caitlyn. Because it was barely any snow at all it did little to nothing other than leave the faintest hint of water on Caitlyn's face. 

A grin split her face, and she chuckled at Vi's failed attempt.

"Oh, was I supposed to be intimidated?" Caitlyn teased, batting at the tiny remnants of snow that clung to her scarf.

Vi stuck out her tongue, then turned her attention to Felicia. “Your mother is so mean Felicia, do you see what she does to me?.” She cooed kissing the baby’s nose before nuzzling into her cheek giving a fake glare at Caitlyn.

Caitlyn merely laughed, reaching over to ruffle Vi’s hair affectionately, “You’ll have to forgive me, Felicia. After all, your mama started it.”

Vi swatted her hand away playfully, but the smile on her lips belied her feigned annoyance.

“Here.” Caitlyn hummed, holding out the mug to the redhead. Vi gave a small thank you taking a small sip of the hot chocolate as the woman sat down next to her on the table.

The soft crackle of the fire was blended with a soft grunt from Felicia. Both of them looked towards the small crib watching as the baby turned her head over rubbing her face before she stopped.

“When she’s older we can have an actual snow fight.” Vi mused tapping her finger against the glass looking over at Caitlyn who rolled her eyes.

“When she's older.” The woman agreed, taking a sip from her own mug. They sat in silence, content to just be in each other's presence as they watched the flames dance in the fireplace.

“I feel like I say this every time we get to a big milestone.” Caitlyn started before she let her thumb run along the side of the glass, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “But three months already.”

A snort came from Vi as she gave Caitlyn a sidelong glance. "Yeah," she said, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. "Three months with our little terror." Caitlyn nudged her gently as Vi chuckled. “And how are you? Therapy has been going well?”

Caitlyn gave a small nod. "Therapy has been a great help," she acknowledged, her gaze focusing on the dancing flames. The shadows played across her features. "I feel... better. More centered. I still sometimes feel like I’m doing a horrible job, but you have been a great help, Vi."

The redhead gave another soft snort, rolling her eyes playfully. "I'm just winging it as much as you are," she admitted, shrugging slightly. Caitlyn shook her head, reaching over to gently take Vi's hand in her own, giving it a squeeze.

“I am being honest, if I didn’t have you as a support… I don't think I could've gotten this far," Caitlyn confessed, her eyes catching Vi's. “You’re an amazing wife and I don’t say it as often as I should.”

At this, Vi's playful expression softened, her lips curling into a tender smile. She brought Caitlyn's hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "You're giving me too much credit," she murmured, her voice tinged with warmth.

“Give credit where credit is definitely due.”

“It’s appreciated even if it’s not necessary cupcake.”

Vi's hands shot out the gauntlets hitting the railing as she leaned over it watching the man slide down the roof. Cursing under her breath she wasted no time in vaulting over landing on the side of her thigh sliding down following right behind him.

As she got closer to the edge of the roof she pushed her hand up against the slanted rooftop, using it as a springboard to launch herself off the edge. She twisted her body grabbing a pipe with one hand sliding down. When she was close to the ground she let go rolling over her shoulder before picking herself up and running down the alleyway after the man.

Her lungs burned because of the cold air, but she ignored the discomfort and focused solely on the fleeing figure before her. She saw him round a corner and she picked up her pace ignoring the discomfort in her legs as she followed. As she slid around a metal pipe came into her vision, he had it lifted over his head.

She balled her fist ready to grab it before a snap popped behind her making the hairs on her neck stand as something whizzed right over her head, a blue spark hit the pipe and sent it flying behind the man. Vi quickly swung her leg under him, sending him sprawling onto the snowy ground as she skidded to a stop, chest heaving. The man barely had time to react before Vi was on him, cuffing his wrists behind his back.

The man had a flurry of curses to let out, making her shake her head. The sound of someone landing in front of her made her look up, seeing Caitlyn twist part of her sniper, a small hiss coming from it before she twisted it more, setting it on the holder on her back. Her hands then fell tugging at the bottom of her shirt as her eye observed the scene before her.

“ Excellent shot cupcake.”

Despite the serious look on the woman’s face a small smirk formed. "Thank you.”

Vi chuckled, lifting the man up pushing him forward. She also tossed a small purse towards Caitlyn which the woman caught with ease.

“All this just for a purse.” Caitlyn mused looking towards the man.

He said something under his breath before spitting the ground towards her feet.

"Such gratitude." Caitlyn remarked dryly as Vi pushed him forward again.
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“Well that marks three pickpockets, a wanted criminal… and a street fight.” Vi mused, bringing the bowl up to her lips, drinking down some of the sauce before setting it on the stall counter. “Could I get another Jericho?”

She pulled out a few washers, tossing them to the side. Jericho gibbered, giving a laugh before prepping another bowl for her.

“Busy day.” Caitlyn hummed using the side of the fork to cut one of the pieces of fish. “This was a good idea, a great way to warm up.”

“Yeah, I figured some casual busting criminals and a hot meal afterwards would make for a great date.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes at this as Jericho set down another bowl in front of Vi, he gave them both a look and a wide smile on his face. After a nod from both of them he went back to prepping more fish leaving the both of them to eat.

“A date even though we are on the clock?”

"Always." Vi gave her a smirk. "I can make any workday feel like a date if I try hard enough."

Caitlyn cocked her eyebrow, despite the small grin spreading on her lips. "You are insufferable."

The redhead gave a small shrug lifting the fresh bowl up, blowing on it a few times. “So what’s next after this cupcake?”

“You are not going to like that answer.” The woman hummed, taking another small bite.

Vi grimaced in anticipation. "Oh? Give it to me straight, Sheriff."

Caitlyn glanced up from her meal, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Paperwork."

The redhead groaned loudly, her head falling down onto the counter with a thud next to her bowl. “Just great.”

“You knew the answer before you even asked.”

It didn’t take them long to finish up the last of their meal, they left behind a handful more washers to Jericho who waved them off with a grateful laugh.

“So if we run the reports we had today we can save the rest for later, I can take care of most of them tomorrow…” Caitlyn paused looking to her right seeing that Vi was no longer walking beside her. Turning slightly she saw the woman standing a few steps behind looking at something on the wall, her gauntlets clenched at her sides. Caitlyn traced the hardened lines on Vi's forehead, the unmistakable crease that formed when something was troubling her.

“Vi?” She asked, moving closer to her wife, her gaze following Vi's to the wall.

Hidden behind a handful of other posters and graffiti on the wall was a very old wanted poster. She had stared at that poster for so many months before that it was burned into her memory. Her eyes flicked back to Vi for a brief moment before she cleared her throat.

Stepping forward she reached out, gingerly peeling back the layers of newer posters. She tugged at the wanted poster pulling it off the wall. Looking down at it her eyes scanned the words feeling a frown tug on her lips.

Jinx. Piltover Wanted.

It had been a while since she had last seen one of these, most of them she had ordered to be taken down years ago. The only thing they would see while down in Zaun was graffiti for Jinx and Vander. Most of the time whenever they saw it Vi wouldn’t comment on it, she would simply stare at it for a moment before moving on. Yet this time, the sight of the faded poster seemed to hit her differently, a reminder of an old wound that had yet to heal.

Looking up again Caitlyn met Vi’s gaze watching as she clenched and unclenched her fists, her jaw set in a firm line. Looking back down at the poster in her hand she slowly crumpled it up stepping to the side close to a trash can. Lifting the lid she made a small face as a rat ran out from behind it before tossing the paper inside.

With a sigh, Caitlyn stepped back to Vi's side, looking up with a reassuring smile. She gestured with her chin for them to keep walking before she got a nod from the woman.

For a while they simply walked in silence, though every once in a while Caitlyn would glance over at Vi, watching the myriad of thoughts flicker behind her eyes. Vi was strong, but Caitlyn knew better than anyone that the hardest person Vi had to fight was herself.

Once they made it to the bridge Vi clicked her tongue shifting her jaw. “Do you think she would've liked Felicia?”

Caitlyn’s smirk was gentle as they paused in the middle of the bridge just out of the way enough where they wouldn’t be in the way of others. "Hard to say, Jinx was always unpredictable, but… I think she would have loved Felicia, in her own way.”

Vi gave a short chuckle, her gaze distant as she studied the water below. "Yeah… She would've probably tried to make Felicia her partner in crime. Teach her how to make those little… toys, maybe even give her a wacky nickname."

“Something worse than firecracker?”

“Firecracker is a good nickname.” Vi said but her voice cracked when she said it. Vi looked up at Caitlyn and she could see the faint tears glistening in her eyes. Her hands clenched around the railing of the bridge, the gauntlets squeaking against the metal. Silence fell between them once more, this time filled with a heaviness that made Caitlyn's chest ache.

Stepping closer she brought her hands up tugging on the fingers of the gauntlets loosening Vi’s grip ignoring the looks from others who passed by them on the bridge she pressed into the side of the gauntlet loosening it with a hiss from the steam before sliding it off Vi's hand. Discarding the colossal piece beside them, she reached up for the other one, which Vi surrendered without protest.

With both gauntlets neatly stacked on the ground next to them, Caitlyn turned her attention back to Vi. Her own hands then came forth gently resting on the redhead’s cheeks. 

“Most of the damn time I'm fine.” Vi let out a shaky breath. "But sometimes, like today, a damn poster... or a word or... something will just punch me in the gut and bam… it’s that damn day again.” She took a deep breath, her eyes flicking away slightly from the woman in front of her. “I should’ve moved.”

Caitlyn let out a soft sigh, her finger brushing Vi’s cheek getting her attention again as grey eyes focused on her. “It’s okay to have moments like this, Vi,” she assured her, looking deeply into her eyes. “You loved Jinx, she was your sister. It’s natural to grieve and feel hurt from time to time. It’s been two years… almost three.”

“986… days.” Vi whispered, each word dropping like a stone into the churning waters of her grief. "986 days since she… since I..."

"Vi," Caitlyn interrupted gently, her thumb tracing the curve of her wife's cheekbone before shifting up to the tattoo. She hesitated a moment before continuing. Her voice remained soft yet unwavering. "You didn't fail Jinx and you didn’t fail Vander. You did everything you could — more than anyone would have ever asked of you." Her hand slipped down resting on Vi’s chest right where her heart was beating under her touch. "And you are still doing it every single day."

Vi nodded, her eyes watery and her lips quivered before she pulled them together. She swallowed hard as she reached up, gripping Caitlyn's wrist with a trembling hand. Her thumb was rubbing small circles against the skin there, grounding herself as she let the words seep through the wall of guilt she had built around her heart for so many years.

“Sorry. I just… needed a moment.” Vi breathed out, her thumb continuing to run comfortingly over Caitlyn's wrist.

Caitlyn gave a small hum leaning forward nudging her forehead into Vi’s. “Take the moments you need, you’re allowed to have them just as much as I’m allowed to have mine." Her words were soft, more like a whisper carried away by the wind.

Vi let out a deep breath, blinking rapidly to clear the tears in her eyes. "Thanks," she murmured, focusing on the sensation of Caitlyn's thumb rubbing tender circles into her hand.

Caitlyn nodded, bringing Vi’s hand up to her mouth kissing the back of it before she let the woman go so she could grab the gauntlets again. Shifting slightly the woman tugged on the bottom part of her shirt straightening it out as she looked at Piltover. Snow falling lightly from the sky.

“Let’s head home.”

At this Vi’s gaze snapped up an eyebrow shooting up as the gauntlets hissed back into place. “What about all that paperwork?”

“It can wait… I want to see Felicia.” Caitlyn's words had the effect she'd hoped for; Vi's eyes lit up at the mention of their daughter.

“You sure? We’ll fall behind.”

The woman shrugged her shoulders as the two set off on the path towards their home, she really didn’t care if they did or not. “I’ll take care of it later.”

Vi quickly fell in line with the other woman bumping her shoulder against Caitlyn's in a playful manner as they walked. Despite the lingering heaviness, she wore a soft smile now. She was fine suffering mountains of paperwork if she got a smile from Vi.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn sat there for what felt like forever as she rested her chin into her knuckle, her other arm wrapped under around herself. She stared at the plate of burnt pancakes feeling a little defeated as the smell of charred breakfast permeated the kitchen. It wasn't even her first attempt at cooking, yet every time seemed to end in some sort of disaster.

Most if not all cooking was done by Vi and while the house did have cooks and maids who they often didn’t see much of because of how quick they were and how they kept to themselves, Caitlyn wanted to cook this one meal herself. No cooks, no Vi, just herself.

It was Vi’s birthday. And while Vi always fussed about how she didn’t need to do anything special Caitlyn wanted to make that day special for her nonetheless. Letting out a sigh she brought her hands down resting them on the counter, her eyes not leaving the small stack of pancakes like they had the answer to all her problems.

The sound of gurgles and coos brought her attention away from the plate making her look over at Felicia who was in the little rocking chair looking up at mini stuffed animals hanging above her head.

It was also her first birthday as a mother and while Vi has reassured her countless times that she was happy, Caitlyn still felt bad. Vi had been giving her everything and here she was struggling to make a simple pancake breakfast. She felt like a bad wife.

Letting out a groan, her head fell slowly until it lightly thudded against the counter, creating a hollow echo around the quiet room. She didn't even realize her eyes had slid shut until the sound of approaching footsteps stirred her from the self pitying lullaby her mind was playing.

“Everything okay Caity?”

A deep hum left her lips as she tilted her head slightly looking at her dad. “Doing just fine father.”

She noticed him pause for a moment making a small face, likely at the smell of burnt pancakes before he moved closer, brows furrowing as he surveyed the disaster zone that was their kitchen. The corners of his lips twitched into a sympathetic smile.

“Cooking?”

“I don’t even know if I can exactly call this cooking at this point.” She mused shifting up gesturing to the counter. “More like a kitchen catastrophe.” Her smile was thin, but it was there, a slip of humor in her frustration. “I’m just failing as a wife, not even able to cook a simple breakfast.”

Tobias shook his head going around to the other side of the island, as he did he pulled up his sleeves preparing to tackle the chaos before him. "Nonsense, Caity," he said firmly. A warmth spread across his eyes as he looked at his daughter. "Being a good wife doesn't mean you have to be able to cook. Your mother I love her, she couldn’t cook to save her life and yet I still loved her.”

Caitlyn gave a small smile looking back down at the plate. “Do you remember that time when she tried to roast a chicken for dinner?"

Tobias laughed, the sound bringing a feeling of comfort that filled the room. "Yes, and she accidentally left the plastic bag of giblets inside."

"Yes, and it melted all over the inside!" Caitlyn added, her laughter joining her father's. “She nearly burned the house down.”

“That day she was banned from her own kitchen.” He mused looking down at the island, both of them falling into a silence filled with nostalgia. After a pause, Tobias cleared his throat and gestured towards the ruined pancakes. "So, what seems to be the trouble here?"

Caitlyn bit her lip, casting a reluctant look at the charred remains. "It's supposed to be for Vi's breakfast," she confessed, a blush creeping up her cheeks, she brought her hand up rubbing the back of her neck with a sigh. “It’s her birthday and I wanted to surprise her with breakfast but…” She picked up the plate going over to the trash can dumping them before setting the plate back down on the island.

“Can I offer a bit of help?”

Caitlyn turned to her father, studying his earnest expression before sighing and giving a defeated nod. 

"I'm at my wits' end, father," she confessed. "I had the recipe right here and I followed it step by step, I swear. But somehow, they still ended up like... this." She gestured vaguely to the empty plate that had just held the remains of her previous attempt.

Tobias gave a reassuring smile and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Caitlyn," he said softly, reaching for one of the cookbooks that were cluttered near the stove. "We will have a delicious breakfast ready for Vi before she wakes up."

And so, under her father's careful guidance, Caitlyn mixed another batch of pancakes. Tobias walked her through the process step by step, making sure to explain each part thoroughly. He showed her how to check when the pan was hot enough, how to flip the pancakes without flinging them halfway across the room and how to tell when they were just the right amount of golden brown.

Finally Caitlyn leaned back looking at the plate of fluffy pancakes, not a single one of them burnt or misshapen. She let out a breath of relief she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Tobias, standing beside her, smiled at her achievement.

“Well done, Caity,” he said, ruffling her hair affectionately before turning to clean the mixing bowl.

“Thank you father, I know you…” She paused for a moment biting the inside of her cheek as she glanced over at Felicia who had her fingers in her mouth. “Thank you.”

Tobias turned to look at her, his eyes soft. "You're welcome, sweetheart. You did it," he said, gesturing to the finished breakfast on the counter. "I was merely your guide."

She gave him another smile, placing the plate on a tray along with a mug that had coffee. They also had a side of eggs and sausage made since they had time. Sliding the tray over she crouched down unbuckling Felicia from the rocking chair picking her up with a small coo. Giving the baby a kiss on the cheek and resting her against her hip she picked up the tray with her other hand.

Walking carefully back to the bedroom, mindful of both the baby in her arms and the tray, she paused for a moment at the door, listening. The only sound she could pick up on was Vi’s faint snoring. Bouncing Felicia a little she looked down at her.

“Let’s surprise your mama.” She whispered, nudging the door open with her foot she carefully walked in looking towards the bed.

From where she was she could see Vi’s back rising and falling gently with each breath, her hair a tangle of untamed curls against the plain white pillowcase. Soft morning light streamed in through the half open curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Shifting Felicia in her arm she made her way slowly over to Vi’s side.

Carefully she placed the tray down moving slightly to the side reaching over Vi to set Felicia down on the bed, surprisingly the baby was able to stay up in the sitting position with a soft gurgle of delight. Caitlyn straightened, a single finger to her lips as if Felicia would know what that meant.

Slowly she ran her hand up and down Vi’s back in a gentle rhythm. She could feel Vi hum under her fingers before Felicia leaned forward slightly falling right into Vi's back. A snort came from the redhead as she reached her hand up and over pushing Felicia back before slowly rolling onto her side looking at the baby.

Felicia had a gummy smile when she saw Vi’s face and gave an innocent little giggle. Vi, still groggy from sleep, blinked owlishly at the baby, a sleepy grin beginning to form on her face.

"Well, hey there little firecracker.” Vi murmured, reaching out, picking the baby up, laying her on her chest as she rolled onto her back. At this point she noticed Caitlyn giving her a small smile before pushing her arm over her eyes.

“What time is it?”

“Just past nine.” The redhead shifted her arm again giving Caitlyn a look before looking at the clock on the wall.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

"No point," Caitlyn replied, gesturing to the tray. "I wanted you to sleep in on your birthday." She caught the momentary surprise that flashed across Vi’s face before the redhead masked it with a casual shrug.

The woman sat up shifting Felicia to sit on her knee bouncing the baby a bit. The baby erupted into joyous giggles, her little hands reaching up towards the ceiling. "You didn't have to do all this, Cait," Vi said softly looking from the tray to Caitlyn.

“I wanted to.” Caitlyn hummed picking up the tray resting it in her own lap before grabbing the mug holding it out to Vi. “It’s your birthday after all, and birthdays should be celebrated. No matter how nonchalantly you try to shrug it off."

Vi accepted the mug with a small, appreciative smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. “It’s just another day of the year.”

"Not to me," Caitlyn retorted gently, rolling her eyes. "To me, it's the day the most infuriatingly stubborn, fiercely independent, and carelessly charming woman I know was born." She cut a small piece of pancake holding out the fork right in front of Vi’s mouth.

“So it's a day worth celebrating. Besides, you're going to have to get used to it for her.” Caitlyn said as Vi took the bite gesturing towards Felicia. “When she’s old enough to understand birthdays, she’s going to want to celebrate yours as much as her own.”

Vi rolled her eyes at that bouncing Felicia a little more, getting another round of giggles. “Thank you for this.”

Caitlyn gave a nod holding out the fork again with a small piece of egg this time. “What did you say a few weeks ago, it’s not necessary?”

Vi swallowed, then smirked. “Yeah, something like that.” She reached out, grabbing a piece of sausage taking a small bite. “It’s appreciated though.”

“Good.” Caitlyn found herself grinning, warmth bubbling in her chest. She watched Felicia bounce on Vi’s knee for a moment before serving up another piece of pancake on the fork. “Eat your breakfast.”

“Yes ma’am.”
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Over the next few hours they spent time around the house doing simple things. Since it was the weekend they didn't have much work to distract them from simply enjoying the day. Caitlyn and Vi alternated between playing with Felicia to reading books.

Eventually Vi found herself in Caitlyn’s office reading a book by herself. Caitlyn ushered her out to put Felicia down for a nap so she ended up back in front of the fire.

It was her favorite place to sit and just… relax.

“Vi.” The redhead hummed her eyes still on the book resting on her knee. “Can you close your eyes for me.” She heard behind her making her brow furrow up in question. But, without looking away from the book, she closed her eyes obediently.

She could hear soft footsteps coming closer to her and something being set on the table in front of her before the couch dipped signaling that Caitlyn had sat down.

“Alright here.” Vi felt the book being gently taken from her hands and replaced by a box. "You can open your eyes now."

Vi opened her eyes, looking down at the box in her lap with confusion. “What- you didn’t have to get me anything Cait.”

The other woman hummed, setting a bookmark into the book before setting it on the table next to another box, bigger than the one Vi had in her lap.

"I know," Caitlyn said, giving Vi a gentle nudge. "Just open it."

Shaking her head, Vi tugged on the ribbon that kept the top on the box and pulled it off. Inside was a set of red boxing gloves.

"Boxing gloves?" She asked, lifting one out of the box to admire it closer.

"I noticed your old pair was getting a little worn down," Caitlyn said, her voice casual but not quite hiding the anticipation as she watched Vi's reaction. The redhead raised an eyebrow and turned over the glove noticing on the part of the inner wrist on the glove had lettering.

Looking closer she saw that in white letters was her name printed. She touched it, fingers tracing the carefully stitched pattern. “Cait you didn’t have to do this," she said, her voice soft with awe.

"I wanted to," came Caitlyn's reply, an echo of earlier that morning. "You've been wearing out your gloves for months now, I figured you could do with a new pair."

Vi nodded, understanding, and slipped her hand into one of the gloves. It was a perfect fit- snug but not too tight- clearly custom made. She could feel her eyes water a little as she looked down at it, rotating her wrist to marvel at the intricate stitching.

"I've got one more gift for you," Caitlyn said.

Vi looked back up at the woman raising an eyebrow. “That’s too much already, Caitlyn."

Caitlyn gestured with her chin towards the bigger box on the table. “Trust me.”

So, with a small sigh, she put the gloves back inside the box and picked up the bigger one. It was heavier than she expected, and she eyed Caitlyn skeptically resting it on her lap. 

Popping it open she set the top to the side.

As she looked inside she pushed a cloth over before she paused for a moment. Using both hands she pushed the cloth more grabbing out the item that was in the box. As she did Caitlyn moved the box from her lap back onto the table.

“A saxophone?” Vi whispered, running her thumb over the instrument.

Caitlyn nodded. "You've often mentioned that you used to play back in the day. I thought it would be nice if you could pick it up again. It took me a while to find someone that could make one that was not only good but could tailor it to what I wanted.”

Vi gave her a look before Caitlyn pointed at the area near the gooseneck. Similar to the gloves her name V.K. was engraved into the shimmering brass, the letters looping elegantly as though part of the instrument's design. It also had the small symbol for the Kiramman name engraved under it.

Her heart throbbed in her chest at the sight and she traced the letters and symbol with a disbelief that made Caitlyn chuckle.

"Does this mean I'll finally get that jazz night you promised?" Caitlyn asked, nudging the woman again, getting a laugh from her.

“I said that years ago.”

"But I've waited years," Caitlyn retorted playfully, her eyes never leaving Vi's reaction. "And I can wait a few more if need be."

Vi sat there, stunned, her fingers still tracing the letters on the saxophone. She looked up at Caitlyn shaking her head. “It’s too much, Cait,” she admitted softly.

"Nothing is too much for you," Caitlyn argued gently, reaching over to place a hand on her knee. “You’ve always been more than generous with everyone... Felicia, me… you deserve nice things too.”

“You and Felicia are the nice things I have," Vi responded, lowering the saxophone and looking at Caitlyn with an intensity that brought a blush to her cheeks. “Really, you two are more than enough.”

Caitlyn only shook her head silently, reaching over to run a soothing hand over Vi's arm. “I know you have no care for materialistic items and I agree with that sentiment most of the time." She murmured, her gaze dropping to the arm she was absently rubbing. “And this might sound selfish… but I enjoy seeing you surprised and happy. And if these gifts bring that joy, how can I not want to give them to you?”

Vi's face softened at the admission, her hand reaching out to cover Caitlyn's on her arm. “You’re such a sap.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes bringing her hand up pinching Vi’s cheek gently. "Says the woman who's been tearing up over a saxophone and boxing gloves."

Vi batted her hand away, a small smile gracing her lips. “Alright, alright. That’s enough of that.” Both gave each other a smile before Vi tucked her head leaning onto Caitlyn’s shoulder. She felt the woman nuzzle her cheek into her head, both of them letting out a small sigh.

“Happy birthday Violet.”

"Thank you, Caitlyn," Vi replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“And he won’t be back for a while?”

The man shook his head. Vi clicked her tongue resting her arms on the railing looking down at the kids playing with one of the hoverboards. “Did he say where he was going?”

“Sorry Vi, wish I could tell you.” Scar said, resting his arms against the railing next to her. “He was vague, as usual.”

Vi hummed, her gaze following a particularly enthusiastic child attempting to do tricks on the hoverboard and nearly colliding with another.

“You all have everything you need down here though right?”

"Everything's in order," Scar affirmed, his eyes following the same group of kids with a fond shake of his head. "The shipments of food and medical supplies are steady, we've had no trouble from the topside authorities."

“Good, just let me know if you need anything else.” She held up her fist towards him. Responding instantly, Scar gave her a firm fist bump. They both shared a knowing chuckle.

“Will do, Vi. You’ve done more than enough for us already.” Scar's gaze was significant, filled with gratitude and admiration. Vi shrugged, playing it off as nothing more than routine duty.

“It's what I'm here for, making sure everyone gets a fair deal,” she responded, cracking a smile. Giving him a small wave she stuffed her hands into her jacket before making her way towards the stairs. She took them quickly leading down the ground floor looking up towards the mural that was on her left.

A lot of old and new faces were there, more than there should be if the city was a perfect place. She sighed as her eyes passed by her own face before going up top.

“That’s her.” Ekko gestured towards the mural. Vi’s eyes followed looking to the top seeing what looked like to be two versions of Jinx. 

But she knew. 

One was Powder, the one Ekko met in the alternate universe. The other was their Jinx.

“She looks… calm. Peaceful, even," Vi said quietly, a tremor of emotion running through her voice as she studied the two renditions of her sister.

Ekko hummed leaning up against the wall crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes studying Vi as she looked up at the painting.

“Was she happy there?”

Ekko sighed, and after a pause he cleared his throat. “She was… content. If I’m being honest she picked up more of your role in that universe. Always looking out for everyone but never herself.”

Vi let out a short laugh, finally looking away from the mural before rubbing the back of her neck. “Glad she picked up something from me. It's a relief to hear."

Ekko watched as a fleeting smile passed Vi's lips, his own face turning solemn. He kicked off the wall, pushing himself up as he straightened out his shoulders. "Yeah," he agreed quietly, looking back at the mural. "I think she was happy, in her own way."

The sound of kids laughing pulled her from her thoughts and her gaze shifted to a group of them playing at the edge of the square.
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“Just one.” She set a few washers down, sliding them to the man across from her before she got a nod from him. As he turned around to prepare her drink she leaned forward resting on the counter, while the snow didn’t reach too far down into the Lanes it still brought a cold draft. The man behind the counter leaned over a large jug, steam rising and enveloping his face as he stirred with a long wooden spoon.

It only took him a few moments to prepare a drink before he slid a cup over to Vi. She nodded in thanks, her fingers curling around it before she gave him a small wave stepping away from the stand.

She passed by a few people pulling up her hood as the cold draft blew stronger. She weaved through the people, recognizing some, pausing to exchange a few familiar greetings before moving on. Soon the people thinned out to only a handful hanging out by the walls. 

As she passed by an alleyway a sound of a soft whine caught her attention. Turning slightly she glanced over at the group of people down the road before slipping into the alleyway towards where the whine came from.

Most people would be scared to even go in such a dark, gloomy place but Vi was used to it. She grew up here, not much to be scared of.

Pausing at the end she came to a T intersection. No sign of any whining or anything that could make that sound. She waited for a few moments clicking her tongue, maybe she had imagined it?

As she went to turn around another whine and shuffling caught her attention and it was even clearer than before. Her eyes went to a pile of boxes off to the side, taking a small step forward she set her drink down crouching down as the shuffling grew. 

Moving a few boxes she pushed a blanket to the side before looking into the box, her heart dropping upon seeing a pair of terrified eyes looking back at her. A small, whimpering puppy was huddled inside the box, its body shivering from the cold. It looked like a scrappy little thing, probably abandoned and left to fend for itself on the streets.

She couldn’t quite tell what kind of dog it was, she couldn’t even tell what color fur it had, its fur was matted and dirt stuck to it, and it had a skinny look to it. A sudden hot angry ran through her skin before she took a deep breath letting out slowly.

"Oh, you poor thing," Vi mumbled, extending a careful hand towards the puppy. The creature flinched at the sudden movement, but as Vi's hand got closer, it seemed to sense her intentions were good and allowed her to stroke the top of its head.

The puppy was trembling beneath her hand, partly from the cold and partly from fear. Clicking her tongue she pulled the box out more slightly before pulling off her jacket. She lifted the puppy up a little, putting her jacket on the bottom and setting the puppy back down. She carefully tucked the jacket around the trembling creature, making sure its small body was covered. Despite its initial fear, the puppy didn’t resist her touch and seemed to settle more comfortably into the warmth of her jacket.

Vi had no idea what to do, she couldn’t just leave the puppy here and she didn’t know of any places that would take it in. The best option, she decided, was to bring it back with her. 

Maybe she could think of something?
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Pushing the front door closed with a foot she let out a sigh, she spent the last little while thinking of what to tell Caitlyn on her walk home. On her way home she discovered that the puppy was a boy and that he liked to be held, as he curled up against her chest with a content sigh. 

She had been thinking of how to explain it to Cait, unsure of what reaction she would get. Vi had never had a pet before and she wasn't even sure what they could do with him.

She heard talking coming from the living room, stepping over she entered seeing Tobias and Caitlyn sitting on the couch next to each other. 

Caitlyn was going through letters, however they both noticed her entering, their conversation trailing off as they looked up. 

Caitlyn went to open her mouth to say something before her eyes went down to the puppy resting against Vi’s chest sleeping peacefully.

Her hand stilled in midair, a slip of paper half drawn from the stack she held. At first, her brow furrowed in confusion; her mind taking a moment to register the unexpected presence of the small creature. Vi could almost hear the gears ticking in Caitlyn's head.

“Vi… do you have… a puppy?”

“Uh… yes?”

Caitlyn’s eyes flicked from the puppy to Vi, then to Tobias, who was trying to conceal his amusement and failing miserably. Caitlyn took a deep breath running a hand over her face pinching the bridge of her nose before setting the letters down on the table. She set her other leg down on the floor getting up going to where Vi was.

“How did you even...?" Caitlyn asked, her voice trailing off as her eyes landed on the puppy again.

Vi shrugged, giving Caitlyn a sheepish smile. "Found him in an alleyway on my way back. I couldn’t just leave him, he’s young and scared. Starving too, by the looks of it."

Caitlyn sighed again, staring at the puppy before Tobias got up from the couch going over to the two, he held out his hands for the puppy, and Vi carefully handed him over. Vi watched as he looked over the puppy with a fondly bemused expression.

“I want to say he’s around five, maybe six weeks old, a shepherd.”

“You just know that from looking at him?” Vi’s eyebrows shot up, watching as Tobias lightly stroked the pup’s head.

“We used to know a few dog breeders, even had a few for hunting. Two dobermans, Winnie and Bean.”

“That was until mother started to become allergic to them," Caitlyn interjected from the side, a fond smile gracing her features as she remembered.

“You used to sneak them into the house and bring them to your room.” Tobias said a light blush formed on Caitlyn’s cheeks.

"And they loved it! Those were the largest, most intimidating looking lap dogs I've ever known," Caitlyn laughed even as she blushed brighter.

“I still remember how your mother would sneeze whenever she entered your room but she never figured out why.”

“How did she miss two big dogs?” Vi asked, looking between the both of them.

Tobias said nothing as he looked towards Caitlyn, the woman’s face turning more pink with the flush of memories. She shrugged slightly, clearing her throat. "They were… very good at hiding under the bed."

“Did you… teach them to do that?” Vi asked, amazed.

Caitlyn glanced over at her. “I might have had a hand in it."

Vi shook her head looking back at the puppy in Tobias’ arms. “Well… what do we want to do with him?”

Caitlyn looked back at the puppy, frowning. "We can't just leave him on the street," she conceded. "He needs to be fed and cleaned. And we must find a vet. He hasn’t been vaccinated, I’d bet.”

"I can help with that," Tobias said, gently scratching behind the puppy's ear. "I remember some of the vets. They were always good with our dogs."

Caitlyn sighed, but nodded in agreement, "Alright then. We'll take care of him, at least until we figure out what to do."

“If you keep him he could probably make a good hunting dog, along with that you could take him to work. He could be trained for search and rescue, or even as a guard dog. Pups this age, they can be trained to do almost anything."

Caitlyn gave a small hum bringing her hand up scratching the puppies head. “I’ll think about it, let’s have him checked out for now.”

Chapter Text

Vi felt the hand grab her shirt before she could react and her feet swept out as her back slammed against the floor making her groan. She looked up at Caitlyn who had a smug look on her face before she blew out a strand of hair from her face.

“Having fun down there?”

"I'm about to give you a first hand experience of it," Vi grinned and this time before Caitlyn could react she kicked the woman’s foot out rolling them over so that now she was on top, Caitlyn's surprised yelp echoing through the room. Vi pinned Caitlyn’s hands to the floor, leaning in close with her own smug grin playing across her face.

“You were saying cupcake?”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, shifting her leg slowly as she held Vi’s gaze, she let her foot drag up Vi's side, teasingly slow, a smirk dancing on her own lips. "I was saying," she started before her leg hooked around Vi's and with a swift jerk, she flipped their positions again. “Having fun down there? Do you concede?”

Vi let out a huff of air, her head spinning from the swift turnaround. "Oh, we're never going to finish this match if you keep cheating," she growled playfully.

Caitlyn grinned leaning down leaving a light kiss against the woman’s lips, she went to lean back up before Vi used her legs to bring her back down in a swift motion, flipping their positions once again to where she was back on top.

Vi had her legs pinned this time and one hand gripping Caitlyn’s wrists above her head, effectively immobilizing her. "Told you two could play this game," she murmured, smiling at Caitlyn's feigned astonishment.

"Alright… alright," Caitlyn laughed, feeling the warmth of Vi's body on top of hers. "You win, for now."

“Mhm, good.” Vi hummed pushing her hips down into Caitlyn’s before leaning down to press a heated kiss against her lips. Caitlyn squirmed beneath her, returning the kiss passionately.

Just as Vi was about to lose herself completely, a sudden muffled whine halted them both. With Caitlyn rolling her head back and Vi looking up towards the cage area they made in the corner of the gym for the puppy.

The puppy sat there watching them with big, curious eyes, his tail wagging slightly. He whined again, scratching at the bars of the cage.

"I think we have an audience," Vi murmured, shifting herself slightly getting up from on top of Caitlyn before going over to the cage area. “Hi little guy.” She reached into the pen, scratching behind the puppy's ears.

Caitlyn, meanwhile, had propped herself up on one elbow, catching her breath as she watched Vi with the puppy. It had been two weeks already since they had the puppy. The first week all the puppy did was sleep and eat. The second week, his personality had started to come through. And boy, was he a little rascal full of energy.

After a towel wash and several meals, the puppy had begun to fill out, his bones giving way to a soft layer of puppy fat. Turns out after all the dirt and grime came off his coat was actually black, with a little bit of brown on his chest and paws. It made it look like he was wearing little socks.

“You know,” Caitlyn started as she pushed herself up getting off the floor stretching her arms above her head. “He still needs a name.”

Vi hummed picking the puppy up, turning towards Caitlyn. “Well, I’ve thought about a few names but I don’t know, bad at naming.”

The woman nodded, meeting the redhead halfway scratching the puppies head. “What names were you thinking?”

Vi thought about it for a second as the puppy looked at her tilting his head to the side. “Well one really stuck out, what about Bear?”

"Bear?" Caitlyn repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You want to name this little fuzzball after the largest, most intimidating creature?”

"Yeah, it's got a sort of..." Vi shrugged holding the puppy up towards Caitlyn. "I dunno, irony? I mean look at the fluff ball who knows he might grow up and be just as big and fierce as a bear." She brought the puppy back, turning him to face her. “What do you say little guy? You’re going to become a fierce guard dog aren’t you, huh?” The puppy responded with a tiny yap and an eager wagging tail.

"Hmm." Caitlyn hummed, crossing her arms and studying the puppy with a deceptively serious expression. "Bear." She mulled over the name, letting it roll off her tongue and then, she nodded. "You're right. It suits him."

Vi let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, grinning widely as she carefully placed Bear onto the ground next to her feet. “You know… this officially means he is ours, right?”

Caitlyn gave a small shrug wrapping her arm around Vi’s waist letting her head fall onto the woman’s shoulder. “I thought he was already ours the moment you brought him home.”

Vi hummed leaning into Caitlyn watching Bear scamper around the gym floor. “You know I didn’t think you would accept a dog.”

“I never said I was opposed,” Caitlyn replied, her eyes following Bear as he pawed curiously at a stray dumbbell. “Besides, father makes a rather appealing argument and I have been thinking about it. Shepherds are very protective breeds, when he grows older Felicia will be safe even when we are not around."

“We still have to introduce him to her.”

The woman nodded, kissing Vi’s shoulder feeling her hand rub her lower back. “I have already been getting him used to her smell, father recommended it once the vet cleared him for a close interaction. So, I've been letting him sniff her blanket when she's not using it."

"Smart," Vi praised, nudging Caitlyn playfully with her shoulder. "You're going to be such a great dog mom. You’re a mom and a dog mom now. What’s next?”

Caitlyn shrugged, her gaze still focused on the bounding puppy. “Preferably let us just stick with a baby and a puppy, both are already a handful as is.”

“Yes ma’am, no more surprises for a while. Just us, Felicia, and now Bear.”

Caitlyn ran her hand down the baby's back who was suckling on her breast, her eyes were on the paperwork on the desk. The stack of case files never seemed to diminish, one paper done, three additional papers were added to the pile. At least that’s how it felt.

A small squeak made her pen pause before another came out, making her tilt her head to the side looking under the desk.

Bear was currently sitting at her feet with a chew toy between his paws, gnawing at it with a fervent dedication. It made her smile, she was glad how quick he had adapted to their home and surroundings. While they still had to fully introduce them they slowly have been introducing Bear and Felicia into the same area.

Across the room so he could see her, walking down the halls together and sometimes when Caitlyn was doing paperwork he would be in there with her.

Caitlyn stroked the baby's head, humming a soft melody, while her other hand committed itself back to paperwork, scribbling notes on the margin and deciding which case required immediate attention.

She looked up just as Vi entered with a mug and plate in hand. The redhead said nothing as she walked up to the desk, setting the mug down and plucking the pen from Caitlyn's hand before replacing it with a fork.

Caitlyn made no move to protest as the papers she had been working on were nudged to the side, a plate of eggs, bacon and toast in front of her instead.

“I'll take her.”

“I can burp her-” Caitlyn felt the words dissipate as she looked up meeting Vi’s eyes.

"No, you eat." Vi interrupted gently, her own eyes soft and warm. Caitlyn hesitated for a moment, as though about to argue, but the grumbling of her stomach quickly betrayed her.

With a sigh, she relinquished Felicia to Vi’s care, watching as she cradled their daughter and started patting her back gently to burp her. Caitlyn picked up the fork that was handed to her previously and began picking at her food.

With the back of her foot she gently rubbed part of Bear who immediately let out a soft whine, his tail thumping against the carpet. She chuckled, tearing off a small piece of bacon and leaning down to feed it to him. The puppy attacked the morsel with enthusiasm, licking her fingers clean before returning to his chew toy.

A soft burp from Felicia. “Good job muffin.”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow resting her elbows on the desk holding a piece of bacon slightly in front of her tearing it into two. “Muffin? What happened to firecracker?”

Vi grinned, kissing the top of Felicia’s head. “Well I was thinking about it… I call you cupcake sometimes and since she’s our little one, she can be our muffin."

“So are you trying to start a bakery?” Caitlyn joked nibbling on the end of one of the pieces of bacon.

The redhead hummed, leaning Felicia back. “Maybe. We need more to have an actual bakery.” She shifted over to Caitlyn kissing the top of her head. “I’ll put her down for a nap, I love you.”

Caitlyn hand quickly shot out grabbing the bottom of Vi’s shirt tugging her back a little. Vi raised an eyebrow confused until Caitlyn leaned her head back. It made the woman laugh, leaning down kissing her lips softly, not minding the taste of bacon that lingered.

"I love you too," Caitlyn mumbled against her lips before letting her go. She watched as Vi cradled Felicia gently and exited the room, leaving Caitlyn alone with Bear who was now vigorously gnawing on his chew toy again.

She hummed to herself tapping her finger lightly on the desk.

“We need more to have an actual bakery.”

Caitlyn shook her head a little, picking the fork up again. It was too soon to have another one right now. Yet, she admitted to herself, she did enjoy the warmth that their small family brought. Challenges as they were, both Felicia and Bear were charming additions to their lives. Even the sleepless nights, the messy feeding times, and incessant barking in the middle of the night now.

She popped a piece of egg into her mouth, chewing slowly.

When she was younger it had always been just her mother, her father and her. Growing up in a neat, orderly household that functioned according to schedules and plans. The love was there, of course, but it was cautious and structured. Now she saw a different kind of love in her life, spontaneous, unscripted, often uproarious and chaotic.

She always wondered what it would have been like had she had a sibling when she was younger. She had Jayce, even though he wasn’t blood related, he filled the gap. Even with him it never ceased the thought of having a real sibling. Did she want Felicia to have the same thoughts? Certainly not.

The thought of a larger family seemed daunting, yet undeniably tempting. Perhaps it was the way Vi had said it, or maybe it was just her being caught in the moment. Regardless, she found herself entertaining the idea. That was a discussion to have with Vi another day.

Caitlyn felt something tug on her sock making her look down quickly. “Bear!”

“Puppies at a young age are very easy to teach commands to," the woman explained watching Vi. “Just as infants are like sponges ready to soak up everything they can learn, pups are open to learning good habits and behaviors at a young age.”

Vi hummed flipping a few pages in the book giving a small nod. “What are the best treats to use for training?"

"Well, small soft ones, since puppies have pretty little teeth," the woman said with a chuckle. "But you can use pieces of boiled chicken, tiny cubes of cheese, or even puppy kibble if Bear likes it."

The redhead nodded letting the book close in her hands. “Thanks again for this Enid, I never knew Enforcers had so many dogs.”

Enid gave a small nod looking at the cages. “Most of them belong to the K-9 division, a few belong to some of the other handlers. We mainly use them for sniffing out illegal substances, tracking, even search and rescue operations.”

“What age do you start training them?”

"We usually start their training as early as eight weeks," Enid replied, patting a nearby golden retriever who responded with an enthusiastic wag of his tail. “At least for the basic manners. K-9 training doesn’t start until they're around seven months to a year old. By then, they'll have learned the basics of obedience: sit, down, stay, recall, and so on. Then, we can start training them in specific disciplines like tracking, apprehension, and detection."

Vi gave another nod tucking the book under her arm looking over the dogs in the room.

“Are you and the sheriff looking to have Bear join the K-9 division?" Enid asked, tilting her head.

“Actually we were debating it. Bring him out on patrols with us when he's old enough, help him get used to the environment. But we're not entirely sure yet."

“Well you two already kick major butt out there as is, nothing hurts having him with the both of you, an extra partner in the field."

“That’s the plan, thanks for the book and the tips. I’ll talk about this with Caitlyn.”
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Stepping into the office Vi saw Caitlyn working on some paperwork. One hand was diligently writing while the other rested over her left eye, her fingers rubbing around the circumference of her temple, a sign of a forthcoming headache perhaps stirred by hours of work.

Setting down the book on her desk Vi said nothing as she went over to Caitlyn’s desk pulling open one of the drawers. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Caitlyn’s hand with the pen pause for a moment as the redhead sifted around the contents before pulling out a small bottle.

Vi wasted no time in pushing the top down, twisting it open before shaking out two pills into her hand. Silently, she crossed to the water cooler, filled a small cup and returned to Caitlyn's side. Caitlyn said nothing as she held out her hand with a small sigh of relief. Vi placed the pills on her palm and handed over the water. Watching as Caitlyn swallowed them, Vi's hand found its way to the back of Caitlyn's neck, gently massaging it.

“Thank you, love,” Caitlyn murmured, leaning into her touch, her eyelids fluttering closed for a moment.

Vi gave a hum pushing her fingers up to the left side of Caitlyn’s temple applying gentle pressure. Her thumb moved in slow, soothing circles while Caitlyn took a deep breath and finally put her pen down. The tension that was etched on her face, bit by bit, started to melt away under Vi's fingers.

“Why don’t we take a small break?”

“I do not have time for a break, Vi," Caitlyn replied, her voice laced with exhaustion. Yet, her eyes betrayed her words as they fluttered shut once again, leaning more and more heavily into Vi's hands.

"Come on cupcake, just a few minutes… you won't regret it." As the redhead said it Caitlyn felt a soft kiss on her neck which sent a small shiver down her spine. Her arguments were vanishing, her resistance dissolving as Vi applied more pressure to her temple.

“Fine,” Caitlyn muttered, rolling her chair backwards so that she could stand up.
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“This is more than a few minutes.” Caitlyn mused as Vi handed her a cup she received from the stand, the smell of hot chocolate wafting into the air. “This is, what, twenty?”

“Give or take,” Vi replied with a shrug, lifting her own cup to her lips. “But trust me, if I hadn’t dragged you out here, you would’ve stayed there for hours until your head was pounding so hard you wouldn’t even be able to see straight.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes as the two started slowly walking back down the path. To be honest she knew Vi was right, she honestly was in no rush to get back at all. And she knew Vi wasn’t as well with the way the woman was walking, it wasn’t fast but it also wasn’t slow either, it was as if she was trying to stretch the time they had.

“So was Enid able to help with tips on training Bear?”

Vi’s head shot up looking at Caitlyn before a smile spread across her face. “Actually she was a big help, she gave me a book and some tips on what to do. For the next few months I’ll try and train him on the basic commands.”

“Can you teach him not to chew on my socks?” Caitlyn muttered joking but it got a laugh from the woman next to her.

“Noted cupcake, I’ll see what I can do.”

Caitlyn nodded as the two fell into a silence; it was comfortable and familiar, a silence they've shared countless times before. They went up a small incline before passing by a park where a few kids were playing with a ball. From the corner of her eye, Caitlyn observed Vi glancing over at the children and seeing a soft smile played on her lips.

Both of them stopped by the fence watching as the children ran around, the loud noises of their laughter ringing out as they played their heart's content.

It made her think about what was said the other day.

“Hey Vi?”

“Hm?” The woman hummed, turning slightly to look at Caitlyn. She could see her looking at her from the corner of her eye.

Tapping her finger slightly on her cup she turned as well facing Vi. “I know we have made jokes about it and we have talked way before Felicia about what we wanted in regards to kids and well everything. But… What are your thoughts on having more than just Felicia? Now that we have her.”

Vi took a moment, her gaze travelling back to the children playing before she finally spoke. "Well, it's not something I've thought about in depth since we had Felicia. I mean, she's a handful as it is," Vi chuckled, but her expression soon sobered.

Looking over at Caitlyn, she continued, "I'm not against it. I love being a parent, specifically with you... but with how everything went the first time? Postpartum hit you hard, Cait. I won't lie and say that I'm not scared about putting you through all of that again... even if we are in a slightly better place now.”

Caitlyn nodded as the two turned back continuing on their way.

That was something she couldn't deny, it did hit her hard. And it still did at times, the medication and therapy did help a lot and having Vi was another added layer.

It was hard to feel a strange disconnect from her own daughter but there were also times when she held her and watched her sleep or as she breastfed her, a warmth swelled within her that was beyond words. She knew in her heart that she loved Felicia as fiercely as any mother could more than life itself.

Her hand subconsciously moved to rest on her flat stomach as she remembered the joy of meeting her daughter for the first time. The difficulties of the postpartum were undeniably dark times, but the love she felt towards their beautiful little girl flooded all her fears and pain out.

“I am not rushing us to make a decision now of course.” She started switching the cup she had into her other hand before finding Vi’s. “We have time, I just wanted to make it known that I am open to the idea. We have a beautiful, wonderful life together and I... I would not mind expanding our little family someday."

Vi gave Caitlyn's hand a squeeze, her thumb rubbing small circles on its back. “What happened to just sticking to Felicia and Bear?”

“It’s not my fault the way you say things makes me feel all mushy inside…” Caitlyn blushed, looking down at their intertwined hands.

“Awh I make you feel mushy.” Vi said in a mocking tone, nudging Caitlyn gently with her shoulder. Caitlyn huffed a small laugh pinching the redhead’s cheek.

“Stop that or I'll take back what I said." She muttered, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Alright, alright," Vi relinquished, raising her free hand in peace. "I promise no more teasing."

As she said that Caitlyn let go of her cheek before taking the woman’s hand and bringing it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss on the knuckle. “Let’s wait for a little longer, train Bear and when Felicia gets a little older then we can revisit the topic, okay?” She proposed giving Caitlyn’s hand another kiss.

“Like I said… I wasn’t planning on going to the doctors tomorrow and starting the process again…”

“You just wanted to get it out of your head? You have been a bit distracted lately," Vi observed, keen eyes studying Caitlyn.

"Yes..." Caitlyn sighed, her thumb tracing a small figure eights over the back of Vi's hand. She chewed on her lower lip. "I feel... complete with both of you. It’s more than I've ever dreamed of having, a family of my own. But every time I look at her," she paused, casting a glance towards Vi. "I can't help but think about giving her a sibling. I don’t want her to grow up how I did, not saying my childhood wasn’t great because it was, but I would've loved having a sibling."

As she said it, Caitlyn could see a faint look in Vi’s eyes before she quickly squeezed her hand turning to stop in front of her. “I’m sorry.”

Vi quickly shook her head smiling. “Nothing to be sorry about. I will admit having siblings was a whirlwind of its own. But... I wouldn't trade them for anything. They made me who I am today, and for better or worse, they helped me grow." For a moment Vi paused thinking to herself. “If we do ever have another one, I wouldn’t want their life to be like mine either. As you’ve taught me… not everything is my fault and there are things beyond our control. But we can make damn sure to give our kids a better life than the one I had."

Caitlyn hummed, bringing her hand up resting it on Vi’s cheek before she leaned forward kissing the corner of mouth over the scar on her lip.

"Thank you." Caitlyn whispered, her eyes meeting Vi's. "I know talking about this can be difficult, but I wanted us to be on the same page."

Vi flashed another warm smile, one that reached her eyes and made her whole face light up. "I appreciate it, Cait. I'm glad we're having these conversations. It's... nice to look toward the future together," she admitted. "It might be a bit scary at times, but I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else." She leaned more into Caitlyn's touch, closing her eyes for a moment in contentment.

“Thank you.” 

Chapter Text

Caitlyn put her hand over her right eye, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Uh oh… I seem to have lost Felicia…” She quickly pulled her hand away, blinking for a second before she saw the baby again. “There you are!”

Felicia let out a mix of giggles and gurgles, her hands gripping onto her feet lifting her legs up slightly. She let them fall, bringing her hands up to grab at Caitlyn’s face. The woman brought her face down blowing raspberries on the child's tummy, earning another round of giggles and wiggles from Felicia.

As she went to lift her face again Felicia grabbed at her hair, cooing and babbling as she tugged gently. Caitlyn winced for a moment making quick work of releasing her hair from the baby’s hold. “You love to grab at my hair,” She mused looking up at the clock on the nightstand. “Let’s go find your mama, she’s probably still doing her morning workout.”

She quickly shifted picking Felicia up into her arms, bouncing her slightly as she made her way to the gym. As soon as she stepped into the room she was met with the sound of music, the song Vi normally listened to while working out.

Just a quick look around and Caitlyn saw that Vi was doing some pull ups, her back glistening with sweat. Even through her exertions, she maintained a steady rhythm, the muscles in her back flexing with each movement.

As soon as Felicia saw Vi she was babbling away, slightly bouncing in Caitlyn’s arms as if trying to get her mother's attention. Vi, in between breaths let her head fall back a little, a laugh escaping her lips.

“Hold on firecracker, let me finish this and I’ll be over there in a moment.”

Felicia kept on babbling to herself as Caitlyn took a seat on the floor. Bear took this as an invitation bouncing his way over before Caitlyn held up a hand. “Bear, sit.”

The dog tilted his head to the side, his ears standing straight up before ultimately obeying the command. He sat down with an audible 'plop', his tail thumping against the floor.

"Good boy," Caitlyn cooed, rewarding him with a gentle pat on his head. Felicia giggled wildly at the interaction and her little hands reached out trying to pet Bear too. The puppy quickly got up before pushing his front down bringing his hind up in the air. He wagged his tail at an accelerated speed, inviting play from the baby.

As Caitlyn shifted Felicia in her lap the baby let out a squeal seeing the puppy move. This then escalated as Bear let out a few yaps to her spinning in a circle before bounding around the room. Felicia's laughter echoed against the walls, increasing with each of Bear's playful antics.

Vi, having finally completed her exercise routine, wiped her brow off before turning to see what was going on. “They absolutely adore each other.” She mused, tossing the towel over her shoulder before squatting down in front of Caitlyn and Felicia. She let out a small gasp as Felicia looked at her before she picked up the baby standing up.

“Hi my little muffin, did you sleep well?”

Felicia grabbed at Vi's nose in response, letting out a series of adorable coos and babble that had the woman chuckling. "That good, huh?" Vi nuzzled her nose into the baby's soft curls, inhaling the sweet scent of baby shampoo. “Can you say mama?”

Felicia cooed once more, her tiny hands reaching out to explore Vi's face. With a gummy grin, she babbled incoherent words gripping the woman’s face.

Caitlyn watched from where she was sitting before she felt something land on her lap making her look down at Bear, who had now twisted to lay on his back his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth.

“Look at how big you are already.” She hummed scratching under his chin, earning a soft thump of a wagging tail against her leg. She rolled her eyes when the puppy's eyes fluttered closed in absolute contentment, a low rumble of pleasure echoing from his chest. "You really are a softie, Bear." Caitlyn muttered looking back up at Vi who met her gaze with a smile.

“Want to get breakfast?” Vi shifted Felicia to her hip tilting her head a little.

“Breakfast sounds good.”
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“Blueberry pancakes?” Vi asked, cracking an egg into a bowl.

"Yes, please," Caitlyn responded, holding the bottle up for Felicia to drink from. The baby’s eyes were half lidded, her small hand wrapped around Caitlyn’s fingers as she drank. Bear had settled under Caitlyn’s feet, a spot he had started taking quite a liking to.

The woman let out a small hum bringing her foot down and lightly rubbing the back of it against the puppy's belly. Bear twisted a little, his tongue lolling out in happiness before he began dozing off again. Felicia continued to drink silently, her little fingers curling and uncurling around Caitlyn's own.

Vi stirred the batter with one arm as she switched on the stove with the other. “Hey so after breakfast I’m going to have to run out for an errand, do you need anything while I’m out?”

Caitlyn’s brow furrowed slightly as she looked up at Vi looking at her back. “Errand?”

"Yes, errand," Vi repeated without turning around, her focus on spooning batter into the pan. “I have to… pick something up.”

The way Vi said it made Caitlyn raise an eyebrow, but she decided not to press further. Though she did sit there for a moment mentally processing dates quickly, normally she didn’t miss anything. Once again with Vi’s antics she was left second guessing.

That was until something clicked.

It was her birthday tomorrow. Much like Vi she didn’t ‘hate’ her birthday but she certainly wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as other people seemed to be. She wondered if Vi was planning something on those lines, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

“Nothing from me.” Caitlyn finally answered looking down at Felicia who was watching her.

Vi threw a sideways glance at her, a small smirk playing on her lips but didn’t press further. Caitlyn turned her gaze back to the woman watching her quietly, a smile of her own threatening to spread across her face. She could see how Vi was trying so hard to not spill any beans about whatever surprise she had planned.

With the pancakes done and served, they all sat down at the other side of the island. Felicia sat in her highchair, babbling away and banging on the tray while Bear lay nearby, occasionally lifting his head hoping for a dropped piece of pancake or eggs.

Caitlyn enjoyed these moments, morning moments where it was ‘quiet’ in a sense. Even with the small jokes or conversation Vi made. Or the babbling from Felicia, or the occasional soft whine from Bear begging for food. These moments were pure and filled with love, something Caitlyn cherished deeply.

She loved her family.

Eventually Tobias joined in making a cup of tea and pinching Felicia’s cheek along the way.

“Up you go.” Caitlyn picked Felicia up the baby’s legs instinctively going out. She helped the baby stand up on her wobbly legs, her small hands engulfed by Caitlyn's. She could feel the baby trembling slightly, not fully used to the sensation of being upright on her own. Caitlyn could not help but feel a bit emotional at the sight. Felicia was growing so quickly, soon she would be talking and walking all on her own.

She swallowed the lump down her throat before smiling. “Look at you, you’re doing so good!”

Felicia gurgled her knees bending slightly before she pushed herself back up, a giggle bubbling forth from her. Caitlyn let her stay up for a little longer before laying her back down on the rug they were sitting on. While Felicia wasn’t ready for walking or even crawling yet, these exercises were good for her development.

With Felicia being set down Bear made this an invitation crawling on his stomach to near where her head was before giving a lick on her head. Felicia let out a squeal of delight, her small hands reaching out to grab the puppy as she slightly rolled.

With this Bear resorted to licking her hands instead, his tail wagging with such enthusiasm that his entire body shook. Felicia cooed and squealed again, kicking her legs and waving her arms with an infectious joy that had Caitlyn laughing.

Ever since introducing Felicia to Bear the two had become inseparable and to Caitlyn's surprise, the puppy had shown an unexpected level of patience with the baby. Whenever Felicia's grip became too tight, or her squeals too shrill, Bear would simply close his eyes and wait it out. For a puppy his age he was great around kids, which was a relief to Caitlyn.

She was a little worried at first, while Shepherds were a very protective breed she had no idea how Bear would react to Felicia's often unpredictable behavior, but she needn't have been. Despite his playful nature, Bear seemed to understand that the tiny being in front of him was something to be cherished and protected.

“Good job Bear.” Caitlyn hummed, scratching the top of his head before she scooped Felicia back up into her arms. The baby was still giddy with excitement, her chubby hands reaching out for Caitlyn's hair. With a chuckle, Caitlyn moved a little further away from Bear before sitting Felicia down on her lap, using one hand to steady the baby and the other to fend off the playful attacks on her hair.

"Alright, you've had your fun," she remarked, catching Felicia's hand in midair. The baby let out a high pitched giggle, drool dripping down her chin as she squirmed in Caitlyn's grip. She adjusted the baby again lifting her knees up resting the baby’s back against her stomach.

“Well we have done your standing practice,” She paused for a moment reaching over for a book next to her. Clearing her throat she flipped to the first page, holding her hand in the middle to keep it open as she turned it towards Felicia. “We can read a book.”

Clearing her throat she opened to the first page.

“Here is the blue sheep.” She brought her other hand over the top pointing at the blue sheep in the middle of the page before turning the page. “And here is the red sheep, here is the bath sheep. And here is the bed sheep. But where is the green sheep?” She exaggerated her voice at the end, prompting Felicia to start bouncing slightly her hand in her mouth as her eyes were trained on the book. Turning the page again she brought it back slightly to continue reading.

“Here is the thing sheep, and here is the wide sheep. Here is the swing sheep.” Turning to the next page. “And here is the slide sheep. But where is the green sheep?”

“Here is the up sheep,” Her finger followed down to the sheep on the bottom of the page. “And here is the down sheep. Here is the band sheep. And here is the clown sheep. But where is the green sheep?”

Every time she asked the question at the end of where is the green sheep, Felicia would get excited babbling slightly. For some reason this was one of her favorite books and Felicia would always get animated when the green sheep was being searched going through each sheep in the book.

“Where IS that green sheep? Turn the page quietly, let’s take a peek…” She whispered, raising an eyebrow as she slowly turned the page. “Here’s our green sheep, fast asleep.” The green sheep was sleeping right next to a bush in the background, and at the sight of it, Felicia burst out into a fit of giggles, her little arms flailing excitedly.

“Was he hiding from us?” She tickled the baby’s cheek, closing the book and setting it aside gently. Felicia gave a giggle, her tiny fists reaching out towards her mother, a clear sign that she wanted to be carried again. Caitlyn obliged, picking the baby up and turning her.

"Alright you little mischief, it's time for a nap," Caitlyn announced as she stood up, jostling the baby lightly.

Bear immediately stood up, his tail wagging behind him as he followed after Caitlyn going to the nursery. Once she was in the nursery she took a few moments to soothe Felicia, walking back and forth across the room as she hummed, nothing particular just a random melody. Which most time worked on Felicia, unless it was Vi.

She watched as the baby’s eyes slowly began to flutter, the excitement from her playtime with Bear and the reading session gradually leaving her system. Eventually she was able to lay the baby down, leaving her hand on Felicia’s stomach for a few moments before slowly taking it away as she watched Felicia's eyes close fully.

Turning slightly she looked down at Bear who had settled next to the crib on the floor. She gestured for him to follow his eyes following her but he made no move to get up. She made a few small noises of encouragement, but Bear just repositioned himself on the floor to settle in.

Shaking her head she made her way out of the room leaving a small gap in the door. He really was her personal guard dog.
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As she turned to the next page in her book she saw Vi step into the room out of the corner of her eye. A faint smile tugged on her lips shifting the book to her right hand, watching Vi kick off her boots before making her way into the bed, her head resting down on Caitlyn’s stomach.

Caitlyn let her left hand drop down on the woman’s head as she continued to read her book, occasionally carding her fingers through Vi's messy hair. Vi mumbled something unintelligible against her shirt, one of her arms snaking its way around Caitlyn's waist.

“Have fun with your errands?”

Vi hummed rubbing her cheek against Caitlyn's stomach before her arm tightened, pulling herself closer to Caitlyn. The answer, garbled and muffled by the fabric of Caitlyn's shirt, was a lazy, contented sound of affirmation.

“Read to me?”

"Read to you?" Caitlyn chuckled softly, her fingers once again combing through Vi's hair. “Both you and Felicia are becoming quite accustomed to me reading aloud."

“Your voice is soothing.”

“Is that so?”

Vi hummed again letting her fingers play with the edge of Caitlyn’s shirt before she pushed a hand up massaging the woman’s side. “Just... calming... peaceful," Vi mumbled, her words already starting to become slurred with drowsiness.

"Well, I can hardly refuse such a request." Smiling down at Vi, Caitlyn shifted the book picking up where she left off. She continued letting her fingers run through Vi’s hair every once in a while she would bring that hand up to turn to the next page in the book. Her voice was soft as she traced through the words, her gaze flicking down to watch Vi's reactions.

It wasn't long before Vi's breaths started to even out, her grip around Caitlyn's waist slowly relaxing as sleep claimed her. Caitlyn continued to read, though at a lower volume now, the words a gentle hum filling the quiet room around them.

As she finished the chapter, she marked her place and gently closed the book, setting it aside on the bedside table. Her eyes scanned over Vi’s face for a moment, taking in the peaceful expression of sleep. The harsh lines that usually adorned her face while awake now smoothed out, creating a serene image Caitlyn always cherished.
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It was sometime later in the night Caitlyn woke up blinking a few times staring up at the ceiling. She stayed there for a few moments unsure of what woke her up, she couldn’t remember having a nightmare at all. She looked over watching as Vi slept next to her on her stomach, her arm draped around Caitlyn’s waist in a protective manner, even in sleep. 

Gently removing the arm, Caitlyn slipped out of bed and made her way to check on Felicia.

There was a soft babbling and gurgles coming from the nursery, stepping inside she flicked on the smaller light illuminating the room in a soft glow. Felicia was sitting up, clutching the bars of her crib.

She stepped inside her eyes going down to Bear who was looking up… but not at her. The hairs on her neck stood up slightly before her gaze snapped to the right. Her eyes met pink ones and her heart stopped for a second.

All she could think about was that day again, looking in the mirror. But with a sigh she forced it down rolling her neck, hoping her heart would stop beating so fast.

“Must you scare me?” She whispered walking over to the crib picking up Felicia resting the baby on her hip bouncing her slightly as she turned around.

“You need to get a better guard dog.” The voice said from the corner before the woman leaned forward slightly more light hitting her face.

“He’s only nine weeks, what do you expect?” Caitlyn retorted, her voice soft as she paced around the nursery rubbing Felicia’s back.

A snort came from her right making her roll her eyes as she turned walking back the other way before clearing her throat.

“What are you doing here Jinx?”

Jinx leaned back slightly on the dresser, her finger tapping against the leg that was propped up before she gave a small shrug. 

She didn’t look that different at all, like the day she left. Though her face was fuller and the dark circles under her eyes were less pronounced, suggesting she had been finding some semblance of peace on her own terms. Clothes were different too, the usual bright hues replaced with muted tones.

“Ekko came back. So I decided to come back for a little while with him… I guess.”

“Come back?”

“Don’t worry Sheriff. I’m not staying for long, no one besides Ekko knows I’m here… and well now you.”

Caitlyn let out a huff turning back towards Jinx raising an eyebrow, but her face softened slightly. "Why come back at all then?" She asked, trying to keep the concern out of her voice.

Jinx shrugged again, her gaze dropping to the floor momentarily before meeting Caitlyn's once more. “Reasons.”

Caitlyn stayed silent for a long moment, simply watching Jinx. Neither of them said anything as they stared, it wasn't a heated stare… just waiting.

It wasn’t until Jinx broke it for a moment looking at the baby in Caitlyn’s arms something flickering before she looked away. “You never mentioned a baby.”

“Kind of hard to mention something like this when you have no return address.”

“Fair enough.” Jinx conceded, her eyes cautiously returning to the baby. The infant, seemingly oblivious to the tension hanging in the air, gurgled at the sight of Jinx, her small chubby fists reaching out towards the newcomer with curiosity. “Is she…”

“Yes, she is ours. Little bit of Vi and a little bit of me. Her name is Felicia,” Caitlyn said softly, looking down at the baby in her arms. She bounced Felicia gently as the child giggled, still reaching out towards Jinx.

“After…”

Caitlyn nodded, running one of her hand’s over Felicia’s head. “Felicia Cassandra Kiramman. For both of our mothers, we wanted to honor them.”

Jinx eyed the child with a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before nodding slowly. Her gaze lingered on the little one before shifting back to Caitlyn. "She's beautiful," she stated, her voice having lost some of its usual bite.

Caitlyn's lips twitched upwards into a small smile at the compliment, her hand rubbing small circles on Felicia’s back. “Thank you. You know Jinx… you're always welcome here."

Jinx frowned slightly at this, a quiet laugh bubbling up from her chest. “Got a real funny way of showing it, sheriff," she retorted lightly.

The woman scoffed, shifting Felicia up slightly on her hip she went to speak before Jinx spoke up again.

“Besides, I can’t do that, not to… Vi.” Jinx hummed, resting her chin on her arm shaking her head slightly. “You haven’t told her… have you?”

“You know despite everything… no I have not. Vi doesn’t know.”

Jinx’s eyes studied her intently for a moment before a sigh slipped through her lips. “Good, good.”

Caitlyn let out a sigh herself as she walked over to the rocking chair laying Felicia against her chest slowly pushing the chair back. “How long do you plan on keeping it like that? Keeping her in the dark?”

"How long do you plan to keep it from her?" Jinx countered, her gaze remaining unflinchingly on Caitlyn. “Besides, she doesn’t need me.”

“That’s rather self centered of you to decide, don't you think?" Caitlyn retorted, her voice quiet but steady. The baby made a soft noise against her chest, her little fingers clutching onto Caitlyn's nightgown. "Maybe she doesn't 'need' you, as you say. But maybe she misses having her sister around. She misses you. She will always miss you, there’s not a moment that goes by where Vi hasn’t thought about you. Vi has a big heart, but that heart has many holes in it. I love her and I give her everything I can. But there are some things, some places in her heart that neither I nor Felicia can fill.”

A long beat of silence sat between them, the only noise being the soft breathing of Felicia and the distant night sounds from the window. Jinx looked at her, those pink eyes unreadable in the dim glow of the room before she sighed, shifting her weight on the dresser.

"I'm not exactly sister material, sheriff," Jinx finally replied, a touch of bitterness threading her words. “And that certainty goes for aunt material either.”

Caitlyn stared at her for a few beats before getting up from the rocking chair shifting Felicia and going over to the woman giving her a look. “Here. Take her for a moment.” She held Felicia out towards Jinx, who blinked in surprise.

“Woah woah woah… what wait no I don’t know how-”

“Shut up and take your niece , Jinx,” Caitlyn interrupted her firmly but gently as she placed Felicia in Jinx’s arms, adjusting them slightly before stepping back. The baby looked at Jinx with a curious expression, reaching out a hand to prod at her face.

Jinx recoiled slightly from the touch before squaring her shoulders and cradling Felicia closer. Her eyes were wide as they darted from Felicia's face to Caitlyn’s and then back again. "What do I…” She started to say but the words choked off in her throat. She swallowed as the baby babbled a little, her hands resting on Jinx’s face. “What… is she doing?”

“She’s touching you. Babies tend to do that. They are curious.” Caitlyn explained softly, chuckling. “She isn’t going to bite, not yet at least.”

Jinx glanced at Caitlyn and then back to the child in her arms; a sense of curiosity washed over her otherwise guarded expression as Felicia cooed and gurgled happily.

“See? She likes you.” Caitlyn said, observing the interaction with warmth in her eyes. “She knows her aunt when she sees one."

Jinx did not reply. Instead, she continued to stare at the small being in her arms, her movements awkward yet oddly tender as she let Felicia clutch her finger. For a moment, all was quiet, save for the soft gurgling noises Felicia made. Jinx made a small face at the child, raising an eyebrow as Felicia squeezed her finger.

“She has Vi's eyes.”

Caitlyn smiled, "She does. And a bit of her stubbornness too."

“How… how does Vi feel about being a mom?”

Caitlyn watched Jinx interact with Felicia, a hum coming from her. At the question, she paused. There were many emotions she could have chosen from when it came to describing Vi's feelings being a mother.

"She loves it," she answered truthfully. "She was scared at first. We both were. But the moment we learned about Felicia it just… clicked for her. You should see them together." Caitlyn looked down for a moment before meeting Jinx's gaze again. “She calls her muffin… firecracker.” She adjusted herself leaning against the dresser off of her left leg crossing her arms over her chest. “Honestly Vi is the better one out of the both of us.”

Jinx chuckled, "Muffin and firecracker huh? Sounds like Vi," she glanced down at Felicia who was falling asleep a small yawn coming from her. “Uh… please… take her.”

Caitlyn took a step forward, her arms opening to receive the baby. Being careful to support Felicia’s head she brought her back over to the crib gently laying her down. Looking at her for a few more moments she rested her hand on the baby’s head before turning back to Jinx.

She caught the tail end of the woman quickly adjusting her hand from her stomach before Jinx cleared her throat. “Is it hard?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Being a mom?"

Something told her Jinx needed an honest answer. She didn’t know what it was that prompted Jinx to ask such a question, but there was a certain sincerity etched in her eyes that made Caitlyn pause. She crossed and uncrossed her arms as she considered the question.

“It’s… challenging at times.” She mused taking a seat in the rocking chair again looking down at Bear who hadn’t moved an inch from his spot. "There are days when I'm exhausted beyond belief, when I feel like I don't know what I'm doing... But then there are moments when I look at Felicia's face and everything seems worth it. Her smile, her laugh. Then there is Vi, seeing her with Vi makes it all worth it. It's… a love like no other."

Jinx rubbed the back of her neck, a somewhat uncomfortable look on her face. "Doesn't sound half bad, I suppose," she admitted quietly, her gaze falling on the baby once again.

Another silence fell between the both of them as they both watched over the sleeping child. Jinx's fingers began to drum lightly on the top of the dresser, a byproduct of her anxious energy. It was another few more moments before Caitlyn got up from the chair going over to a small bookshelf.

Sifting through the books she pulled out a few, turning around once she was done. “It’s not as bad with a little knowledge, but even with all the knowledge in the world  it can seem daunting.” Stopping a few steps away from Jinx again she held out the books for the other woman to take.

“I don’t-”

“For learning how to take care of your niece.” Jinx blinked at Caitlyn, then down at the books. She made no move to take them. Caitlyn patiently held them out.

After a moment, Jinx sighed, taking them with a soft ‘Fine’ resting them on her lap. “You know… I probably won’t even be back.”

"Perhaps," Caitlyn conceded, "But perhaps not. Having a choice is always better than having none. At the end of the day despite all of the mistakes and such… you’re still family. You’re still her aunt."

Jinx seemed to ponder this for a moment before she finally nodded, her eyes falling on the books on her lap. “Thanks I guess.”

“If you do eventually come back will you at least use the damn front door? I would rather not be scared again with you sitting in a damn dark corner of my house again.”

Jinx’s mouth twitched in a half smile, one that was more mischievous than anything else. "Doesn't sound nearly as satisfying," She teased sliding off the dresser before making her way over to the window. “I’ll think about it though.”

“Caitlyn?” Caitlyn shifted at the voice coming from the door. Vi stepped in rubbing her eyes looking around the room. Bear got up from his spot, his tail wagging at seeing the redhead. “Everything okay, I heard you talking?”

Caitlyn hummed, turning around looking at the spot where Jinx was before, but she wasn’t there anymore, she barely caught the window clicking softly. “I was talking to Bear for a moment before I put Felicia back to sleep.” She said, giving Vi a soft smile as she made her way over to her. “Everything’s fine.”

Vi gave her a skeptical look but didn’t press. She simply nodded, reaching out to take Caitlyn’s hand. “Come on,” She murmured, leading Caitlyn towards the door. The woman gave one quick glance back over her shoulder again towards the window, a small hum leaving her lips.

“I’ll be honest,” Caitlyn mused as they entered their room again. “I’m not tired at all.”

“That’s okay.” Vi yawned again scratching the back of her head as she let go of Caitlyn’s hand going over to her nightstand. She pulled a few drawers open sifting through a few things. As the redhead did that Caitlyn slipped back into her side of the bed raising an eyebrow at what Vi was doing.

It didn’t take long as Vi stood up again climbing into the bed with a longer yawn holding a small box out to Caitlyn. “It’s technically the next day, so… Happy Birthday cupcake.”

“ Violet .”

“Nuh uh, don’t Violet me.” Vi said laying down on her side resting her face into her pillow as she still held the box out. “Remember what you told me on my birthday? You need to get used to it, for Felicia’s sake.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes carefully taking the box from Vi’s hold, as she did the woman’s hand went down resting on her thigh peeking her left eye open to watch the woman next to her.

Tugging on the wrapping, Caitlyn pulled it off, setting it to the side before taking the top off of the small box. As she did her eyes fell on a gold oval shaped necklace and etched into the gold was the Kiramman crest.

“Vi…”

“Open it.” Vi hummed tapping her thigh.

Cautiously, Caitlyn pressed the crest open, revealing a pair of pictures. One was of Vi and Caitlyn, both wide smiles gracing their faces. The other was a candid shot of Felicia, her tiny fingers curled around one of Vi’s.

"Vi… this..." She was at a loss for words.

“Turn to the next one.”

Caitlyn blinked, a little taken aback. She hadn't realized there were more pictures. Obeying Vi's instructions, she moved her thumb along the edge of the locket, flipping to the next part. She felt her heart clench at seeing the next two photos. The left one had her father and the right one had her mother.

A small lump formed in her throat as she looked over the picture of her mother, the edges of her eyes softening as tears slowly formed. Her thumb traced the edge of the image.

“Now you have something to keep everyone you care about close to your heart.” Vi whispered her hand squeezing Caitlyn’s thigh gently as the woman stared at the locket. Caitlyn remained silent for a few moments before a small laugh escaped her, tears trickling down her cheeks. Her fingers clutched the locket tighter, holding it to her chest instinctively.

"You..." Caitlyn started, her voice choked with emotion. “I can’t believe you.”

“Not so predictable am I?”

Vi teased, a soft smile on her face as she watched Caitlyn’s reaction. Her fingers lazily traced patterns along the woman’s thigh. Caitlyn rolled her eyes again pushing her finger into Vi’s forehead earning a small yelp of surprise as she tilted her head back, an amused grin spreading across her face. Unable to find words, Caitlyn stretched over the small gap between them and planted a kiss on Vi's lips. It was gratitude and love all bundled together in that simple action.

Pulling away with a soft gasp, Caitlyn wiped her eyes and nuzzled Vi's cheek before tucking the locket safely inside the box again setting it on her nightstand. She slipped down laying on her side shifting to wrap her arms around Vi before their foreheads bumped together.

“I love you.”

Vi hummed rubbing their noses together. “I love you too, happy birthday.” 

Chapter Text

There were many times Vi felt helpless, unable to do anything. Right now that was one of these moments. She hated this, she hated it so much. She didn’t know what to do, or how to help.

Rinsing her hands she pushed her palm into the faucet turning it off before she rested her hands on the bathroom counter.

Caitlyn and Felicia were both sick with a fever.

So that meant Caitlyn couldn’t be around the baby and Felicia needed constant care. It wasn't a serious ailment, just a nasty case of the flu, but it was enough to make both of them very uncomfortable. Vi was doing her best to take care of them both, but she wished there was more she could do.

It also meant that she had to sleep in a separate room to prevent catching the flu herself. That all didn’t sit right with her.

Sleeping without Caitlyn next to her felt strange, wrong even. She took a deep breath, rubbing her face before she pushed herself away from the counter.

Flicking the switch off to the light she exited the bathroom before making her way out into the hall. She went a few doors down walking into their bedroom finding Caitlyn in bed with a folder held up in front of her face. She had a pen in her hand, her fingers scrolling across the paper as she slowly worked through the documents.

“Always on the job.” Vi murmured walking over to Caitlyn’s side of the bed carefully taking the wet rag off of the woman’s forehead wrapping it around her fingers. Caitlyn hardly seemed to notice, her eyes scanning the page before she marked off another area with her pen.

“Alright sheriff, you are bedridden with a fever. These can wait.” Vi grabbed the folder from Caitlyn’s hands earning a small sound of protest from her. The redhead set it to the side dipping the rag into the bowl of cold water.

“Vi-”

Vi gave her a side eye glance before wringing out the rag and placing it back on Caitlyn's forehead. “You need rest. No arguments about it.” She scolded, her stern gaze softening when she saw the exhausted look in Caitlyn's eyes.

"But I have-"

"Shhh," Vi cut her off gently, brushing a few stray hairs away from Caitlyn's face. “Please stop stressing yourself so much over work. You need to rest and recover." Her fingers traced Caitlyn's face, cupping her cheek gently. "Promise me you'll rest."

Caitlyn let out a long sigh before giving a small nod. "Fine, I promise."

Vi stared at her for a few moments before giving a nod of her own. She went to turn around before fingers lightly wrapped around her wrist. “How are you doing?”

Truthfully? Vi was struggling.

She was trying to manage the house, take care of Felicia and Caitlyn, and was still juggling her own workload. It was a lot, and she was stretched thin.

At least she had Tobias to help but even then it almost felt like drowning in all the responsibilities. But Vi knew she had to keep it together, for Caitlyn, for Felicia. She forced a small smile on her face, turning back to Caitlyn.

“I’m fine.”

Caitlyn watched her for a moment, her gaze burning into Vi's. "You're lying," she finally murmured, a trace of worry in her eyes.

Vi's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained it, deciding to brush off the comment with a light laugh. “Of course I’m not. Now will you please sleep?”

"I will, once I get an honest answer," Caitlyn's gaze remained firm on Vi's face, not letting her deflect the question this time.

Vi blinked down at her, the faint traces of humor leaving her face. She bit the inside of her cheek before taking a deep breath.

“I’m just worried about the both of you.” She whispered shifting her hand up, taking Caitlyn’s hand into hers. “I feel helpless not being able to do anything for you. I… I hate feeling like this."

Caitlyn squeezed her hand in response, offering a weak smile. "Vi, the worst we have is the flu. We are going to be okay. You need to take care of yourself too."

"I know," Vi exhaled. "I just... I don't like seeing either of you sick. I don’t like seeing Felicia sick-” She bit back the rest of that sentence seeing something pass through Caitlyn’s eye. 

Because both of them were sick Caitlyn couldn’t be around Felicia and it was slowly eating away at her, she could see it. Caitlyn's gaze dropped for a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line. A silence descended on the room, only to be shattered when Caitlyn's voice broke that silence.

“How is she?”

"She's cranky," Vi admitted with a small chuckle. "But she's taking the medicine well and keeping plenty of fluids down." She gave Caitlyn's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Tobias has been a great help and Bear seems to know something is up. He hasn't left the side of her crib in the last few days."

A soft sigh escaped from Caitlyn, her free hand moving to rub at her temple. "I wish I could-"

Vi cut her off gently. "Your job right now is to get better, Cupcake. Felicia needs you to be healthy."

Caitlyn opened her mouth to retort but paused, letting out a defeated huff instead. Vi could tell she wasn't pleased about it, but thankfully she didn't argue.

“I wish I could kiss you… but you know…”

"I'm disgusting, currently," Caitlyn said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Vi snorted, giving the woman’s hand a squeeze before letting go. “You’re never disgusting, even with all the snot and gunk.”

She could see Caitlyn’s nose crinkle slightly at that before the woman pushed herself down more into the bed.

“Just a few more days.” 

Vi hummed, giving the woman's hand another squeeze. “Just a few more days.”

Stretching her arms above her head, Vi let out a sigh staring up at the ceiling above her. She pursed her lips tapping one finger against one of her arms before tilting her head to the side rolling herself over.

The light from the bathroom behind her illuminated the empty bed, the sheets cool to the touch. It was lonely, it was quiet. Too quiet.

Pulling herself up into a sitting position, Vi rested her arms on her knees.

She didn’t like to talk about it because then it made it real. But she hated the dark. She hated being alone.

It reminded her too much of the seven years she spent in Stillwater, even if she tried not to think about it. The place of nothing but darkness and isolation, cement and cold iron bars.

She shivered at the memory, the hollowness of days spent in there, staring at shadows, counting cracks in the concrete, carving out the days in the wall.

Part of her felt silly for even feeling this way when she knew she wasn’t there. Caitlyn and Felicia were both just a few doors down from her, but the irrational fear had cemented itself deep within her. She drew in a deep, shaky breath, stubbornly pushing back the growing unease in her chest.

She pushed herself up from the bed shaking her head.
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The flames danced around as her finger tapped idly against her knee as she warmed herself by the fire in the living room. It was one nice thing about the manor, many rooms and places to sit by a fire.

“Can’t sleep?”

Tilting her head slightly she looked over her shoulder seeing Tobias walking closer towards the chairs behind her. She shook her head standing up from the small table before shifting over to a chair.

"Not really," she admitted, sitting down, pushing one foot up onto the cushion letting her arm rest against her knee.

The man hummed slowly making his way over to a cabinet. Vi couldn’t see what he was grabbing but the small sound of a clink caught her attention. Moments later, he was returning, two glasses and a bottle of dark liquid in his hands.

"Have you eaten?" He asked, setting the items down on the coffee table before sitting in the chair across from her.

"Earlier," Vi hummed, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames.

Tobias opened the bottle, pouring some of the liquid into both glasses. He set the bottle back down pushing one of the glasses over to Vi’s side of the table. Her eyes shifted over to it at the sound of the crystal against the wood, but she didn't take it immediately. Tobias didn't push, instead picking up his own glass and settling back into his chair.

Alcohol wasn’t something she indulged too much anymore, it was a once in a while thing, usually reserved for social gatherings she went to with Caitlyn or the once in a blue moon night. She cut out basically ninety percent from what she had once consumed.

“Didn’t know you drink.” She mused, giving a small laugh before reaching over for the glass, her fingers gripping the edge.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me," Tobias replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. He swirled the liquid around in his glass before taking a sip. "Just like there are things I don't know about you."

The redhead hummed bringing the glass up to her lips, she downed it in one go making a small face. Piltover liquor was far different from liquor in Zaun, smoother and richer, but it still burned as it slid down her throat.

She shook her head leaning forward, setting it back down on the table.

“You know, when Caitlyn was younger and she got sick Cassandra would never leave her side. Caity used to call her airship mom, always hovering, always so attentive.” He chuckled while taking another sip. “I think besides her age, Caitlyn was probably the cause of her first gray hairs." Vi broke into a small smile at that, glancing at Tobias.

"Airship mom," she repeated, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she gets payback with Felicia," Tobias added, a small smirk forming on his face. "The way Caitlyn fusses over her. It's like history repeating itself."

“Yeah…" Vi murmured, her eyes drawn back to the fire. "But right now, it seems like I'm doing most of the fussing."

The man hummed, pouring a little more liquor into his glass holding up the bottle towards her. She gave a small hand wave watching as he put it down.

“Oh trust me, I had my fair share of moments when Cassandra or Caitlyn was down with an illness. It's hard to watch the ones you love suffer, no matter how minor it may seem." His voice was low, soothing against the crackling of the fire. "You're doing a great job, Vi.”

Vi’s eyes flicked to her glass on the table, the fire reflecting in its polished surface. She felt a small smile tug on her lips.

If it wasn't Caitlyn helping her through her doubts it was Tobias. Not something she ever expected to happen but slowly their relationship was… healing.

“What is she still doing here?”

"Thanks, Tobias." Vi managed softly, her gaze remaining on the glass. The man's words did little to ease her worries entirely but it was a start.

Tobias nodded, turning his attention back towards the fire. For a while they both sat in silence, the soft crackling of flames and the occasional sip from Tobias's glass the only sounds permeating the room.

Feeling her eyelids grow heavy, Vi glanced at Tobias who seemed to have closed his eyes a small snore coming from him. Slowly rising from her chair she carefully walked over towards the man.

She slowly grabbed the glass from his hand, setting it on the table before shifting over to another chair and grabbing the blanket that was tossed over the side. Fluffing it out she gently draped it over Tobias, making sure it covered him well. Then, with one last look at the peacefully sleeping man, Vi turned and walked out of the room.

As she entered the hallway, she hesitated for a moment before heading towards the room where Felicia was sleeping. Pushing the door open she moved inside shifting over to the crib giving Bear a pat on the head before looking at the baby.

With two fingers she rested the back of them resting them on Felicia’s forehead. Noticing no sign of fever, she let out a sigh of relief. The baby was still cranky, but the medicine seemed to be doing its job.

Resting her arms on the rim of the crib she leaned down resting her chin on them.

"You are strong firecracker.” She hummed tapping her finger on the wood before taking a deep breath letting out a sigh. “Both you and your mom, but… sometimes I wish I could take both of your pain away…”

She bit the inside of her cheek before pushing herself away from the crib. Turning around, she gave Bear another pat, "Keep watch, okay?"

Bear’s tail wagged a little as he stayed in his spot, ready for anything even with his size.

A few days had gone by and Caitlyn was rather tired of sleeping alone. They kept everything the same just to make sure that neither her nor Felicia were contagious. She sat in the bed staring at the ceiling, her hands across her stomach.

Letting a huff out she pushed the blanket to the side tugging on her robe before she made her way out of the room going down the hall. She opened the door to the room Vi had been staying in, slipping inside when she could.

Looking towards the bed she saw Vi laying on her back, her arm over her eyes. She hated having to sleep away from Vi, even though she knew it was for the best at the moment.

Making her way towards the bed she carefully lifted the blanket sliding inside next to her. Vi stirred at the movement, dropping her arm from her eyes to glance at Caitlyn.

"Cait?" She murmured sleepily.

Caitlyn gave her a small smile slowly pushing herself closer laying her head down on Vi’s chest. The redhead quickly allowed her to settle in, wrapping an arm around her.

"I couldn't sleep," Caitlyn murmured, tracing small circles on Vi's chest. "I missed you."

Vi let out a soft chuckle, tightening her hold on Caitlyn slightly. "I missed you too, Cupcake." She confessed. She felt Caitlyn press a tired kiss to her chest, before snuggling in closer. Vi draped her free arm over her eyes again, turning her head slightly to press a kiss to the top of Caitlyn's head. “Please don’t get sick again.”

"I promise to try my best." Caitlyn mumbled against her chest, her voice even softer than before. She intertwined their fingers, and Vi could feel Caitlyn's steady breaths against her skin. “Thank you for taking care of us, the soup you made was amazing.”

A warm sensation spread through Vi at the compliment, her lips curling into a smile. “Anything for you two,” she replied, pressing another kiss to Caitlyn’s forehead. She let out a soft chuckle as she added, “Although I’m pretty sure Tobias deserves most of the credit, he helped a lot with Felicia.”

"There you go, being all humble again," Caitlyn mumbled, squeezing Vi's hand. "You were amazing, love."

The words seemed to wrap around Vi like a blanket, warm and comforting. It reassured her that she was doing something right, and in that moment she realized she needed to hear it more than she originally thought.

Keeping quiet for a few moments, Vi felt a sigh leave her lips. “It was hard,” she confessed softly. “I just… wished I could do more.”

"Vi," Caitlyn's voice had a note of sternness. "You did everything you possibly could. You took care of us while juggling your own work too. You didn't catch the flu yourself and that is just... amazing." Her voice faded into a soft whisper. "And if it happens again, we'll handle it together."

“There better not be a next time,” Vi grumbled, her words filled with more worry than annoyance. She didn’t want either of them to ever get sick again but knew well enough that it wasn’t something one could completely avoid.

"I hope so too," Caitlyn agreed quietly. Her finger traced paths on Vi’s chest absentmindedly as the room descended into silence once again.

There were no more words spoken at that moment, just two hearts beating in rhythm and the soft sound of their breaths. Vi found herself tracing the contours of Caitlyn's arm, her fingers skimming lightly over her skin. It felt intimate and familiar, a comfort that filled the empty quiet that she had grown to dread these past few days.

Caitlyn shifted slightly in Vi's arms, her hand moving up to rest on Vi's cheek. Her touch was featherlight as she traced along Vi's cheekbone, down the slope of her nose, finally resting on her lips. The redhead instinctively leaned into the touch, eyes closed as she took in the affectionate gestures from the woman at her side.

She moved up more, pressing her lips to Vi’s before pulling back, a sigh leaving her lips. "I missed this," she whispered. Her fingers traced along Vi's jawline, watching as Vi's eyes fluttered open again and met her gaze.

"I did too," Vi murmured, capturing Caitlyn's hand with her own and pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. She saw the corners of Caitlyn's mouth lift in response.

“I’ll make up for being sick to you, I promise.” Caitlyn moved closer, pressing herself against Vi's side and draping a leg over her hip. Her head found its usual spot on Vi's shoulder, her arm draped lazily across her stomach.

This made Vi snort as she laid one arm behind her head, the other still holding onto the woman. “Honestly nothing to make up for but… I won't say no to a few extra kisses." She was rewarded with a soft pinch from Caitlyn on her side.

A soft chuckle escaped Vi as she adjusted her arm, pulling Caitlyn closer to her.

"Cheeky," Caitlyn mumbled against Vi's chest.

The gentle rumbling of Vi's voice could be felt beneath Caitlyn's ear when she responded. "Can't help it. You bring out the worst in me." She adjusted the blanket kissing the side of Catilyn’s head again. “Alright, it’s late. As much as I would love to stay up and keep talking… we should get some sleep.”

“Yes yes.” Caitlyn mused, closing her eyes letting her nose run against the redhead’s neck before settling into Vi's warmth once more, a content sigh leaving her lips. "Night, love."

"Goodnight, cupcake," Vi murmured softly, pressing one last kiss to Caitlyn's forehead.

Chapter Text

Vi adjusted her jaw looking into the mirror, she ran her hand over the shaved side of her head before letting out a sigh. 

Adjusting the jacket over her shoulders she made her way out of the bathroom flicking the light off as she did. Caitlyn stood next to the bed slightly swaying as she tapped a pen to her lips, her eye focused on a folder in her hand.

The redhead cleared her throat, getting the woman’s attention. “How do I look?”

Caitlyn’s eye shot up before looking over the redhead with a smile growing on her lips. “Handsome, as always.”

“I don’t look like a fool?” Vi asked in a joking manner watching as Caitlyn closed the folder, setting it on her nightstand before making her way towards Vi. Her hands ran along Vi’s shoulders adjusting it, a hand falling down towards a small metal pin of the Kiramman symbol on it.

“Do you think I am lying?” Caitlyn questioned, arching an eyebrow. Her fingers lingered on the shiny pin, tracing the intricate emblem. "You couldn't look foolish even if you tried."

Vi's lips quirked up at the compliment, thus making Caitlyn’s heart skip a beat. Her other hand shifted up resting on Vi’s cheek, she let her fingers trace over the freckles on her skin until shifting down to her lips running along them before sitting on the scar on the right side.

Her eye flicked up seeing that Vi’s eyes had fluttered closed. Removing her fingers she leaned forward pressing a tender kiss to the edge of Vi's mouth. The action caused Vi’s eyelids to snap open in surprise before she relaxed into the touch, her eyes closing once more.

She pressed another kiss to Vi’s lips feeling her smirk into it when Caitlyn mumbled against her mouth, "You're impossible."

Vi's hands found their way to Caitlyn's waist, pulling the woman even closer. "Impossible in a good way?" Vi challenged, her voice soft despite the teasing undertone, she pressed another kiss to Caitlyn’s lips.

"Unquestionably," Caitlyn murmured, her hands sliding up the woman’s chest before cupping her face. "The very best way," she added, pressing their foreheads together.

Vi’s response was a chuckle that vibrated through both of them, sending a spark of joy straight to Caitlyn's heart.

“We should get going, probably not wise to be late to the first gala since… forever.”

“Right, duty calls.” Vi took a step back quickly patting down the vest and jacket while also adjusting her pants.

Caitlyn shifted over to the full length mirror adjusting the earrings she had on before checking over the dress. Both of their outfits had a mix of purple, black and gold that complimented the other and paid tribute to the Kiramman symbol.

Her hand shifted up fingers lightly brushing the small oval locket Vi had gotten her for her birthday, a faint smile tugged on her lips before she cleared her throat.

“Alright, let's not keep the driver waiting.”

Vi hummed, holding out her right arm for Caitlyn to loop her arm through, which she did elegantly without batting an eye. Vi took a moment to admire the sight of them in the mirror, arm in arm. Both of them turned towards the open doors to their room before Vi spoke up again.

“Have I ever told you how sexy you look with your hair up?”

Caitlyn smirked, keeping her face forward as they made their way down the hall. “Many times dear, but it never hurts to hear it again." Caitlyn's voice was light and teasing, but the blush dusting her cheeks betrayed her delight in Vi's compliment.

In response, Vi leaned over and whispered huskily into Caitlyn’s ear. “Then I’ll tell you every day if it makes you blush like that.” The redhead winked as they reached the end of the corridor, turning her head to witness Caitlyn’s cheeks attention to an even deeper shade.

Vi stepped out of the car running a quick hand over the vest before she turned holding her hand out for Caitlyn, who emerged from the vehicle with an air of poise and elegance. 

Their entwined fingers sent a shiver up Vi's arm as she led Caitlyn towards the steps leading to the grand entrance of the gala. They quickly shifted Caitlyn tucking her arm over Vi’s before she took a deep breath with her other hand holding the skirt of her dress.

“Nervous?” Vi asked as they climbed the handful of steps.

“Slightly, first gala since before Felicia. I’ve gained a little weight," Caitlyn whispered, her eyes darting to the side before she heard Vi scoff pausing at the top of the stairs.

“Cait,” She turned slightly, meeting the woman’s eye. “You’re gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking. If they judge you for any negligible weight gain, then they have vastly missed the true beauty standing before them. Also who gives a shit what half of these people think, I honestly think a majority of them wake up with a stick up-” Vi's mouth quickly snapped shut as two people passed by giving them a small greeting which both of them returned.

Caitlyn held a hand over her mouth, a small snort escaping from behind her fingers. "Vi, you can't say things like that," she admonished, getting a grin from Vi.

Vi just winked at her, straightening and tugging on her arm pulling Caitlyn closer a little. “I can say whatever I want. Especially when it’s true. But… I will behave.”

“Good, because if you get us kicked out of the gala, I'll personally handcuff you to the bed frame." Caitlyn threatened teasingly, swatting Vi's arm lightly.

Vi merely chuckled, motioning with her free hand towards the entrance. "Well, that does seem like a tempting punishment, don’t tempt me with a good time cupcake.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes making their way through the entrance, the sound of music and chatter of the crowd welcoming them. Glittering chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, casting a warm, golden light on the assembled guests, all dressed in their finest attire.

Despite the opulence surrounding them, all eyes were drawn to Caitlyn and Vi as they made their entrance. After all, they were among the most prominent figures in the city, both hailed as heroes in their own right to some, and their rare public appearances drew attention like moths to a flame.

Caitlyn took in the spectacle with a gracious smile, her gaze sweeping the room in an easy familiar manner. There was a visible confidence about her that contradicted her earlier nervous admission to Vi. Vi, on the other hand, wore their attention with a small smirk and a challenging gleam in her eyes as if daring anyone to look away.

Both of them took parties from a different angle. Caitlyn would charm everyone with her eloquence and diplomatic skills, her little politeness and warmth were like catnip to those who only saw the official, disciplined side of her at work. Vi, however, was the opposite. Brazenly direct and unabashedly honest, she wasn't one to mince words or hide behind frivolous pleasantries.

It did take her a little while to even get comfortable speaking up in front of the social elite. It wasn’t that she was afraid to speak up per say, it was more even since becoming a Kiramman she didn’t want to put more on Cait if she said something wrong or accidentally offended someone. 

It was a tightrope she had learned to walk, with Caitlyn's patient guidance and her own tenacity.

All in all surprisingly enough, their diverging personalities from one another is what drew people in. The way they challenged and accepted each other on equal grounds, was a sight to behold that many found refreshing amid the often stilted interactions of gala events.

As Vi’s eyes scanned over she did see some who had a distasteful look on their face. 

There were still some who had displeasure of seeing those from Zaun rubbing shoulders with Piltover. But Vi merely flashed them a cocky grin, her eyes speaking volumes, she belonged here just as much as any of them. And naturally she couldn’t give two shits what people thought.

Caitlyn caught the exchange and gave Vi's arm a comforting squeeze.

“Ready?” Vi whispered, shifting her gaze to Caitlyn who gave a small nod in return.

Conversations flowed easily around them, with Caitlyn graciously answering inquiries about their recent work and Vi injecting witty remarks whenever it was appropriate. They moved as one, complimenting each other in an intricate dance they had long since perfected.

Occasionally, they would separate briefly; Caitlyn to discuss politics and city development issues with the council members, and Vi to entertain a group of rambunctious youngsters with tales of their daring escapades. Yet such separations were momentary and they always found their way back to each other, two halves of a whole.

Clearing her throat Vi quickly grabbed two drinks off of a passing tray bringing the glass up to her nose before taking a cautious sip. An eyebrow cocked slightly at the strange tang of the beverage, but she decided it was passable enough. Her eyes quickly scanned the room before they found Caitlyn, she was talking to a few people with a soft smile on her face.

She quickly and carefully made her way forward passing by a few people giving them a nod until she finally got up to her wife hearing the tail end of the conversation.

“Again we do appreciate the finance for the school project,” the woman across from Caitlyn was saying.

"Oh, it's the least I could do," Caitlyn replied with a gracious smile. "Education is the very foundation of our society, after all. It is imperative we invest in it."

As if sensing Vi's approach, Caitlyn shifted slightly, her arm unconsciously reaching out for Vi. Vi moved accordingly, sliding an arm around Caitlyn's waist and handing her one of the drinks she had procured.

“I will be in contact with you in the future if we have any more plans Mrs. Kiramman," the woman finished, a polite smile on her face coupled with a respectful nod towards Vi. Caitlyn mirrored the gesture, her hand subtly squeezing Vi's in acknowledgment before the woman excused herself to mingle with other attendees.

The redhead turned slightly tilting her head to the side. She didn’t ever question Caitlyn’s choices or anything to do with the city's affairs, but she was curious. Her finger traced a circle on Caitlyn’s hip. “What’s that about a school project?”

Caitlyn leaned into Vi, taking a sip of her drink before replying. “That was Eleanora Durant, one of the city council members. She oversees the Public education committee.” She paused letting her eyes scan the room once more until she looked back at Vi again. “I should have told you… but I agreed to a request she made a few weeks ago about funding a new school.”

“Where is it going?”

“Close to the bridge between Zaun and Piltover. The hope was to… provide equal opportunity for education to children from both cities. It's a progressive initiative that we believe can foster better understanding and integration between the two sides," Caitlyn explained, her voice gentle yet resolute.

Vi's eyebrows shot up; she hadn't expected that.

“Of course this is all still in planning, there are still many details to iron out, many approval forms to go through, and planning the layout of the building itself." Caitlyn continued, intertwining their fingers. "Moreover, we also need to ensure that we find enthusiastic and open minded teachers for this school. But Eleanora is quite resourceful in that regard."

Vi could only stare at her, the words settling into the spaces of her mind. She knew Caitlyn was passionate about unifying Zaun and Piltover and working towards a better future for both cities. But this... this was something else entirely. It was proof of forward movement.

“The difference between the bridges… was astounding.” Ekko mused, turning to lean against the railing looking at the empty bridge. “There were vendors… it was open. Both cities were intermingled. Children from Zaun and Piltover played together. They didn’t know any difference, there was no line between them.” His voice carried a hint of nostalgia before he brushed a hand over his hair.

“The kind of peace we've always wanted.”

She felt her lips pulling into a smile. That was what she wanted for Felicia, to know both sides even if their home was in Piltover.

“That’s an amazing idea, and who knows maybe Felicia will go to that school when she's of age," Vi said, squeezing Caitlyn's hand gently.

Caitlyn's eye brightened noticeably at the thought, a wide grin finding its way onto her face. "I was hoping you'd be supportive of it," Caitlyn confessed. "It's a large project, and it will take quite a bit of time.”

“I’ll always be supportive of you in whatever you do," Vi declared, her tone unwavering and confident. "And this... this whole project, it's what we've been fighting for, isn't it?" She took a momentary pause. The words were accompanied by another squeeze of Caitlyn's hand and a soft brush of her thumb over the back of it.

Caitlyn let out a shaky breath, leaning into Vi slightly. The weight of her wife's support wrapped around her like a protective cocoon. "Yes," she finally replied, giving a small nod. “Yes, it is.”

Their shared smiles spoke volumes.

“Alright, I think we’ve mingled enough for now.” Vi mused taking a few sips from her glass to finish off her drink before setting it on a dirty tray that passed by. “And I’d like to dance with my wife.”

Caitlyn chuckled, setting her glass down as well. "Then by all means, lead the way, dance master .”

Vi laughed tugging on the woman’s hand pulling her towards the dance floor. “I promise not to step on your foot.” She whispered, spinning the woman around before bringing her close once again. Her hands found their place on Caitlyn's hips, the cozy warmth of her body enticing Vi into a world of their own.

Caitlyn rested her hands lightly on Vi‘s shoulders. "You better not," she quipped, unable to stifle a giggle as the first notes of music began to play.

“Okay maybe a little?” Vi said as their feet moved in rhythm with the soothing melody, both of them swaying gently to the rhythm. "You know I'm not exactly a pro at this."

“I wouldn’t sell yourself short now, for only dancing a few times you just happen to have a natural rhythm," Caitlyn laughed, moving with Vi's steps, her body gracefully following the woman.

"Oh really?" Vi arched an eyebrow, her smirk widening.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes pinching Vi’s cheek a little, her own cheeks going red. “That’s not what I meant and you know it." Her playful accusation was met with a chuckle from Vi who moved both of them away from the rest of the couples, moving closer to the center of the floor. 

“Care for a spin?” Vi inquired, and before Caitlyn could really respond, she felt herself spun around once before coming back against Vi's chest. 

Beaming at her, Vi continued to lead their movements, taking Caitlyn by surprise with an unexpected dip that earned a startled squeak.

“Vi!” Caitlyn scolded, clutching onto the woman for dear life. A soft laugh shook through Vi’s frame as she pulled Caitlyn back up to her chest.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.” She leaned in slightly and whispered into her ear. “You didn’t just let out a squeak now did you?” The teasing lilt of her words accompanied by the warm breath against her skin sent a shiver down Caitlyn's spine.

“Absolutely not,” she huffed in defiance, blushing furiously as she attempted to regain her composure. But this only made Vi grin wider as she placed one hand on Caitlyn's lower back, drawing them even closer together.

“Would never happen,” Vi taunted, tapping her foot against Caitlyn's, causing her to make a small jump looking at Vi who shrugged innocently.

Caitlyn just sighed, shaking her head trying to hide her smile before giving a look of annoyance, though Vi knew it was fake. “Are you trying to pick a fight with me during a dance?”

“Perhaps,” Vi joked, pulling them into a slow rhythm again giving her a wink. “I’m just trying to keep you on your toes. Be unpredictable. ”

“You’re never going to let that go are you?”

“Not till the day I die,” Vi retorted, her grin remaining as she twirled Caitlyn again, this time more carefully not to give her a mild heart attack.

“And how is that any time soon?” Caitlyn huffed playfully, her hand lightly smacking Vi’s chest though it only egged the woman on.

“I guess you’ll be hearing me tease you for a long time then.” Vi hummed, bringing Caitlyn closer while swaying them gently to the music. Their eyes met and for a moment everyone else in the room disappeared. It was just them under the soft glow of the chandeliers, lost in each other’s gaze.

“You better.”

Vi let out a short laugh, their noses brushing against each other. “Or what?”

"Or I'll be very disappointed," Caitlyn threatened lightly, the corners of her mouth twitching up into a smirk. She leaned closer, letting her forehead rest against Vi's. "I'm fond of your teasing."

"Fond, huh?" Vi's voice lowered to a murmur. "Well then, I'd hate to disappoint my wife."

The way she said 'my wife' made Caitlyn's breath hitch in her throat, a familiar heat rushing to her cheeks. There was no denying the softness that crept into Vi’s voice.

Caitlyn hummed letting her fingers trace up the side of Vi’s neck before shifting to the back playing softly with the short hairs at the nape. Shifting slightly she let their noses brush again before placing a soft kiss on Vi's lips. 

Seeing that Vi had closed her eyes, she quickly pulled away leaving the redhead blinking in surprise. Chuckling softly Caitlyn winked at her before hiding her face against Vi’s shoulder.

“Sneaky,” Vi murmured with an amused grin, tightening her hold around Caitlyn.

“You know surprisingly this gala has gone quite well.” Caitlyn mused, pressing a kiss to Vi’s neck.

"Surprisingly?" Vi raised an eyebrow, drawing back to meet Caitlyn's gaze. "You didn’t think we could manage a successful gala?"

“You, I knew would be fine… me on the other hand," Caitlyn chuckled lightly, "Despite the outward confidence I have, even the best of us can get a little nervous."

"I haven't noticed," Vi said honestly, her eyes softening as she regarded Caitlyn. "You've been handling everything brilliantly."

Caitlyn shook her head a bit, her smile wide. “You’re too kind, Vi. That's why I love you.”

That earned a chuckle from Vi. “I can think of other reasons," she replied teasingly, earning herself a playful swat on the shoulder.

“Having you here has been very helpful though," Caitlyn added quickly, sliding a finger over Vi's chest in a small circle. “You help me deal with everyone… even if they all have… how did you put it, sticks up their butts?" She echoed, unable to stifle a soft laugh at the memory. Vi's blatant straightforwardness was rather refreshing at times.

The woman gave a mock gasp clicking her tongue. “Caitlyn! You can’t say such things during a prestigious gala!” Vi countered with feigned shock, though her mischievous grin greatly undercut her admonishment.

Her words had Caitlyn huffing, a soft flush overtaking her cheeks as she spoke. “I'm sorry, and who was it that taught me that phrase? Oh right, my wife.”

“Guilty as charged,” Vi admitted, leaning in to press a kiss to Caitlyn's cheek. “And I couldn't be more proud.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes as she felt Vi shifting them slightly. “How many songs have we danced to now?”

“Oh you’ve actually been listening to the music? I was too distracted by something so beautiful in front of me, I barely noticed the songs changing," Vi replied smoothly, earning a soft laugh from the woman.

"Flatterer," Caitlyn chastised gently, though the blush on her cheeks showed that she wasn't impervious to her wife's charm. "But to answer your question, I believe we've danced to three songs already."

"Best three songs of my life," Vi declared, twirling Caitlyn around once more before pulling her back into her arms.

“Alright, enough of that. I would like to get at least a little food before someone pulls us into another hour long talk.”

“Can we take a small detour?” Caitlyn asked towards the small window of the car, she could see out of the corner of her eye Vi tilt her head to the side a bit.

“Detour? We just left the gala, what did you forget now?”

Caitlyn shifted in her seat resting her hand on Vi’s leg. “Nothing like that, I just thought we could… stop off somewhere since we are close.”

Vi thought about it for a second, her eyes shifting down for a moment before it clicked in her head. “Oh, oh yeah, yeah that works.”

“Sorry.”

The redhead’s hand fell onto Caitlyn’s before she gave it a small squeeze.

“Don't be, it's a good idea," Vi assured her, bringing Caitlyn's hand to her lips giving it a kiss.

Both of them fell into a comfortable silence, Vi’s thumb slowly tracing a circle on the back of Caitlyn’s hand. It had been a while since Caitlyn had last been to the location they were going, but with them being so close by at the moment… it felt right.

Before long, the car slowed to a halt and Vi stepped out adjusting the jacket around her shoulders before she held out her hand again for Caitlyn. Caitlyn gave a small thank you, giving the driver a small nod before the two of them started walking down the path.

Vi leaned over closer wrapping her arm around Cait’s waist. The walk wasn’t long and before long they found themselves standing in front of a statue. She glanced over at Caitlyn watching the woman’s eye stare at Cassandra.

Caitlyn's gaze was distant, but not unkind. Vi knew that look well.

“I think I’m slowly starting to understand at times how my mom must have felt with me as a child," Caitlyn said, her voice reverberating through the silence. "She always used to say that having a child was like having your heart walk around outside of your body."

Vi hummed, squeezing the woman feeling her lean more into her side.

“I don’t want to force being a Kiramman onto Felicia like it was forced onto me," Caitlyn continued. "If she wants to follow in our footsteps, that's her choice. But until then, I want her to have a childhood. Coming to the gala today made me think about it more.”

Vi nodded, understanding where Caitlyn was coming from. After all, both of them had been thrown into their roles in life at a young age. Having seen firsthand how such experiences could shape a person's life, Vi agreed wholeheartedly with Caitlyn's sentiment.

"Agreed," Vi murmured, leaning her head against Caitlyn's. "She should have the freedom to choose her path."

Caitlyn leaned further into Vi’s touch, her vision becoming misty as she squeezed her hand. "Thank you," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. It meant more than words could express to have Vi's understanding and support in this matter.

"Always, Cait," Vi replied, pressing a tender kiss to the side of Caitlyn’s head. They fell into a comfortable silence, lost in thought as they stared at the statue of Cassandra.

It wasn’t until Caitlyn spoke up again her voice was quiet. “Do you think Felicia will understand everything that happened?”

Vi shifted her face rubbing her nose into Caitlyn’s shoulder, thinking for a moment. She knew Caitlyn still had her guilt from the war and before that. 

All that she did and everything she let happen towards Zaun, it still laid heavily upon her. Caitlyn was a generous woman, someone who'd give the shirt off her back if someone needed it. She would throw herself into danger for others and make themselves accountable for things that weren't her fault.

"She will when she's old enough to understand," Vi replied after a moment of contemplation. "And I think she'll grow up knowing that her mothers did what they could to mend the mistakes of the past, and continue to do so for a better future."

Caitlyn remained silent at Vi's words, allowing them to wash over her. “If she ever does take over the legacy… the name is tainted with blood because of me-”

"Because of the past," Vi cut in immediately, her grip tightening on Caitlyn's waist. "But you're working towards washing it clean, Cait. We're doing it together." She turned to face Caitlyn. "And as for Felicia, she'll understand that no legacy is perfect. That we strive not for perfection, but for progress."

Caitlyn rested her hand on Vi’s chest, her fingers tracing the upper edge of the vest absentmindedly. “I don’t want to lie to her, but I also don't want to fill her mind with the harsh brutality of our past mistakes… my past mistakes.”

Vi felt Caitlyn’s hand fall down to rest on the left side of her stomach making her close her eyes.

“I had the shot. It’s her blood in your veins.”

They were doing what they could to move on, to heal. She knew what Caitlyn did to have things rewritten, for future generations. It took her a while to convince the council to allow a revision of the historical archive. It was a fraught and complex process, filled with arguments and tedious negotiations.

They took things out, left names ambiguous for the sake of not tarnishing the reputation of those who had passed. 

The truth of the Kirammans was a constant source of debate among the council, but none could deny the significance of Caitlyn's actions in the war and reshaping everything after. 

She had fought for a narrative that was as close to the truth as possible, in the hope that future generations would learn from their ancestors' mistakes, rather than idealize them.

But even then, those who lived through it, saw everything, they knew. They knew the names and faces, and knew the roles that each individual played. The back of their minds held onto that pain, even as they pushed forward for a better future.

“Sometimes," Vi began, her words deliberate and measured, "the only way to protect someone from the harshness of truth is to help them develop the strength to bear it."

She paused, tightening her hold on Caitlyn's hand. "We can't hide Felicia from the past forever. She'll uncover it one day, whether on her own or through hearsay. But what we can do is prepare her, give her the tools to handle that truth.”

A silence fell upon them, as Caitlyn took in her words.

“When the time comes,” Caitlyn started looking up at the stone statue of her mother. “I want to be the one to tell her my side… why I did what I did.”

Vi nodded, her touch gentle as she brushed away a stray tear that had escaped from Caitlyn's eye. “And I’ll be there, right beside you when you do,” she promised, giving the woman a smile. “Always.”

Chapter Text

Vi hummed resting her hands on her hips looking around the room. “Now where did Felicia go?” She slowly walked around hearing a soft thumping sound making her smile. Tilting her head to the side she looked towards the table seeing Bear’s tail slowly thumping against the floor.

She knew Bear knew exactly where she was, but Felicia didn’t. Squatting down carefully she turned her head looking under the table finding Felicia looking the other way, completely unaware that Vi had found her hiding spot.

Deciding to play along with the little girl’s game, Vi dropped onto her belly and began to crawl under the table right behind Felicia. Bear glanced over at her doing a poor job at hiding his amusement as his tail wagged a little more vigorously.

She held up her finger to her lips looking at the dog before her eyes flicked over to Felicia. “What are you looking at?”

Felicia jumped at her mother's voice, whirling around with her hair flying around her face. Her eyes widened for a split second before she squealed, going to crawl away before Vi quickly wrapped her arms around the child, pulling her into a tickle attack. Felicia's shrieks of laughter echoed through the room, interrupted only by the loud thumping of Bear's tail, the dog barking at the two.

Lifting the little girl's shirt a little, Vi leaned down blowing a raspberry onto her belly. Felicia's laughter intensified, her small hands clutching the shirt Vi wore, trying to push her away. The baby let out a handful of babbles, her hands going up to grip Vi’s hair pulling on it a little.

“Ah ah ah okay, let’s not do that.” Vi soothed, detangling Felicia's grip from her hair slowly with a wince. Giggling, the toddler released her mother's hair, choosing instead to squirm within Vi's arms, her tiny hands reaching out in an attempt to break free from clutches of her notorious tickler. But Vi only held on tighter, pulling Felicia into her lap and turning onto her back, successfully trapping the little escape artist.

"Oh no," Vi feigned disappointment, looking down at Felicia who was now sitting on her stomach. "Whatever shall I do? I seem to have captured a wild Felicia."

Felicia gurgled happily at hearing her name, responding with a variety of babbles and syllables that only she understood. She wriggled around on Vi's stomach, her little hands patting on Vi’s chest and pulling at the collar of her shirt.

“Alright, how about we get some lunch?”

Slowly she scooted out from under the table with Felicia still in her hold getting up and heading towards the kitchen. "What would you like, hmm?" Vi asked, her voice full of amusement as she watched Felicia attempt to eat her own fingers.

"They're not very tasty, you know," She murmured softly with a chuckle, pulling off one of the chubby fingers with a soft pop. The little girl glanced over at her mother, her eyes narrowing slightly before returning her attention back to her fingers. A loud bark made Felicia lift her head up, glee filling her eyes as she noticed Bear following them.

Reaching the kitchen she quickly washed Felicia’s hands before setting the little girl into her high chair listening to her babble on. Bear took his usual spot right under her chair hoping that some food would drop down.

Vi quickly got to work preparing a small bowl of cheerios and thinly diced up bananas for the little girl. The bustling activities around the kitchen managed to pique the toddler’s interest. Her eyes watched as Vi moved here and there, her chubby fingers trying to reach out for her mother.

Soon enough, a bowl of food was placed in front of her along with a small sippy cup filled with lukewarm milk.

As Vi moved to the island to eat her own lunch, Felicia immediately started eating and playing with her food, her excitement causing a few cheerios to rain down for Bear.

Tobias walked in adjusting his glasses looking down at a newspaper in his hand. Though the squeals of Felicia made him look up seeing her waving a soggy cheerio in the air while attempting to put it in her mouth. A small chuckle slipped out before he turned his attention to Vi.

Seeing the man Felicia tapped the small table of her high chair a few times giggling. “Well, look at you.” He ran his hand through her hair before pinching her cheek a little smiling down at the little girl. "Enjoying your lunch, I see."

Vi looked up from her own meal at Tobias' words, a smile tugging her lips upwards. "She's more interested in throwing it around," she confessed, gesturing towards the handful of soggy cereal scattered under Felicia’s high chair.

Patting Bear on the head as the dog happily lapped it up, she added with a shake of her head, "Luckily we have our four legged cleaner here, always ready to jump into action."

Tobias let out a chuckle, bending down to give Bear an affectionate rub behind the ears before taking off his glasses. "You've got your work cut out for you," he continued, turning back to Vi. “Where’s Caitlyn?”

“Running errands.” Vi mused taking a small bite of her sandwich watching the man pull out a few things to prepare tea.

He nodded, gesturing to the tea kettle. “Tea?”

"Sure," Vi responded, absently pushing around the last of her sandwich in her plate. She got up, depositing the plate in the sink before joining Tobias by the counter, leaning against it as she watched him work finishing the last bite.

“You know I cannot believe it’s almost been a year since she’s been born, she’s gotten big.”

The redhead smiled looking over at Felicia who was leaning over the table of the high chair slightly to look at Bear.

She couldn’t believe it either. Ten months with her so far, and it felt like a lifetime of happiness. "It's hard to believe," Vi sighed, her gaze softening. "She's grown so much in such a short span of time."

Tobias glanced at the infant, his eyes filled with a mix of affection and melancholy. "They do grow up quickly," he agreed, his voice soft as he poured hot water into the two cups. “Every time I see her the more I see Caitlyn, she looks just like her from when Caitlyn was younger.”

“And yet Caitlyn says she’s as stubborn and determined as me," Vi chuckled, taking the offered cup from Tobias with a nod of thanks. "We'll see who she ends up resembling more."

"She'll undoubtedly have traits from both of you," Tobias responded, stirring his own cup.

Vi nodded, taking a small sip from the cup, her eyes going back to Felicia.
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Vi tugged on the velcro straps before rolling her shoulders. She sent a few punches into the bag in front of her before taking a step back, exhaling deeply. With the free time she had since Caitlyn was out, she thought it would be a good idea to get in a quick workout.

Felicia was playing with toys just a few steps away from where she was, babbling to herself and occasionally glancing up at Vi, her eyes wide with interest. Despite her young age, it was clear Felicia was fascinated by the rhythmic punches against the bag's leather. Every so often, she would giggle or make sounds of encouragement much to Vi's amusement.

Sweat trickled down the redhead's brow as she increased the tempo of her jabs and hooks, her body moving with a fluidity that only years of rigorous training could achieve. The dull thud of leather covered fist meeting leather bag filled the room.

Felicia made a loud babbling sound making Vi look over her shoulder quickly before she looked back at the bag. She did a double take however looking back seeing Felicia standing up with a toy in her hand, her balance wobbly. They had helped the little girl stand for her exercises to gain strength, but never to walk, they wanted her to develop at her own pace.

Yet, here she was, standing on her own two feet, albeit wobbling.

“What if I do miss something?” Caitlyn's lips trembled slightly as she whispered. "What if I blink and suddenly she's not a baby anymore? She's walking and talking and… and..."

Vi cursed slightly under her breath before quickly pulling off the gloves and squatting down. “Come here muffin,” She gestured with her hand toward her daughter, encouraging her to take a step. Felicia stared at her mother's outstretched hands before slowly lifting one leg then putting it down.

Slowly she took each step with caution, her toy clutched tightly in her grasp. Her tiny foot wavered in the air for a moment before descending onto the cushioned mat. With each step, her chubby face grew more delighted.

“Good… good… You’re doing so well,” Vi praised, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and amazement as Felicia took another shaky step towards her. Bear was following slightly behind her trying to keep his excitement down as he watched his favorite human taking her first steps.

Felicia, partially distracted by Bear, stumbled but quickly found her balance again. She patted the dog reassuringly with her free hand babbling something before she continued her slow progress towards her mother. Not too soon afterwards, Felicia was standing in front of Vi. She patted her mother's cheeks in excitement, eyes bright with wonder and triumph, an infectious giggle escaping from her lips.

"Good job muffin!" Vi cheered, pulling Felicia into a hug. “You did so well! And we certainly are not telling Caitlyn you did this…” She muttered the last part kissing the top of the little girl's head.

Bear, having finished his duty as the backup support system, wagged his tail and barked in celebration, breaking the spell of the tender moment. Felicia giggled at the sound, reaching out towards the large dog. Seizing this opportunity to return back to playtime, Vi gently set Felicia back on her feet.

"All right, Muffin," she began with a playful grin. "Let's see if you can make it back to Bear."

Once again Vi extended her hand towards Felicia, encouraging her to move forward. Felicia blinked at her mother before glancing at Bear. The dog gave an encouraging wag of his tail and a soft whimper that echoed around the room.

Felicia blinked once more before setting off again. Each step was wobbly and unsure, but each one landed with more confidence than the last. Vi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe watching her daughter take on this new experience with such gusto.

Before they knew it, Felicia had reached Bear, collapsing into a fit of giggles as he licked her face in congratulations. This made the little girl lose balance landing back on her butt, giggling uncontrollably as Bear continued to shower her with doggy kisses.

"Whoa, Bear, easy!" Vi laughed, scooting next to Felicia with a beaming smile etched on her face. She gave Bear a pat on the head, signaling him to calm down slightly as Felicia, now in fits of laughter, was sputtering between each giggle due to Bear's continuous onslaught.

Once Bear had halted his licks and settled at Felicia's side, his tail thumping steadily against the mat in enjoyment, Vi turned her attention back towards her daughter. "Well, muffin," she started, brushing away a lock of hair from Felicia's face. "You are full of surprises today."

Felicia locked eyes with her mother and gurgled in response before reaching out for Vi's hair and giving it a tug. Vi responded with a mock yelp that sent Felicia into another round of giggles.

“Right this way.” Ekko mused, stuffing his hands into his pockets, leading her down a small path. She looked up at the tree, the sound of children laughing filling the area making her smile.

Caitlyn didn’t visit the firelights base as often as she would like, mostly Vi would be the one to visit and talk with Ekko or Scar about what was going on. But today was an exception.

Neither of them said much as they went up the stairs that wrapped around the tree, they almost went all the way up until Ekko paused at one of the mini buildings built around the tree.

He gave her a look like he was about to say something but sighed opening the door. He held it open for her to step in, she gave a small thank you as he stayed by the door. She could tell that he wanted to say something to her, but for some reason, he held back.

He said nothing, closing the door leaving her. Caitlyn stared at the door for a few moments before she heard a huff. Turning her head she saw pink staring back at her making the hairs on the back of her neck stand for a moment before she let out a slow breath.

“What are you doing here?” It was a faint whisper, but the underlying frostiness in the tone was unmistakable.

Caitlyn shifted to the side going over to a small table setting a bag down with a soft thud. “Ekko said you were having trouble, asked if I knew anything that could help.” She pulled a few things out of the bag going over to a small counter that had a place where she could heat something up.

“Of course.” It was faint but Caitlyn heard it before a slow exhale, followed by a rustling of clothes. She didn't turn immediately, needing to gather her patience. The tension was thick and heavy when she finally turned around, focusing her gaze on the younger woman.

Jinx was now sitting at the table, her head resting against the wood. She observed the woman for a few more moments before turning back towards a kettle as it started to whistle. Picking it up she blew out the fire pouring water into a cup, she then added a small tea bag to the cup letting it steep. A plume of steam rose from the cup, the comforting smell of ginger filling the room. Caitlyn poured a dollop of honey into the brew before stirring it gently. She took a moment, letting the silence stretch before she turned back to Jinx with the hot tea in hand.

“This tea should help.” She said walking over to the table setting the cup down a little in front of the woman.

Predictably, Jinx snorted derisively at that. "And you think your fancy tea is gonna help me?"

Caitlyn shrugged, taking a seat across from Jinx. "It may not ‘cure’ you," she admitted honestly. "But it should help. It helped me a lot."

Jinx looked at the cup in front of her before looking back up at Caitlyn. She switched between the two a few times before Caitlyn sighed. “Drink it don’t drink it at the end of the day it's your choice," Caitlyn said, leaning back in her chair to cross her arms over her chest. “You just watched me make it, do you think I would do something to it?”

Jinx sighed heavily, a hum of consideration escaping her lips as she stared at the tea for a few long moments. Eventually her gaze tore away from the innocent cup, settling back on Caitlyn as she pointedly raised an eyebrow. 

"Yeah well, it's not like I've got better options now do I?" With that said, she picked up the cup, observing the warm liquid within before taking a small sip making a small face at it. “This is shit.”

Caitlyn shrugged, the hint of a smile playing at the corner of her lips. "You get used to it," she assured, sounding far more nonchalant than she felt.

Jinx rolled her eyes, placing the cup back down on the table with a small thud. Her forehead creased slightly as if she were deep in thought. "Why are you here?"

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, not at all surprised by the bluntness of Jinx's question. The younger woman had a way of skipping pleasantries and moving right into the heart of the matter.

"I told you," Caitlyn began, her voice calm, collected. "Ekko mentioned you were having trouble, asked if I could help… since I was the only person he knew at the moment that knows you are here and what you’re going through. I’ve told you before, despite everything you’re still family.” Caitlyn answered simply.

Jinx gawked at her for a moment before a snort of laughter escaped her lips. She lifted the cup up again taking another small sip having the same reaction she had a few moments ago. “You know you don’t have to be nice to me now that Felicia isn’t a few steps away.”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow crossing her arms over her chest before lifting her leg over the other. “Do you really think so little of me that you think my kindness is merely an act for Felicia’s sake?”

Jinx paused, looking up at Caitlyn seemingly caught off guard by her response. She opened her mouth to say something before thinking better of it and closed it again, focusing on the tea in front of her. For a while neither of them said anything as Jinx continued to slowly drink the tea in silence. The air was tense and held a certain level of discomfort that neither dared to break. Moments stretched into minutes as Jinx worked on emptying her cup, the silence only broken by the occasional clink of the cup on the wooden table.

Caitlyn watched the younger woman, a pang of sorrow tugging at her heartstrings. Despite everything, she wished she could do more to help Jinx, but knew the limitations of her own influence.

“How’s Felicia doing?" Jinx eventually asked, breaking the silence with an almost nonchalant question. Caitlyn blinked, momentarily thrown off guard before settling back into her chair.

“She’s good actually, she just turned ten months old the other day.”

“Damn and she was how old when I saw her last?”

Caitlyn paused thinking about it for a moment before clearing her throat. “Around five months old," she remembered. "She's gotten quite big now, started crawling around the house faster than Vi and I can sometimes keep up with. Eventually she’ll be running around with Bear trying to catch his tail." Caitlyn gave a warm smile, her eyes unable to hide the joy and pride of her life as a mother.

Jinx stiffened slightly at the mention of Vi, her eyes flickering up to meet Caitlyn's for a fraction of a moment before quickly returning to her almost empty cup. “How is Vi?”

Caitlyn hesitated at the question, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Jinx. "Vi's well," she replied, deciding to take the question at face value. "Busy, but well. She's been spending a lot of her time playing with Felicia and Bear… working a lot as well.”

A moment of silence hung in the air as Jinx seemed to mull over Caitlyn's answer. "Sounds… nice," she admitted quietly, her eyes glued to the bottom of her tea cup. She picked at the rim restlessly, betraying a sense of unease that Caitlyn couldn't quite place.

"It is," Caitlyn affirmed softly, choosing to break eye contact and look out of the lone window in the room. “Have you thought about what we talked about last time?”

“We talked about many things, you’re going to have to be more clear on what you mean.”

“Seeing Vi, Jinx. Talking to her. Letting her know that you’re alive.”

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, Jinx looking away and picking at a nonexistent loose thread on her sleeve. She let out a harsh exhale, clearly displeased by the mere thought of the suggestion, yet seemingly unwilling to dismiss it outright either. “I can’t exactly do that right now, sheriff.” Her hand moved, shifting her shirt down slightly, her jaw adjusting slowly.

“Are you leaving Zaun again after this?”

“I was never meant to come back. I told you I won’t be here long.”

Caitlyn simply looked at Jinx for a moment, the tension in the room palpable. After a while, she finally broke the silence. "No matter where you go, Jinx," she began, a hint of softness seeping into her voice. "You will always have a home here."

“You keep saying that-”

“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. I know Vi would agree with me as well if she knew.”

Jinx stared at Caitlyn for a long moment, her eyes filled with doubt and uncertainty. “I-” She began but stopped, her gaze shifting away from Caitlyn.

Caitlyn let the silence linger, giving Jinx the time she needed to ponder over her words. She didn't push or prod; she simply watched in silent understanding, the corners of her lips tilting in a sympathetic smile.

Seconds turned into minutes as both women fell into a comfortable silence. It was broken only by the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards beneath them.

Finally, Jinx lifted her head, offering Caitlyn a small smile. “I’ll think about it,” She eventually said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Caitlyn returned the smile with one of her own, choosing not to press the matter further for the time being. “That’s all I ask,” She said softly before getting up from the table. “I will leave you a box of the tea, just heat up water and add the tea bag when you start to feel nauseous again. Let it steep before adding a little honey." Jinx muttered a quiet 'thanks' as Caitlyn made her way towards the door, quietly exiting the room.

Ekko looked up, meeting her eyes before shifting away from the railing slightly. After a few moments he gave a small nod clearing his throat. “Thank you.”

Caitlyn gave a small hum going up towards the railing looking down. “If she needs anything else or if she runs into any trouble just let me know," Caitlyn's voice trailed off softly, her gaze fixed on the children playing below.

“You know… I didn’t think you’d be so… helpful?”

Caitlyn gave a small smile, her gaze still focused on the games unfolding below. For a long moment she sat there in silence before finally speaking up. “I have messed up a lot in my life—made a lot of mistakes… some I can never take back," She paused, turning her head to look at him. "But I am doing what I can to make things right.”

Ekko nodded, seemingly understanding the unspoken sentiment behind her words. "Yeah," he agreed quietly, his gaze following Caitlyn's to the children playing in the distance. “And Jinx… do you forgive her?”

Caitlyn didn't respond right away, her gaze wandering over the multitude of kids scattering like a flock of birds beneath them. It was a simple question, yet the answer seemed a daunting mountain to climb. With a soft sigh, she finally turned to face Ekko.

“No. I don’t think I could ever forgive her for what happened. But at the same time hating Jinx has only made me hate myself more. I'm not doing this because I want to forgive her," Caitlyn admitted, her voice low as she searched Ekko's gaze. "I'm doing this for myself. To help myself forgive... to help myself heal.”

Ekko nodded, a silent understanding passing between the two before they parted ways.

Setting down her things in the kitchen Caitlyn quickly made her way out and up the stairs. The house was quiet for a late afternoon, she made her way to the first stop, their bedroom. Thankfully that first stop was a successful one, finding Vi fast asleep on the bed, a book lying open on her chest.

Felicia was also laying on her chest with Bear pushed up into the woman’s side as they all napped peacefully. Caitlyn couldn't help but smile at the endearing sight, her heart warming at the scene before her. She carefully picked up the book resting on Vi's chest, bookmarking the page before setting it aside.

“If we do ever have another one, I wouldn’t want their life to be like mine either. As you’ve taught me… not everything is my fault and there are things beyond our control. But we can make damn sure to give our kids a better life than the one I had."

Her eyes went back to the three though Bear had his eyes on her, his tail slowly wagging. She held up a finger to her lips slowly sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Seeing Vi laying with Felicia and Bear all together in bed, it sent a warm feeling through her chest.

“What happened to just sticking to Felicia and Bear?”

She hummed to herself leaning her chin on her knuckle, watching the three of them. Bear lifted his head a little, resting it on Vi's stomach, his eyes closing and opening lazily while using Vi’s body as his pillow.

Her eyes went over to Felicia watching as she rubbed her face into Vi’s chest before resting it on the other side now.

"We can't hide Felicia from the past forever. She'll uncover it one day, whether on her own or through hearsay. But what we can do is prepare her, give her the tools to handle that truth.”

Letting out a slow breath, Caitlyn got up from the bed carefully so she wouldn’t wake up any of them. She picked up a small blanket draping it over Vi and Felicia before giving Bear one final pat.

She left the room quietly, making sure to close the door behind her softly. She made her way towards her office to get some paperwork done before dinner.
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It was a few hours later that Caitlyn found herself back in their room with a crying Felicia in her arms. From what Vi had told her the little girl woke up with a nightmare and would not stop crying.

Caitlyn had tried all her usual tricks; humming softly, rocking Felicia gently even Vi tried singing but nothing seemed to calm her. She knew it was normal for babies to have nightmares, their minds working overtime to process all the new information and experiences they encountered daily. But that understanding didn't make it any easier to watch as tears streamed down Felicia's chubby cheeks.

Wrapping the blanket tighter around the little girl, Caitlyn began moving around the room with her in hopes that the motion would soothe her.

“Can you warm up a bottle?” Caitlyn quickly glanced at Vi who gave a nod and disappeared out the room to prepare a bottle of milk. Caitlyn continued her slow pacing around the room, whispering reassuring words in Felicia's ear. "Shh, little one. It's okay. Mama’s here."

She felt the little girl rub her face into her chest before letting out a small hiccup. It was heart wrenching to see Felicia like this, but Caitlyn knew that all she could do was hold her close and hope that her presence alone would be enough to soothe the little girl.

As she turned the little girl hiccuped again gripping her shirt. “M… mama.” Felicia cried out, her voice shaky from all the crying. 

Caitlyn's heart nearly stopped at hearing this, it was the first time Felicia had called her that… her first word.

She bit her lip, feeling it quiver as she choked out a soft, "Yes, sweetheart. Mama's here, don't worry." She tightened her grip around Felicia, pulling the little one closer to her chest. Warm tears slowly fell down her cheeks as she felt Felicia's sobs gradually recede, the little girl's sniffles growing less frequent.

By the time Vi reentered the room, holding a bottle warmed to just the right temperature, Felicia was quiet, though her tiny body trembled slightly with the aftereffects of her distress.

As she gave Vi a soft thank you she could see the woman tilt her head raising an eyebrow seeing the woman’s tears. “What happened?”

Caitlyn blinked away the tears. As she prepared to answer her wife’s question, Felicia hiccuped again and whispered out, "Mama." Vi froze in surprise and looked at Caitlyn.

“Oh.” Vi whispered a shocked look on her face. “Oh my god.” She had to stay calm though, Felicia was finally calming down and they didn't need an excited mother to rile her up again.

Caitlyn took a deep breath giving Felicia the bottle to calm down her distress. The little girl was silent for a moment before taking the bottle, her small hands wrapping around it as she sipped the warm milk. Her eyes were half lidded, a complete change from the distressed crying only minutes earlier.

"She said mama," Vi repeated softly, her gaze bright with awe and joy. Caitlyn nodded, pressing her lips together in an attempt to hold back fresh tears. "She said mama," Vi echoed again, this time with conviction, reaching out to gently stroke Felicia's head.

“Vi?”

“Hm?”

Caitlyn bit her lip before she met the woman’s gaze. “I want another.”

Vi blinked, seemingly processing the words that had just been spoken. Then, after a moment, her face softened.

"Another...?"

"A baby," Caitlyn affirmed without hesitation. "I want to have another baby."

A silent beat filled the room, the only sound coming from Felicia's soft slurping as she drank hungrily from her bottle. Vi continued to stare at Caitlyn in surprise, her eyebrows knitted together. But as the seconds passed, the shock gradually shifted into understanding and a slow warmth.

"Are…" Vi paused, gulping as if finding it hard to voice her thoughts. "Are you sure?"

Caitlyn's gaze was steady as she returned Vi's look. "Yes," she replied quietly but firmly. "I'm sure."

Seeing the look in Caitlyn's eyes, Vi nodded almost absently before looking down at Felicia. She rubbed the back of her neck before drawing her gaze back to Caitlyn. "Alright," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. "We can start trying for another baby."

Caitlyn smiled, tears welling up in her eyes as Vi's words washed over her. A new wave of warmth filled her chest, causing her heart to flutter in sheer happiness.

The couple beamed at each other, their hands intertwining. The decision felt right. Another baby. Yes, it was a daunting yet exciting prospect.

"Thank you," Caitlyn breathed out, tightening her fingers around Vi's hand. Never breaking her gaze from Felicia, who was now peacefully finishing her bottle.

Vi squeezed Caitlyn's hand back, a chuckle rumbling deep in her throat. "Don't thank me yet. We've got our work cut out for us." She said and they both knew she wasn't just talking about having another baby. There would be more sleepless nights, more crying and tantrums, more messes to clean up but they would face it together.

“Well, as long as I have you by my side, I know we can handle anything," Caitlyn declared. "I mean, we've survived almost a year with this one, haven't we?" She mused holding the empty bottle out to Vi before patting Felicia’s back for her to burp.

“I mean it also helps that this one is an angel.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, shaking her head as well. “Yes, perfect angel when she isn’t having a meltdown.”

Vi chuckled again, leaning in to place a light kiss on Felicia's head. "Well, meltdowns and all, she's still our little angel," she conceded with a fond smile.

Felicia burped in Caitlyn's arms before her eyes fluttered shut. The stress from her nightmare seemed to have completely dissolved, replaced by the serene tranquility of sleep only an infant could achieve after some warm milk and the comfort of her mother's hold.

Caitlyn hummed, resting her hand on Vi’s stomach. “I’m going to put her in her crib for now… after that we can discuss the logistics for baby number two," Caitlyn suggested, her words followed by a chuckle from Vi who gave an agreeing nod.

"Sounds like a plan, I’ll get some dinner started as well," Vi responded, squeezing Caitlyn's hand once more before releasing it, her gaze softening as she watched Caitlyn leave the room.

Chapter Text

“Can you say mommy?” Caitlyn smiled pushing her elbow against the bed resting her knuckle against her cheek.

“Mhm… m-mommy.” Caitlyn's heart soared at the sweet sound of Felicia's voice echoing through their bedroom, the toddler mimicking Caitlyn's pronunciation.

“Can you say Bear?” She pointed towards the dog laying at Caitlyn’s legs watching the little girl.

Felicia’s head snapped over before a wide grin pulled on her face. “Ba ba!”

Bear raised his head tilting it to the side as his tongue lolled out. Caitlyn chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, 'Ba ba' is close enough I guess."

The bathroom door sliding open made them both look over. Seeing Vi Felicia started clapping before turning to push herself up making her way to the end of the bed. "Ma! Ma!" She squealed as her tiny arms flapped up and down in excitement, due to it not being a flat even surface though her balance was a little off.

Vi caught her with one hand the other using the towel to dry her hair. She let out a groan lifting the little girl up before assaulting her cheek with kisses making Felicia giggle with glee. "Hi, Muffin," Vi greeted, her tone scratchy from the recent shower. "Did you miss me?"

Felicia responded with a series of affectionate pats to Vi's cheeks, she was now babbling some random nonsense but it was unmistakably joyous.

"Little chatterbox, aren't you? Who’s my little chatterbox?" Vi cooed, tugging gently at one of Felicia's small fingers. The toddler grinned widely, showing off her two front teeth with a small gap. Just like Caitlyn.

The moment her teeth started to grow in, Vi lost it with how cute the tiny gap was. The couple had spent several minutes gushing over it taking numerous pictures. They already had several boxes full of pictures.

“Ready to go?”

Vi hummed, blowing a raspberry into Felicia’s cheek. “Give me a few minutes to get dressed and we can head out.”
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The wind picked up slightly purple petals flowing with it. One flew right into Vi’s face making her pause, closing her eyes. She let out a soft laugh grabbing the petal pulling it slightly away from her face.

“Do you think Felicia will understand everything that happened?”

Running her thumb along it she looked ahead seeing Caitlyn squatting next to Felicia, showing the little girl a handful of flower petals. Felicia’s hand was on Caitlyn’s shoulder looking attentively at what her mother was saying.

One year. One year with Felicia. A year filled with joys, occasional heartaches, an abundance of laughter, and immeasurable lessons. Vi had witnessed Felicia grow from a tiny bundle in her arms to an enthusiastic young toddler wobbling around on her own.

Crazy how it felt like yesterday where Caitlyn walked into the gym with a test in her hand, a shy, hopeful smile gracing her beautiful face. Now, she watched Caitlyn sitting next to their little girl, their laughter ringing through the air like a melody that filled her heart to the brim.

This was her family, and she wouldn't trade them for the world. Seeing Caitlyn interact with Felicia, teaching her about the world in her soft, patient way, stirred a profound fondness in Vi's chest. She felt a pang of gratitude towards the universe for these two extraordinary individuals she got to call hers.

Vi walked over, joining them, her gaze softening at the sight of Felicia trying to imitate Caitlyn's actions. The toddler kept dropping petals in her excitement, but Caitlyn was patient with her, guiding her little hand and showing her how to do it with gentle touches and soothing whispers.

Caitlyn looked over, meeting Vi’s eyes and a smile tugging at her lips. Looking towards Felicia she took the petal laying it flat on her hand before blowing it towards the little girl making her squeal in delight. She tried to grab the airborne petal, her tiny hands flailing in the air.

“Petal,” Caitlyn said gently, pointing to the petal. “Can you say petal?”

Felicia paused, her face scrunching up in serious concentration. She let out a tiny sound of frustration before babbling, "Pt... Ptel?"

“Petal.” Vi said, mocking Caitlyn.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes at Vi's attempt while Felicia clapped her small hands in delight. "Pt! Ptel!" She squealed once more, looking at both Caitlyn and Vi expectantly.

"Very good, muffin," Vi praised warmly, pulling Felicia into a hug. "You're doing so great."

Content with the praises, Felicia relaxed into Vi's arms, burrowing her face into Vi's chest as she let out a satisfied giggle. After a few moments she pushed away babbling to herself slowly walking away before squatting down pushing her hands against the ground picking up a few more of the petals.

Vi glanced over watching Caitlyn watch Felicia, a soft smile on her face. She initially wasn’t going to tell Caitlyn that she saw Felicia take her first steps while she was alone with her. She planned to wait until Felicia tried again, even if it was just a small distance. But the moment she saw Felicia take those shaky steps, she knew she couldn't deprive Caitlyn of this news.

Caitlyn was understandably upset that she'd missed Felicia's first steps. She cried for a little while before hugging Vi tight and thanking her for being there for Felicia’s first steps. It was then that Vi had made a joke about how she heard Felicia’s first words so they were even.

It didn’t take long after either for Felicia to wobble around for Caitlyn to see and within a few weeks, their little one was already wreaking havoc around the house with her newfound mobility. Their home had quickly been transformed to accommodate Felicia's exploring hands and curious eyes; corners padded, sockets plugged, cabinets locked.

Thankfully Bear was always one step behind Felicia, his protective instinct heightened since she started crawling. The dog followed her around, ready to cushion her falls with his body and alert them if she toddled towards any potential danger. Vi found it immensely comforting to have Bear as an extra pair of eyes on her.

Caitlyn settled on the ground leaning up against Vi giving a small kiss to the woman’s shoulder. “Did you make a cake?”

Vi hummed watching Felicia fall back slightly onto her butt with a huff, her tiny hands quickly reached out picking herself back up promptly continuing her petal picking. "Yeah," Vi confirmed, her arm sneaking around Caitlyn's waist to pull the other woman closer. "Chocolate and raspberry."

Caitlyn hummed in approval as she watched their little girl. "A year already," she whispered more to herself than to Vi.

A year since that positive pregnancy test; a year since Felicia's first sonogram; a year since the first time they felt her kick. How had a whole year passed by so quickly?

"I know," Vi muttered, echoing Caitlyn's awe. She turned her head slightly to press a soft kiss to Caitlyn's temple, her hand finding Caitlyn's. "It feels like just yesterday we were sitting in the room waiting, debating what the gender would be and who she would look like.”

She heard Caitlyn sniffle, making her tilt her head slightly seeing tears slowly falling.

"Hey, you okay?" Vi asked, her voice filled with concern.

Caitlyn sniffed before wiping her tears away. "I'm fine," she attempted to assure Vi, though her faltering voice betrayed her overwhelming emotions. She quickly wiped the tears clearing her throat. “I’m just happy, happy to have her and you in my life... us, as a family." Her voice was barely more than a whisper and Vi could see the truth in her eye.

Vi squeezed Caitlyn’s hand in reassurance, the action grounding the woman. "We're lucky to have you too, Cait," Vi whispered back, pressing a gentle kiss to Caitlyn’s forehead. "You've been amazing through all of this. An amazing mom, and an astounding partner." She gently rubbed circles on Caitlyn's hand with her thumb.

Caitlyn didn't reply right away, her gaze drifting back towards Felicia who was now babbling to herself while carefully examining a small pile of petals she had collected.

“Soon we’ll have another as well.”

The redhead felt the corners of her mouth tug up slightly.

“Felicia took two tries last time, what if it takes a little longer this time?” Caitlyn’s voice held the smallest hint of worry.

“Then it takes time.” Vi mused resting her other hand behind her looking up at the sky looking at the clouds floating by. "But we're in this together, remember? No matter how long it takes, it’ll be worth it in the end.”

The conviction in Vi's voice warmed Caitlyn's heart. She found herself nodding in agreement and leaning more closely into the woman’s side. "You're right," she murmured. "We're in this together."

At that moment, Felicia let out an excited squeal, making both women turn their gaze to look at their daughter. The little girl was clapping her hands delightedly over the pile of crushed petals she had just managed to create.

“What are you doing muffin?” Vi called out. Felicia looked over her shoulder, her eyes bright with excitement as she waved her tiny hand in the air. Then, without warning, she was off towards a small bush of flowers that had caught her attention.

Caitlyn chuckled, watching as Vi got up and started to follow their little adventurer.

“Hey Vi.” Caitlyn could hear the sound of brushing pause for a moment before Vi spit something out clearing her throat.

“What’s up cupcake?” The sound of brushing started again. For a moment Caitlyn pursed her lips tapping the top of the book hand in hand before closing it.

“What are your thoughts on a baby?” She looked up just as Vi stepped into the room wiping the back of her hand against her mouth.

“Like a doll baby?”

“No an actual baby.”

“I mean I think babies are cute, they can be a lot but they're also a joy to be around." Vi shrugged, slipping into bed with a sigh. Raising an arm she rested it behind her head before she looked over to Caitlyn who was giving her a look.

“What?”

Caitlyn opened her mouth before she closed it again, her brows furrowed as if she were trying to figure out the right way to phrase what she wanted to say. Finally, she took a deep breath, looking Vi straight in the eyes.

"No, I mean… us. Having a baby," she stated simply, her voice a little quieter than before.

Vi blinked at her for a moment, processing what she was saying. The redhead quickly sat up turning slightly towards Caitlyn. “Wait… are you serious?”

"Serious," Caitlyn replied, but her voice quivered just the slightest bit. She had thought of this topic over and over in her head for months now, but saying it out loud seemed to make it more real, more intimidating.

Vi’s eyes were wide, scrutinizing Caitlyn's face as if searching for any hint of jest. When she found none, a large grin broke across her face.

"Really?" She asked, excitement creeping into her voice.

Caitlyn nodded, a small smile blooming on her lips at Vi's reaction. "Really," she confirmed, reaching out to take Vi's hand in hers. "If... if it's something you'd want too."

Vi was silent for a long while. She stared down at their intertwined fingers, deep in thought, before turning back to Caitlyn. "Yeah," she answered at last, her voice firm and resolute. "Yeah, I do. I’d love to start a family with you. I’d want a little one around that looks just like you, cute little tooth gap and all.”

The relief that flooded Caitlyn’s veins was nearly palpable, so much so that she promptly sagged into the woman next to her with an overwhelming sigh of relief.

"Good... That's good," was all the woman could manage, a rare instance where words failed her.

“So how does this all work? I mean we’re both women. It’s not like we can exactly...” Vi paused, gesturing her hands as she tried to find the right words.

“I’ve actually been doing research…”

“Oh oh oh!” Vi’s voice cut through her thoughts. Blinking a few times she saw the woman pick up the little girl bringing her up putting her on her shoulders. Both of them were looking at the centerpiece watching the wind from the under duct spin it around causing a handful of petals to fly up into the air.

Felicia squealed in delight, clapping her small hands together as the petals fluttered around her. The pure, contagious joy radiating off of their daughter brought twin smiles to both Caitlyn and Vi's faces. Caitlyn looked up at them, a warm feeling of contentment washing over her. She turned her gaze to Vi, adoring the way the woman looked with their little girl perched on her shoulders - so loving, so protective.

She found herself taking a step towards them, a gentle hand falling onto Vi's arm. “We should head back and maybe light the cake?”

Vi’s eyes darted towards Caitlyn, her face breaking into a grin. “Right!” She gently lowered Felicia from her shoulders, cradling the bubbling girl in her arms. “Time for some cake, Muffin!”

Vi stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth flicking the lighter a few times before finally managing to ignite the tiny flame. Caitlyn, holding Felicia in her arms, watched as Vi carefully lit the one tiny candle on the chocolate raspberry cake. Felicia squirmed in anticipation, her small fingers reaching out towards the flickering lights.

"Easy, Muffin," Caitlyn cooed gently, shifting the toddler to a more secure position in her arms as she stepped closer to the cake. Her heart fluttered at how the soft candlelight reflected in Felicia's wide eyes and she couldn't help but place a soft kiss on her baby girl’s head.

"All set," Vi announced triumphantly, standing back to admire her handiwork. The cake looked practically mouth watering, the candle’s flame dancing upon its wick. Caitlyn looked up towards Tobias who smiled holding up the small camera.

“Alright, ready to blow out the candle?” Caitlyn took one of Felica’s hands, waving it slightly before shifting closer to the cake. Bear had his paws on the edge of the counter barely looking at the cake as though he knew human food was off limits.

"Remember muffin, just one blow," Vi instructed, stepping closer to Caitlyn and Felicia. She reached out to gently swipe a stray lock of hair away from Felicia's eyes, her gaze soft.

"Un.. unh.." Felicia babbled, her pudgy fingers grasping at Caitlyn's hand. She tried mimicking Vi's air blowing motion with an adorable scrunched up face. It made Caitlyn chuckle, drawing a curious look from the little girl.

"On three?" Vi proposed, looking at Caitlyn for confirmation. At her nod, the countdown began. "One...Two...Three!"

Felicia blew onto the candle as much as her small mouth could muster. The flame flickered but stubbornly refused to go out eliciting a giggle from the toddler who promptly boasted another puff of air, this time managing to extinguish the tiny flame.

The room erupted into applause and a cheer resonated from Tobias behind the camera. "Well done, Muffin!" Vi congratulated, clapping along with them.

Felicia looked delighted at their reaction; she started clapping her hands together too, giggling at the applause showering on her. Despite not fully understanding what had just happened, she relished the attention.

After that Vi cut the cake up into slices before everyone settled at the table, Felicia at her high chair. She had long abandoned using a fork to use her hands instead, grabbing fistfuls of cake and smearing it all over her tiny face. Vi and Caitlyn watched with peals of laughter, clicking pictures, capturing the moment.

Vi leaned back in her chair, watching Felicia with a wide smile plastered on her face. She reached over to grab a bite of cake for herself. She missed her mouth hitting part of her nose before finally stuffing the fork full in.

As Caitlyn handed Vi a napkin to clean up, their eyes met. It was then that Vi saw it; the love, the contentment mirrored in Caitlyn's eyes. This was their family and they had built it together.

Caitlyn’s eyes softened, her hand reaching out to gently intertwine with Vi’s. "This was," she paused taking in the scene around them, "a good day so far." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"It sure is," Vi agreed, squeezing Caitlyn's hand in affirmation.

The rest of the day was spent reveling in joyous festivities. Despite it being just another weekday, they spent it as though it was the most special occasion. There were games to play and presents to open. Bear seemed to understand the significance of the day too. He spent the day by her side letting her climb all over him like a hill.

As the evening rolled in, they gradually started winding down doing their usual nighttime routine, getting Felicia ready for a much needed sleep. After her bath, Caitlyn busied herself with dressing the toddler while Vi went about gathering up Felicia's toys scattered across the floor.

Once dressed, Felicia was back in Caitlyn's arms. She looked between her mothers, her eyes drooping in tiredness yet she fought to stay awake.

“Time for bed, firecracker,” Vi stated gently, her fingers brushing Felicia's soft curls. The toddler yawned, rubbing at her eyes in response. Caitlyn carried her towards the nursery, Vi following closely behind.

Caitlyn settled into the rocking chair in Felicia’s room, cradling the little girl close to her chest. One of Felicia's hands curled around a strand of Caitlyn's hair even as she buried her face against her mother's shoulder. Meanwhile, Vi stood near the crib, pulling the blankets back and placing a small blanket near the pillows that she liked to sleep with.

They fell into their routine easily, an unspoken comfortable rhythm established over months of shared caretaking. Caitlyn began humming the soft lullaby rocking in the chair rubbing her back.

Felicia seemed to understand that it was bedtime and instantly closed her eyes against Caitlyn’s shoulder. Her small fingers loosened its grip on Caitlyn's hair as she drifted off into sleep.

With a soft exhale of relief, Caitlyn adjusted the toddler in her arms and rose from the rocker. Together they tucked their little girl into bed, watching her snuggle into the soft padding. Vi reached out, pulling the blanket up and around Felicia, gently brushing her fingers over the child's arm. Caitlyn reached up, turning off the main light before flipping on the small night light on the sideboard.

Quietly they backed away from the crib, their movements synchronized as if they'd choreographed it. Vi's hand found Caitlyn's in the dim light, giving it a reassuring squeeze as they left the room.

The door was left slightly ajar, just enough to let in a sliver of light and to hear when their daughter might wake.

A peaceful silence descended upon the house as they moved back to their room. Vi plopped onto their bed with a sigh of contentment letting both arms fall back above her.

“Good day?” Caitlyn mused, slipping the eyepatch off before letting her hands rest on the woman’s knees.

"Great day," Vi confirmed, a wide grin spreading across her face. She leaned up on her elbows, watching Caitlyn as she began to undress. Her eyebrows shot up tilting her head to the side letting her eyes roam over the woman’s back.

"Do you need some help?" Vi's voice was filled with amusement, watching as Caitlyn struggled to unhook her bra.

Caitlyn let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "I've got it," she responded, focusing on the task at hand. After a bit of fumbling, she finally managed to unhook the garment, exhaling in relief. “Want to take a shower?”

Vi perked up at Caitlyn's suggestion, pushing herself off the bed with renewed vigor. "I'm definitely not saying no to that," she replied, a lopsided grin playing on her lips as she rose from the bed and stretched out her limbs.

Caitlyn shook her head watching the woman pulling off her pants while jumping on one leg before finally succeeding kicking them off in a different direction. She made her way into the bathroom, Vi right behind her still hopping on one foot to remove the other sock.

Once inside the bathroom, they quickly shed the last of their clothes; each woman moving around the other with an ease that came from familiar intimacy. Vi started the water in the shower, adjusting the temperature while Caitlyn gathered their towels.

Eventually both of them settled into the shower, the warm steam filling the room. Caitlyn stepped under the cascading stream first, wincing slightly as the hot water pelted her skin before adjusting to the heat. Following close behind, Vi stepped in as well, sighing in relief as the warm water ran down her back.

“Turn around.”

Vi hummed doing what the woman asked and closed her eyes feeling Caitlyn's hands work into her hair, massaging at her scalp before applying shampoo. 

She always loved when Caitlyn washed her hair. The woman had a knack for kneading exactly where the tension knotted, and before long Vi was practically putty under those expert fingers.

Caitlyn worked the shampoo into a lather, murmuring a soft ‘tilt your head back’ as she carefully rinsed it out. Vi complied, trusting Caitlyn to be gentle despite the rushing water. Once she was sure that everything was rinsed out she reached over and grabbed the soap working it in between her hands before applying it to Vi’s back. Her fingers glided smoothly over the warm skin, drawing idle patterns as she worked the soap into a lather. Slowly, she moved towards Vi’s shoulders and then down her arms, her touch soothing and firm all at once.

Wrapping her arms around the woman’s waist she ran the soap up her stomach before reaching her chest, making sure to clean every inch. Vi hummed in appreciation, leaning back against Caitlyn as she continued to wash her thoroughly.

Caitlyn leaned down slightly letting her lips drag along Vi’s shoulder to her neck, pulling a soft sigh from the woman's lips. She gently bit down on Vi's earlobe earning a soft groan from her. “Having fun cupcake?”

Caitlyn hummed, pushing her nose into Vi’s neck, switching the soap into her other hand letting the hand run down her stomach, slipping slowly across her skin. “Maybe…” was all she murmured against the smooth skin.

Her nails lightly grazed against her lower stomach causing Vi to gasp, her muscles clenching at the delightful sensation. "Naughty," Vi mumbled but made no move to stop Caitlyn.

Caitlyn grinned letting her fingers brush the hairline stopping right before dipping lower. She took her hand away, shifting away slightly. “Will you wash me now?”

Vi shook her head with a laugh, pushing herself to stand under the shower spray to rinse away the remaining suds. "Oh, you're unfair," she accused with a grin. But Caitlyn only shrugged innocently, holding out the bar of soap towards Vi in silent offering.

Vi raised an eyebrow for a moment before accepting the soap, already lathering it between her hands as she turned around to face Caitlyn. She traced her fingers along Caitlyn's collarbone, working the soap in smoothly. "Turn around for me," she ordered gently, receiving a quiet snort from Caitlyn in response.

The woman did as told, gathering her hair, allowing Vi to scrub her back. Vi hummed faintly as she worked, making sure to pay extra attention to areas where tension often knotted up in Caitlyn's muscles, her shoulders and lower back mainly. Caitlyn let out soft sighs under the ministrations, leaning slightly into Vi's touch.

The redhead squeezed Caitlyn’s butt a little before patting it. “Alright, all set.”

Caitlyn giggled at Vi's playful behavior, turning back around to face her. "Thank you," she murmured, reaching out to run her fingers through Vi's wet hair, pushing back a few loose strands from the woman's forehead.

She ran it down cupping her cheek before tracing her thumb across Vi's lower lip. After a few moments she leaned forward pressing a soft kiss to the woman’s lips.

Vi smiled against her lips pulling her forward, her hands tugging at her hips. Caitlyn tightened her hold around Vi, her fingers trailing lazily along the woman's back before finally resting on her shoulder.

Pulling away from the kiss she felt Vi nudge her nose into her cheek before kissing slowly along her jaw to her ear. A small sigh of contentment escaped Caitlyn's lips as she tilted her head to give Vi more access.

"I love you." Vi's whisper was almost lost amidst the sound of running water, but Caitlyn heard it. It echoed in her heart, causing a warmth to spread within her that had nothing to do with the shower.

"I love you too." She murmured back, pulling Vi closer so they were chest to chest.

Vi hummed letting her hands push up slightly squeezing her lower back before sliding down towards Caitlyn's hips. “We should finish up.” She mused tilting back slightly. “Go to bed?”

Tilting her head she raised an eyebrow. “To sleep?”

“Do you have something in mind?”

"Well…" She began, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper that sent a chill down Vi's spine.
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Caitlyn pushed her hands into the woman’s shoulders causing her to sit on the edge of the bed while she moved to straddle her lap. Her fingers traced lightly down Vi's chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart under her touch.

Vi hummed, pushing her hands slowly up the woman’s thighs squeezing them before they moved higher, settling on the curve of Caitlyn's waist. Her touch was light, comforting, enough for Caitlyn to lean into the contact.

Their lips met once more in a kiss, Caitlyn pushing her arms to rest on the woman’s shoulders, letting her fingers play with the wet hair at her nape, deepening the kiss. 

Her nails lightly dragged down Vi's back eliciting a low groan from the woman beneath her. She pushed more against the kiss, her hands trailing along Vi's sides. She found herself shifting closer, the heat between them steadily growing.

Vi's response was immediate, her arms tightening around Caitlyn. Her fingers traveled up Caitlyn's back, pressing lightly against her shoulder blades, urging her closer still. They moved in sync, bodies flush against each other as their kiss deepened.

Pulling away both took a deep breath before leaning forward once more, their noses brushing gently. Caitlyn's hands cupped Vi's face, her thumbs tracing her cheekbones and the soft skin underneath.

Shifting off Caitlyn pushed Vi’s shoulder causing her to fall back with a laugh. “Stay there.” She mused pointing her finger at the redhead.

Vi raised her hands up slightly before resting her arms looking up at the ceiling, humming a soft tune as she waited. There was a rustle coming from the closet making her lips slowly push up in a smile. She knew what Caitlyn was getting.

After a few moments of waiting she heard Caitlyn clear her throat making her look over seeing the woman leaning against the doorframe holding her hand up slightly. In her hand was a leather harness, a blue strap hanging off it.

She pushed herself up onto her elbows raising an eyebrow. "Well then," she murmured, her voice suddenly dropping lower. "Don't keep me waiting."

The slow grin that spread across Caitlyn's face at that. Shifting the harness she stepped into it, adjusting the straps before she walked towards Vi. Vi had taken this time to scoot up the bed more until she was resting her head against the pillow.

Caitlyn paused for a moment at the foot of the bed before she climbed back in, she pushed her hands on Vi’s thighs spreading them apart as she settled between them. Caitlyn’s lips brushed against the redhead's again, their bodies flush against each other. One of Vi's hands found Caitlyn's hip, holding gently as the other moved to thread itself into her hair.

Caitlyn drew slow circles on the redhead’s stomach as their lips moved against each other. Her touch was gentle and lingering, branding every curve and dip of Vi's body in her mind. She felt Vi shiver beneath her, her breath hitching slightly as they broke the kiss for a much needed breath.

Staring into Vi’s eyes she let her hand continue down reaching between the woman’s thighs, brushing her fingers gently against the already slick skin. 

Vi let out a soft gasp, her back arching involuntarily as she instinctively spread her legs wider. Caitlyn's gaze darkened at the sight, her heart pounding in her chest as she trailed teasing, exploratory strokes along Vi's folds.

A low moan came from the woman making Caitlyn hum. Slowly she pushed two fingers into Vi, the redhead's wet heat immediately enveloping her digits. Caitlyn bit her lip, watching as Vi's eyes fluttered shut and she let out a choked gasp.

"Oh, Cait," Vi breathed out, lifting her hips in an attempt to encourage Caitlyn to move. The woman complied, drawing her fingers out just as slowly as she'd inserted them before pushing back in again.

Vi’s chest heaved as Caitlyn repeated the movement, the slow pace driving her wild. Caitlyn watched her reactions, the way her brow furrowed and her lips parted with each breath she took, deriving her own pleasure from Vi's clear enjoyment. Her thumb moved to Vi's clit, rubbing in slow circles until the redhead whimpered beneath her.

"Cait... please," Vi pleaded, her voice a hoarse whisper. At that, Caitlyn slipped her fingers out of the woman making Vi groan in protest before lining the strap up pushing forward.

She watched as Vi let out a soft sigh, eyes fluttering shut as she warmly welcomed Caitlyn within her.

She leaned down kissing Vi’s nose before trailing over to her cheek shifting her legs slightly under the redhead’s thighs setting a slow rhythm at first.

The redhead's legs naturally wrapped around Caitlyn's waist, her hands gripping onto the woman’s shoulders. Each thrust drew a faint gasp from Vi, her nails grazing over the woman’s back. Small, needy sounds filled the room as their bodies rocked together in sync.

Caitlyn kissed the woman again as she carefully adjusted her position, one of her hands coming to rest beside Vi's head for support. Her other hand slipped between them, thumb seeking out Vi’s clit again.

A soft whimper escaped Vi's lips and her grip on Caitlyn tightened, her hips bucking up to meet each thrust. The sight of Vi beneath her, lost in pleasure, was enough to send tendrils of heat curling through Caitlyn's veins and she couldn’t help but pick up the pace.

“Fuck…” Vi let out a low moan, fingers digging into Caitlyn's back, encouraging her. Her voice was raw and wrecked, the indication of her nearing climax evident in the desperate pitch. Caitlyn kissed her deeply, swallowing up the sounds she made, a symphony that only ever played for her.

Caitlyn felt Vi's body begin to tighten around her, her hips lifting off the bed as she sought to chase her climax. She increased the pressure of her thumb on Vi’s clit, meeting the redhead's every thrust with one of her own. Vi gasped, clinging to Caitlyn as wave after wave of pleasure began to wash over her.

Caitlyn moved through the climax with her, whispering sweet affirmations into Vi's ear until the woman beneath her grew lax. Slowing down her movements, she gently pulled out causing Vi to hum softly. Laying down on her side Caitlyn watched the woman catch her breath, one hand coming up to tangle in her hair, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"You okay?" Caitlyn asked softly, her gaze filled with concern.

Vi nodded, pulling Caitlyn closer to snuggle into her side. Her voice was barely a whisper as she murmured, "Never been better."

They lay in silence for a while, fingers intertwined and their bodies a tangled mess of comfort and satisfaction. Caitlyn felt Vi's body relaxed against hers, the woman's gentle breathing lulling her into a serene state of tranquillity.

After a while, Vi's voice drifted through the quiet, "So... another baby huh?"

Caitlyn laughed softly. "Yes, another baby. You okay with that?"

Vi chuckled warmly in response, pressing a soft kiss into Caitlyn's collarbone. "I'd love that, cupcake. You ready for next week?”

Caitlyn hummed shifting slightly rolling over tugging on the straps to the harness pulling it off. Tossing it onto the nightstand she rolled back over lifting one leg to wrap around the woman’s waist nuzzling into her side.

“Ready. I have been on the medication the doctor recommended for over a month now. She said that my body should be ready to receive the implant by then.”

Vi nodded, leaning down kissing the top of her head before nuzzling her cheek into Caitlyn's hair. "I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to have another little one running around with Felicia."

The thought brought a warm feeling of joy and anticipation in both of them.

Caitlyn moved, pressing an absentminded kiss to Vi's chest before letting herself be lulled into a sleepy trance by Vi's steady heartbeat and the warm comfort of their tangled bodies. As she was about to drift off, she remembered something and nudged Vi gently.

"Hey Vi," she murmured, her voice soft.

"Yeah?" Vi replied, her fingers tracing lazy circles on Caitlyn's arm.

"I'm glad we're doing this," Caitlyn confessed quietly, pressing her cheek against Vi's chest. "Having another baby... our family... I wouldn't want anything else."

Vi hummed softly. "Me neither, cupcake," she returned sincerely, pressing a soft kiss on Caitlyn's forehead. “You sure you’re good for this? Like one hundred percent?”

"I'm sure," Caitlyn reassured her, the firmness in her voice laying any doubts to rest. “I’ve thought about this for a long time. I want to expand our family with you. It’s... it's what feels right."

The weight of her words hung in the quiet of their bedroom. Vi found herself filled with an aching love for this woman who had become her world, their family that held her heart. She hugged Caitlyn closer, whispering into her hair, "Thank you."

A soft laugh trickled from Caitlyn's lips, and it was music to Vi's ears. "I should be the one thanking you," she murmured, her mind lulled to a warm indolence by the rhythm of Vi’s heartbeat. "For everything."

Vi blew out a huff of air shaking her head. “That's my line.” She muttered, nudging Caitlyn gently as she did so. She felt the woman sit up, then shushed her faint protest, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you for everything. For Felicia. For another baby. For this beautiful family we've built together... For you, for being you."

Caitlyn barely had time to respond before Vi's fingers were tracing idle patterns against her arm again, lulling her back into a serene and peaceful state of drowsiness.

“Thank you for being with me,” Caitlyn mumbled sleepily nuzzling the woman’s side as her hand found its way down along Vi’s arm drifting towards her hand. Their hands intertwined naturally and she felt Vi squeeze gently before settling it on her hip.

Her eyes were feeling heavy but she fought against it looking up at the woman. Vi's smile was so tender, so gentle, Caitlyn felt something tug at her heart at the sight of it. It was moments like these that made her realize how truly lucky she was to have found herself in this moment; with this person, with this family.

Despite everything they'd been through, they had each other.

Chapter Text

“Vi!?”

As soon as her feet hit the floor she pushed herself forward, ignoring the pain in her left arm. She passed by so many people, barely even registering their faces.

Her heart pounding… blood rushing in her ears.

As soon as she saw the medical tent she picked up speed, her breath hitching as the panic clawed at her throat. She practically dove through the flaps almost running into one of the doctors who gave her a look, though it was quickly replaced as they said something to her.

She didn’t even know what they said as she waved them off, passing by them her eyes searching the many bodies that lay on cots and stretchers, their injuries treated by the busy medical team.

Her eyes soon saw Mel causing her body to push forward despite the heaviness of pain and tiredness. She was so tired.

The woman looked up just as she was about to speak, her eyes widening at the sight of Vi.

Vi felt a breath hitch in her throat as she saw Tobias sitting down next to the stretcher his body hunched slightly over.

The hand that she held on her left arm to help with the pain fell to her side as she looked down at Caitlyn’s body lying limp on the stretcher, her face ghastly pale against the sterile white of the medical equipment. Her heart thundered in her chest as if trying to break free, and for a moment Vi felt as if the world had ceased its spin.

She wasn’t breathing.

The words from Mel barely even registered in her brain. Blood loss... her mind echoed, drowning out the rest of Mel's hurried explanation. The sight before her was too much to process, too much to take in all at once.

"No..." Vi whispered, her voice barely a breath as she fell hard to her knees beside the stretcher. “No… no no no.” She ignored the pain in her left arm bringing both hands to Caitlyn’s face that lay still, her skin cold and colorless. “Wake up… please… not you… I can't lose another.”

"Cait… Caitlyn? Come on cupcake…" Vi's voice trembled, the sound guttural and raw. Her hands shook as they brushed over Caitlyn's cold cheeks, a desperate plea in her touch. Greyness clung to Caitlyn's lips, a stark contrast against her usual vibrant color. Vi searched her face, her heart sinking with each passing second of silence.

Tears blurred Vi’s vision, stinging as they rolled down her cheeks unchecked. "Wake up," she repeated, her voice unsteady. “Please… just wake up.”

The sound of a sharp hit to the ground sent a shiver through her spine.

Vi shot up a sharp gasp sucking through her teeth. Her hand shot up gripping her shirt right over her heart, a churning feeling in her stomach made her dry heave and she was up out of the bed running for the bathroom.

She barely made it in time, emptying her stomach's contents into the toilet bowl with a painful retching sound. The taste of bile was sharp on her tongue as she hunched over, gasping for breath. She went to try and breath but more heaviness overcame her, leading to another round of violent retching.

Once done, she was hunched over unable to move, her body shaking and sweating from the exertion. Her eyes watered, and she could taste the sourness of bile clinging to her lips. It took a moment for her to gather herself, shaky hands pushing off the cool tiled floor as she managed to stand up on unsteady legs. She reached up, flushing away the nauseating residue before stumbling to the sink.

She rinsed her mouth, cringing at the aftertaste before splashing cold water on her face. She leaned heavily on the bathroom counter staring at her reflection in the mirror. The sound of laughter made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and her body moved before she even thought about it.

Going down the hall she stopped right at the open door where the laughter was coming from looking inside.

“What about this one?” Caitlyn held up one of the stuffed animals from the pile in front of her.

“No no no.” Felicia babbled, waving her hand around pushing herself up onto her feet as she leaned against Caitlyn for support for only a moment.

Seeing the scene made Vi sigh to herself. It was just a dream. Just a very vivid, horrifying dream, but nothing more. She stood rooted to the spot a moment longer, the sight of Felicia and Caitlyn safe and healthy soothing the residual fear from her nightmare.

With a shaky exhale, Vi quietly retreated back to their bedroom to freshen up, not wanting to interrupt their playtime.

It had been a while since she had a nightmare about the war. Usually, the dreams were just flashes, disjointed snippets of chaos and fear. She remembered the sounds more often than sights… but sometimes the sights haunted her just as much.

It had been a few years and last year she didn’t visit the grave. Too busy with when Felicia was born and helping Caitlyn adjust with the sleepless nights and the myriad of demands that come with parenting.

She felt guilty for that… but she kept it down.

“Oh no Felicia! She’s already awake.” The voice made her look up watching as Caitlyn set the little girl down. 

As soon as her feet hit the ground the little girl was off towards the woman, her tiny hands reaching out.

"Mama!" She squealed in delight, toddling towards Vi with a wide partially gummy grin.

Vi could barely keep the smile at bay as she knelt down to wrap her arms around their daughter picking her up. Felicia squealed again burying her face into Vi's chest. "Hey there, Muffin." She greeted softly, glancing over at Caitlyn who was watching them with a tender smile.

Caitlyn joined them, her hand coming to rest on the little girl's back as she leaned down to kiss Felicia's head. She leaned back giving Vi a smile before greeting her with a small kiss on the lips. “Well there goes the surprise.”

“Sorry to ruin it.” Vi whispered watching as a smile tugged on Caitlyn’s lips for a moment before she went to turn away. Vi quickly reached out her finger catching the band of the woman’s pants to keep her from moving away.

“Don't..." She murmured, her voice a touch husky, "...go yet."

Caitlyn looked back at her with a confused expression before she turned around, looking into Vi's eyes. “What’s wrong?” Her question was soft, filled with concern as she rested her hand on Vi's cheek.

Vi didn’t say anything as her eyes studied Caitlyn’s face. Color in her lips, cheeks flushed with warmth, she was alive, real. There wasn’t a trace of the cold, lifeless face from her nightmare that still lurked in her mind. The fear in Vi's chest eased just a fraction at the sight.

"Nothing," Vi finally responded, her voice a whisper. “Just… missed you.”

She reached up to gently cover the hand that Caitlyn had placed on her cheek, offering her a weak smile. It was less than convincing but it was all she could muster at the moment.

Caitlyn did not look convinced, but she didn’t pry further either. She simply accepted Vi’s words and squeezed her hand reassuringly, not moving to pull away. Instead, she leaned in closer, pressing her forehead against Vi’s.

Felicia babbled something tugging on a strand of Caitlyn’s hair making her hiss. “Ahh, okay Felicia, time to let go." Caitlyn pulled away with a chuckle, gently detaching her hair from the little girl's grasp. She placed a soft kiss on Felicia's chubby cheek. "Breakfast?" She asked Vi.

Vi nodded, her throat feeling too thick for words. She forced another smile as she rose, keeping Felicia balanced on her hip. "Yeah," she managed, clearing her throat. "Breakfast sounds good."

As Caitlyn moved off towards the door Vi slowly moved behind her before she cleared her throat. “After breakfast… I might run a few errands.”

Caitlyn paused in the doorway, looking back at Vi over her shoulder. “Would you like company?" She asked, her brow raising up slightly in concern.

Vi bit her lip, considering the offer. It was tempting; Caitlyn's presence was always comforting. But there were things she needed to do alone. She shook her head, continuing to follow the woman down the hall. “I’m okay, I won’t be long.”

Caitlyn hummed as they turned towards the stairs. “I will probably head out with Felicia and run some errands myself then. Maybe a little fresh air will do her good." She gave Vi a small comforting smile, reaching over to ruffle Felicia's hair. The little girl giggled in response, clutching onto the edges of Vi’s shirt tightly.

Vi found herself smiling genuinely now, the sight of the two most important people in her life helping to chase away the lingering shadows of her nightmare. With a nod, she agreed, trying to sound more upbeat for their sake. "Sounds good to me."

Vi kept her eyes towards the ground pulling her hood up more over her face. She stuffed her hands into the pockets maneuvering down the sidewalk past other people, pausing for a moment the sound of an airship being sent from the hexgate drawing her gaze upward. She watched as it disappeared into the sky, the familiar low hum of its engines gradually fading into a whisper.

After the war with some great effort the hexgates were repaired, now resuming their vital role as a conduit for travel and trade. 

Of course with it all Caitlyn made sure that the guards at the hexgates were expanded and that they were vetted thoroughly. Increased security measures, constant drills and training. It was a stance she stood by and fought for when she was made sheriff. A compromise to the council.

With a sigh, Vi moved on. She navigated her way through the bustling Piltover streets, avoiding eye contact with passing citizens. Her destination was not far off. Vi took a few more turns going down a long road, after a little she stopped in front of an iron gate, her eyes going over to the side on the wall.

The fallen - 201 APF.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself before she pushed open the heavy iron gate and stepped onto the gravel path leading towards the tranquil garden in the midst of the burial ground.

Once things started to calm down and rebuilding was at a good point they had also built a burial ground for all of those lost during the war. A memorial for those heroes, marked and unrecognized alike. Monuments and statues, placards with engraved names, flowers and faded photographs... all reminders of loss and sacrifice.

Vi moved slowly, her gaze constantly sweeping across the sea of grave markers. She knew where she was going. It was the same amount of steps, same amount of markers away from the gate. It never moved.

45, 46, 47… She paused at the far back corner looking down at the lone grave by itself.

Jinx/Powder.

Unzipping her jacket a little she pulled out a single flower rolling it in between her fingers before she slowly sat down in front of the grave for a moment, taking it in. Her jaw clenched as she fought to keep the rising tide of emotions at bay.

With a shaky hand, Vi placed the flower gently on the grave, her fingers lingering for a moment too long on the cool stone. The name carved into the grave stone felt like a punch to her gut every time she saw it. Her fingers shifted running over it, the roughness of the stone against her fingertips too real, a bitter reminder of a harsh reality.

“Always with you sis.”

She let out a sigh letting her hand fall into her lap. “It’s… been a while since I’ve last been here.” Vi paused, licking her lips as she tried to push down the lump in her throat. Her gaze remained focused on the engraving, each letter a painful jab into memories she'd been trying to keep buried.

"I… I have a daughter now," Vi began, her voice faltering. It felt strange, talking to a slab of stone, but what felt even stranger was the overwhelming sense of peace she felt as she continued, "Her name’s Felicia. Felicia Cassandra Kiramman. After our mom and Caitlyn’s mom. She was born last year and she's… she's amazing, Jinx." Her voice wavered, emotion choking her words. "You'd love her. She’s starting to talk, well ‘talk’ but really it’s just a few words mixed with a handful of babbles and coos. She has my eyes, and she looks just like Caitlyn." Vi chuckled, the sound more bitter than sweet. "Never met a baby with so much sass before."

Vi shook her head, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill over onto her cheeks. “Sorry I didn’t visit last year.” She murmured, plucking a single piece of grass from the ground and twirling it in her fingers. "It's been... hectic, to say the least. With the birth and all."

She fell silent again, her gaze focused on the single flower left on the grave. “Learning a lot about being a good mom and… a good partner. Cait took on a lot after Felicia was born, she struggled with it for a little bit but she never gave up. She… she’s a good mom, a great mom, Jinx. We’re doing okay.” Vi swallowed hard, her chest tightening with a pang of sorrow. "I wish you... I wish you could meet her, Jinx. I wish you were here."

She let out a shaky sigh as she pushed herself up off the ground, brushing off her pants as she stood.

"I guess I just..." Vi started, pausing a moment as she collected her thoughts. "I guess I just needed to hear myself say it out loud...." She glanced down at the grave marker one final time before turning away.

She went to walk away until she paused resting her hands on her hips. “Maybe one day I’ll be able to finally tell you.” She whispered, continuing down the path.

“You’re taking the vitamins you need?”

Jinx sighed, resting her hand on her forehead shaking her head. “Yes mother , I am.”

Caitlyn glared at her for a moment before she looked towards Felicia who was wobbling slightly grabbing the small toy Ekko held up for her. The toy jingled, a sound that had the little girl giggling in delight.

“The tea is still helping?”

Jinx gave a drawn out groan, tilting her head back to look at the ceiling. "For the last time, yes. The tea helps. I don't wake up that nauseous anymore."

Caitlyn frowned slightly, crossing her arms over her chest. "You should be resting more," she suggested, though it sounded more like an order.

"And do what? Stare at the ceiling all day? Count the pieces of wood?" Jinx retorted, gesturing her hand up before shifting in her seat slightly tugging her shirt down over her stomach.

Caitlyn sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "No, Jinx," she started, sounding slightly exasperated. "Resting doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in your room and do nothing, but for the sake of you and the baby, you need to take things slow."

Jinx rolled her eyes at Caitlyn's words, a sarcastic smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. "Slow, she says." Jinx chuckled darkly, a hint of her old, wild spirit peeking through. "You know me, toots. I'm not the 'taking it slow' type. Slow is boring.”

Caitlyn gave her a long, hard look, scanning Jinx's form before letting out a small, defeated sigh. "I know, but you have to take care of yourself and the baby."

There was a shift in Jinx's demeanor then. A spark that wasn't quite anger but held its own fierce intensity. "You think I don't know that? Seven months pregnant, almost eight and I’m ready to pop! Of course, I know what's at stake here." She spat out, her hands gripping the arms of her chair till her knuckles turned white. “All of these damn emotions, crying and laughing at the drop of a hat, feeling like I'm gonna hurl my guts out half the time," she huffed, her eyes narrowed. Her gaze flickered down to her abdomen, one hand protectively cradling the swell of her stomach. "I feel what's at stake here. I've been feeling it."

Caitlyn opened her mouth, prepared to respond when the sound of Felicia's giggling cut through their tension. Ekko had resorted to peek-a-boo, his hands covering his eyes before revealing them again and again. The little girl was endlessly entertained by this, her joyous laughter echoing through the room.

Jinx glanced over at the two of them playing. A softness washed over her features as she watched Ekko entertaining Felicia. “He’s a natural with kids.” She muttered.

"Certainly seems that way." Caitlyn responded, her tone warming as she too watched the pair. After a beat, she turned her gaze back to Jinx. “You will be as well.”

The woman scoffed at Caitlyn's words, her eyes meeting the other woman's. "You really think so?" She asked, a hint of vulnerability seeping into her voice.

Caitlyn gave a soft nod. "I do."

Jinx took a deep breath resting both hands on her stomach before looking down at the swell of her belly. She wore a thoughtful expression as she gently massaged her belly, the baby kicking in response to her touch. “No kid needs to grow up with a parent like me.” She muttered, an edge of bitterness in her voice.

Caitlyn opened her mouth, closing it before she let out a sigh turning to rest her arms on the table. 

“You know when I was close to giving birth to Felicia I thought the same thing. We decided to be parents and the stress of what I’ve done and what I've seen from the war made me question if I would be a good parent. Whether I could provide a safe and healthy environment for her, given everything that's happened. But look at Felicia now. She’s happy, she’s healthy. She doesn’t know anything about the war or the hardship we’ve faced." Caitlyn's voice softened looking over at Felicia again. “One day she will know, and it'll be hard for her to grasp all of it. And that day will come for your child too. But until then, all they need is love, Jinx. Shelter them in love and they will grow strong and resilient, despite everything."

Jinx slowly looked up from her belly to stare at Caitlyn. Her eyes lingered on the woman's face, taking in every line of sincerity etched there. The stern way her lips were set gave weight to her words, but the slant of her eyebrows, arched anxiously upwards, revealed worry.

"Love them," Jinx echoed quietly, finding the words almost impossible. She laid a hand on her stomach again, feeling the rapid thumps against her palm.

"That’s all you can do," Caitlyn said simply. “After all of that, it’s up to them to decide.”

For a while both of them sat in silence, their gazes locked on the scene unfolding in front of them. Felicia had taken to crawling all over Ekko, who wore an expression of amusement. He was practically beaming down at the girl, his hands never straying far from her in case she stumbled.

Jinx found her eyes moving over to Caitlyn again, watching as the woman looked on at Felicia's antics with a soft smile on her face. After a moment Caitlyn glanced down at the ground before clearing her throat.

“Do you want me here when you give birth?" Caitlyn broke the silence, her voice was quiet and serious, taking Jinx by surprise.

Jinx stammered, struggling for a response. "I... I hadn't... well... you'd... really do that?" She looked at Caitlyn, wide eyed in shock.

“I gave birth to Felicia at home with a midwife and Vi by my side. If you are comfortable with that, I’d be more than willing." Caitlyn's voice was soft, offering comfort in her obvious uncertainty.

“Vi will notice you being gone for a long time.”

Caitlyn gave a small shrug, her gaze never leaving Jinx's. "As far as she knows, I’ll be running errands.”

Jinx’s eyes slightly narrowed at her statement before she let out a long sigh, closing her eyes for a moment. “I’ll think about it.”

Caitlyn gave a curt nod, leaning back in her chair while a sigh of relief passed through her lips. "Take your time." She directed softly. A moment of silence lingered between them before she spoke up again. "Do you have any names picked out?”

Jinx shrugged, shaking her head slightly. The question seemed innocuous yet loaded with importance.

“Still thinking.” She muttered, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Don’t even know what gender this wriggly thing is yet.” Her hand rubbed over her stomach, feeling the baby kick under her palm. “I haven’t really… thought about it.”

Caitlyn nodded in understanding. "That's alright, too.” She shifted back slightly looking out a window before she got up rolling her neck. “I should head back with Felicia, get some lunch and see what Vi is doing. But take your time, Jinx... With everything." Caitlyn's voice was soft but firm, her eyes meeting Jinx's with an earnestness that couldn't be overlooked.

She was about to walk towards Felicia before Jinx spoke up. “Thank you.” It was light, barely more than a whisper, but Caitlyn heard it.

She paused, glancing back at Jinx with a nod. "Of course."

Caitlyn smiled, running her hand over Felicia’s head, the little girl snoring lightly in her arms. Carefully she set the little girl down in the crib tucking her in under the small blanket. Satisfied that Felicia was comfortable, Caitlyn moved away from the crib, carefully closing the bedroom door behind her.

She moved down the hall, softly padding her way into their bedroom. Vi wasn’t there. Her father had mentioned that Vi was home, he spoke to her a little when she got back. Vi had returned home just a little bit before Caitlyn.

She ventured through the halls for a little while searching all the usual spots where Vi would be until she came to the hall that led towards her office, the faint sound of what sounded like music reaching her ears. Saxophone.

A small smile graced her lips as she slowly moved towards the door getting closer to the soft sounds. The office door was slightly ajar, allowing the dimmed light and sweet harmony to spill out into the hallway.

As Caitlyn gently pushed the door further open, the sight that greeted her warmed her heart. Vi sat on the table in front of the fire playing the saxophone she had gotten for her birthday last year. Caitlyn leaned up against the doorframe listening to the song that Vi was playing, it was a soft melody that caressed the air and wrapped itself around Caitlyn's heart.

Caitlyn quietly stepped into the room, not wanting to disrupt Vi's moment of solitude. She walked over to the table sitting down next to the redhead, she met Vi’s eyes for a moment as the woman continued to play the melody, her fingers gracefully dancing over the instrument. Caitlyn watched her intently, a silent spectator to Vi's intimate performance.

Once the final notes of the song played out, Vi gently set the saxophone in her lap, her eyes going to the fire in front of them.

“Will you play another one for me?”

Vi chuckled one of her hands finding Caitlyn’s. "I could play you a hundred melodies, and it still wouldn't be enough to express how much you mean to me," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Caitlyn blushed at her words letting out a small laugh through her nose.

Brushing her thumb over Caitlyn's knuckles, Vi hesitated before meeting her gaze. "But alright," she agreed, squeezing Caitlyn's hand for a moment before lifting the saxophone back into position. “Just one.”

Vi licked her lips tapping the side thinking for a moment before bringing the instrument up to her lips.

This tune felt warmer than the last, more personal, yet it carried the same wistful undertone that hung in the air. Vi played with a tenderness that echoed in each swell and drop of the music. As the notes flowed seamlessly, Caitlyn found herself swaying slightly to the rhythm, her heart matching the ebb and flow of Vi's music.

There was no rush, no hurry. This was their space, their slice of peace in a world that too often demanded everything from them. Caitlyn let her head rest on Vi's shoulder, watching as her fingers danced over the saxophone keys with practiced ease.

When the last note was played and the quiet hush settled again between them, Caitlyn gently turned to face Vi feeling her cheeks flush; she was struck by how much she loved this woman. "Vi," she murmured softly, reaching a hand up to cradle her cheek, "I could listen to you forever."

Vi cracked a warm smile at that, huffing out a laugh through her nose. "You flatter me too much."

Caitlyn chuckled in response before leaning forward placing a soft kiss on Vi’s lips. Both women melted into the sweet intimacy of their kiss, Vi's arm coming around Caitlyn’s waist closing any space between them.

It wasn't long before Vi pulled away kissing Caitlyn’s cheeks a few times before their foreheads rested against each other.

“I finally got to hear you play," Caitlyn murmured. "I've been waiting for this."

Vi chuckled breathlessly, her fingers tracing a path from Caitlyn's waist to the small of her back. “I’ve been practicing when I could, I didn’t want to sound terrible." Her uncertainty seeped through.

Caitlyn pulled back just enough to meet Vi's gaze, her hands cradling Vi's face. "You could never sound terrible, Vi," she reassured, planting another soft kiss on Vi's lips.

A sigh of relief fell from Vi’s lips as she turned, pressing her forehead against the woman’s again. "I love you, Cait."

"I love you too," Caitlyn murmured in return. “How were your errands?”

"They were… good," Vi replied, her voice holding an edge of uncertainty. She hesitated before elaborating, her fingers mindlessly tracing small, comforting circles along Caitlyn's back. "I... visited Jinx."

Caitlyn stilled at the mention of the name straightening slighty. She pulled back, her hands still resting on Vi's jawline as she searched the other woman's face, reading the subtle flicker of emotions that passed over her features. "How was it?" Caitlyn asked gently.

Vi let out a heavy sigh, her gaze drifting to the dying embers in the fireplace. "It's always... hard," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "But it was something I needed to do, since I didn’t go last year."

Silence stretched between them before Caitlyn nodded slowly; an understanding smile touching upon her lips. “You’re stronger than you think you are,” she murmured, leaning forward to kiss Vi’s forehead.

A soft chuckle escaped Vi’s lips as she hugged Caitlyn even closer. “I’ve got you and Felicia to thank for that,” she replied, her voice brimming with warmth and affection.

“Even so, you're the one who chooses to stay strong, for us and for yourself," Caitlyn added gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Vi's ear. "I'm proud of you."

Vi's eyes softened at her words. Reaching up, she traced the arch of Caitlyn's brow with a tender touch. "Means a lot to hear you say that," she confessed, her voice thick with emotion.

Caitlyn could only offer a comforting smile in return, leaning into the hand that cupped her face.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

“Vi?”

The redhead hummed, turning slightly to look at the woman. “Could you get the blanket from my office? I think I left it there, I can’t find it here." Felicia was being fussy for bedtime, she was picky when it came to going to sleep if she didn’t have a certain blanket now.

Vi nodded, giving Caitlyn a quick peck on the lips before slipping quietly out of their room. Thankfully it didn’t take long for Vi to reach the office, the glow from the golden lamps illuminating the room as she pushed open the door. Vi strode across the room, her gaze landing on the desk.

Not often Vi messed around Caitlyn’s main desk, it was mostly filled with folders from work. She especially didn't mess with the archive machine at all.

“What's that?” Vi glanced over looking at a small rectangle in Caitlyn's hand, something she had seen Caitlyn with a few times but never bothered to ask until now.

“The Kiramman key, my legacy.” She pressed a small button on the side, it made a soft clicking sound, metal pieces popping out from one side. 

Vi saw Caitlyn looking towards the archive device, she had seen her on it a few times, but again, never asked.

“I want to show you.”

“Cait-”

“You're my wife now, Vi. This, you deserve to know what secrets the Kiramman family holds." She flipped the key around holding it out for Vi to take. “It should have been something I showed you before we got married.”

Vi hesitated, uncertain. This was a legacy that had been passed down the Kiramman line for generations and now... now Caitlyn wanted to share it with her. With a measured breath, Vi reached out and cautiously took the key from her, feeling the surprising weight of it in her hand.

"Alright," Vi murmured softly, turning the key over in her hand. "Show me."

A glimpse of relief flashed through Caitlyn's eyes as she got up from the table moving towards the archiving device. As Caitlyn explained how to interact with the archive device, Vi felt like she was being pulled into another world.

Each flicker of light portrayed scenes from a different era; inventions that shaped Piltover into what it was now, advancements that revolutionized technology, moments of joy and celebration, moments of peril and loss. All encased within this legacy that Caitlyn was entrusting with her.

There were even recent additions from the war itself.

“I used this for all the wrong reasons.” Caitlyn whispered, clicking a few buttons, the screen going dark.

“You mean with the gray?”

Caitlyn nodded, pulling out the key clicking the button the metal pieces pushing back into itself before she set it down with a soft clink.

“No one got hurt, Cait. We used it to take down those who still followed Silco and to clear… a path to Jinx.” She watched as the woman reached up, taking off the eyepatch resting it next to the key with a sigh.

“Even so I still regret using something like that for war." She confessed, her eyes never leaving the dark screen. "It was never meant to be used that way."

Vi reached over, taking hold of Caitlyn's hand resting on the desk. The warmth of their connection was a comforting presence, grounding her in the face of so much heavy history. "Cait, we had to do a lot of things in the war that we wish we didn’t have to." Vi assured her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “We're out of it now. It's okay."

A melancholic smile graced Caitlyn's lips as she nodded slowly. Turning her gaze from the archive device to meet Vi's understanding eyes. “Can I ask a favor?”

"Of course," Vi responded readily, her grip on Caitlyn's hand tightening in reassurance.

Caitlyn took a deep breath, her free hand reaching to gingerly pick up the Kiramman key again. “If anytime in the future we ever have a child of our own and if anything happens to me… and they accept their legacy, will you show them this?” Her voice quivered slightly as she held up the key. "Show them... who they are."

“I won’t have to. Because you’ll still be here to show them," Vi responded, her voice shaking with the intensity of her conviction. She reached out, carefully taking the key from Caitlyn's trembling hand. "But if something did happen... I'd honor your wish, Cait. I promise."

Caitlyn's eyes filled with a spark of relief at Vi's vow, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Vi," she whispered, reaching up to touch Vi's face. Vi offered a weak smile in return, holding the key protectively in her grip.

Vi blinked a few times shaking her head as she moved towards the main desk.

“Blanket… blanket.” She mused to herself shifting around a few piles of folders clicking her tongue. Pushing on a few drawers she quickly glanced through them before shifting to the left side pushing on the other drawers sliding them open.

She gave them a quick glance as well going to close the bottom one before she stopped herself holding her hand onto the door of the drawer keeping it from closing.

“They're gonna work this time, I know it.”

Vi let out a shaky breath pulling the drawer open again reaching her hand in her fingers clutching the small metal piece. Bringing it up she slowly sat back looking at the monkey head.

It was a piece of Jinx's bomb.

The one from that day.

Vi knew the moment that Caitlyn felt better she went to the bottom of the hexgates and searched. No bodies were found, Vander’s body or Jinx’s.

“Break the cycle.”

She shifted slightly looking into the drawer, reaching in again she pulled out a postcard. Turning it around she saw three words on the back written in blue marker. Don’t tell her.

It was her way of grief, it was easier for Vi not to acknowledge it… but deep down she knew . She knew Jinx was alive. She also knew that Caitlyn knew of this fact long ago but chose to respect Vi's feelings and never brought it up. 

They moved on, built a life after the war, after everything.

Vi had no reason to be mad at Caitlyn for keeping this truth away from her, because she herself had chosen to embrace the same denial. She had chosen to keep on believing that Jinx was gone, that part of her life was closed off.

And she respected Jinx’s decision.

“You don't have to worry about me anymore. You don't need to feel guilty about being happy. You deserve to be with her.”

So she stayed. She stayed with Caitlyn and embraced the second chance that life had given her. They had found happiness amidst the ruins of their past. The scars were still there, etched in their souls, a silent reminder of the battles they had fought, but they were also a testament to their resilience, their will to move forward.

She just hoped that Jinx was able to find her own happiness, too. The life she deserved. Their paths had diverged a long time ago but in the end, they were sisters. Always would be. Nothing would ever change that.

Vi closed her eyes for a moment, pushing the two items back into the drawer. She closed it with a soft click letting out a sigh.

One day maybe she would see her again. Give her a hug again. Tell her that she loves her. Tell her that she’s sorry.

But until that day, her place was here with Caitlyn and Felicia. She loved them dearly and they gave her more happiness than she’d ever thought she could have or deserved. So even if her heart occasionally ached with guilt, Vi had to make the best out of the life she'd been given. For herself, for her family, and yes, even for Jinx.

Steeling herself, Vi took a deep breath and pushed herself off the floor. She rummaged around some more before finally finding the blanket hidden beneath a stack of folders.

As she made her way back to their room, she couldn’t help but feel a hint of peace. After all those nightmares and regrets. She was here, living a peaceful life with Caitlyn and their adorable little girl, and even the thought of planning on a second child made her heart flutter. 

Approaching Felicia’s room, she could hear the muffled tones of Caitlyn trying to soothe a fussy Felicia.

She slipped inside, she held up the blanket. “Sorry, I finally found it.” Vi quickly handed it over to Caitlyn who took it, their fingers brushing for a moment before Caitlyn wrapped the blanket around Felicia.

Their little girl cooed softly, the corners of her mouth curving into a sleepy smile at the familiar touch and scent of her favorite blanket. She snuggled against Caitlyn releasing a small sigh as she finally drifted into sleep. 

Vi watched from a few steps away as Caitlyn carefully set the little girl back into the crib with a sigh.

“Thank you.”

Vi gave a curt nod, her eyes softening at the sight of their daughter peacefully asleep now. She watched as Caitlyn brushed a few stray hairs away from Felicia's face, planting a soft kiss on her forehead before standing up straight again.

Stepping away Caitlyn walked towards her, her hand finding the redhead’s before leading them out of the room, leaving the door ajar. Vi followed along letting herself be led to their room whilst her mind whirled with thoughts, a whirlwind of emotions that she quickly pushed away.

Upon entering their room, Caitlyn let go of her hand to start getting ready for bed. Vi just stood in the doorway, watching as Caitlyn moved around the room with ease, her movements free and natural. In these quiet moments, Vi allowed herself to feel grateful about what she has, a loving partner and a beautiful child. A family.

"Vi?" Caitlyn's voice quietly echoed through the room, bringing Vi back to reality.

"Hmm?"

Caitlyn glanced at her over her shoulder, giving Vi a curious look. "Bed?" She questioned simply, gesturing towards their bed.

Vi smiled faintly at the sight of Caitlyn already sitting on their bed waiting for her, smoothing the sheets absentmindedly. "Yeah." Vi responded softly before following her partner to their bed.

As they settled in, Caitlyn rolled over resting her head against the woman’s shoulder, her fingers tracing idle patterns against Vi's stomach tracing around the scar she had there. For a while, they lay there in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts and the simple pleasure of being together.

“Cait?”

“Hm?”

“Thank you.”

Caitlyn hummed, her fingers pausing momentarily on Vi's stomach. "For what?"

"For everything." Vi murmured in a quiet voice, tightening her arm around Caitlyn's shoulders. "For loving me, for staying with me, for giving me a family."

Caitlyn tilted her head back to meet Vi’s gaze, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before they softened. “I couldn’t ask for anything else." She moved in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to Vi’s chin. “You gave me just as much.”

Vi’s lips curved up into a small smile, her hand coming up to brush away a loose strand of hair from Caitlyn's face. “Even so…” Her voice trailed off as she fell quiet, the room descending into a comfortable silence again.

Caitlyn hummed, bringing her hand up resting it on Vi’s cheek letting her thumb rub along the woman's tattoo under her eye while keeping her gaze locked onto Vi's. "You're an amazing person, Vi. You've been through so much... we both have... but here we are," Caitlyn whispered softly, her eyes shining with affection and respect for the woman she loved. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you, Vi."

A warm feeling spread through Vi at her words, a blush painting her cheeks as she leaned into Caitlyn's touch. "I love you too," she murmured in response, her voice slightly choked with emotion.

A moment passed between them before Vi let out a soft sigh curling her fingers around Caitlyn's hand bringing it to her lips pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. “Good night Cait,” she murmured, pressing another quick kiss to the woman’s forehead.

Caitlyn smiled up at Vi, winding their fingers together as they settled back against the pillows. "Goodnight Vi." And so, in the tranquil silence that filled their room, they both drifted off into a peaceful sleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

Chapter Text

Tugging on the flap Caitlyn shook the box, pulling out a test. Setting the box to the side Caitlyn tore the corner of the plastic pulling out the test.

Looking up in the mirror she saw Vi walking in one hand rubbing her eye the other under her shirt scratching her stomach as she yawned. Vi didn’t even open her eyes as she walked up behind the woman wrapping her arms around her waist before setting her chin on her shoulder.

“Whatcha doing?” Vi mumbled sleepily, pressing a soft kiss to Caitlyn's neck.

Caitlyn took a deep breath, lifting one of her hands to caress Vi's that were wrapped around her waist. “Taking a test.”

The redhead peaked an eye open meeting her eyes in the mirror before looking down at the plastic test in her hand. “Have you been feeling any symptoms?”

“I mean a little tired, but no morning sickness yet," Caitlyn replied, her fingers absentmindedly tracing over the plastic. She took a deep breath, turning to face Vi.

Vi gave a comforting smile, her hand reaching up to gently caress Caitlyn's cheek. "Either way," she reassured, leaning in to press a soft kiss onto Caitlyn's forehead, "we've done it once before, we can do it again."

“It has been a little bit of time though, Vi." A small wrinkle of worry appeared on Caitlyn’s forehead as she wrapped her arms around Vi’s neck. “What if… things aren’t the same?”

“Not all pregnancies are the same, you might have morning sickness earlier or not at all this time. We could have another girl, or a boy." Vi's tone was soothing, her eyes locked onto Caitlyn’s. “The one good thing about this time around is we know what to expect and how to prepare," she finished, her thumb gently brushing over Caitlyn's cheek.

Caitlyn sighed, resting her head against Vi's shoulder in a silent acknowledgement of her words. "You're right. I know you're right," she replied, turning to plant a soft kiss against the base of Vi's neck.

Vi let out a small chuckle, placing her hands on Caitlyn's waist pulling her closer. "That's my girl." Vi said softly, pressing another warm kiss against Caitlyn's scalp.

She stayed there for a few more minutes, relishing in the comfort of Vi's arms around her before breaking away to take the test.

As they waited for the result, Caitlyn found herself being pulled into Vi's lap, her wife’s hands offering a comforting rub to her back. “This was the worst part last time.” Caitlyn mused letting out a groan as Vi continued her soothing motion, her lips pressing a soft kiss to the nape of Caitlyn's neck.

"Waiting isn’t so bad," Vi replied, chuckling at Caitlyn’s dramatic groan. "Besides, it gives me more time to hold you like this." She shifted, wrapping her arms around the woman’s waist kissing the back of her neck.

Caitlyn let out a laugh, leaning back into Vi's embrace. "You can hold me like this any time you want," she teased, turning to peck Vi's cheek.

“Oh can I?”

She let her fingers play with the edge of Caitlyn’s shirt hearing the woman click her tongue. “Behave yourself," Caitlyn scolded with a laugh, though there was no real bite to it. She leaned deeper into Vi's arms, closing her eyes as Vi's fingers traced lazy circles on her stomach.

“You’re no fun.”

Caitlyn huffed out a laugh at Vi's comment, but didn't bother to move away.

Silence filled the room, only the soft hum of their breathing. As seconds turned into minutes, Caitlyn's anxiety began to rise; the dreaded wait for the results of the test were drawn out, each ticking second sending her heart racing.

Absentmindedly, she picked at a loose thread on Vi’s shirt, her thoughts swirling. Finally, she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Do you want a boy or another girl?"

Vi rested her chin against Caitlyn's shoulder, her fingers pausing on Caitlyn's stomach. After a moment, she shrugged lightly, "Doesn't matter to me. A girl or a boy... as long as they're healthy and happy, that's all I could ask for."

“But?”

Vi hesitated at her question, a small chuckle accompanying her response. "But if I had to choose... I think another girl could be fun. Felicia might like having a little sister."

"Mmhm," Caitlyn hummed, pressing a kiss to Vi's arm that was wrapped around her. "I suppose Felicia would love having a sister." She fell quiet for a while before adding, "But a little brother could be nice too."

Vi grinned at that, "I can already imagine how overprotective you'd be over him."

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at Vi's words. "And you wouldn't?" She countered with a teasing smirk.

"I would," Vi admitted with a chuckle. “Anyway, boy or girl, they'll have the best mom."

Her words sent warmth spreading through Caitlyn's chest, and she leaned into Vi’s body with a sigh of contentment. They lapsed back into silence again, waiting, until finally she pressed her hands to Vi’s thighs getting up.

“I think it has been long enough.” She mused walking towards the bathroom, Vi followed behind leaning up against the doorframe. She watched as Caitlyn stepped up to the counter picking up the test looking down at it.

There was a faint sag in Caitlyn’s shoulders as she read the result, her expression unreadable. Vi felt a knot forming in her stomach, anxiously awaiting to know the outcome. Caitlyn remained silent just staring at it.

“Cait?" Vi’s voice was no more than a whisper as she began to push herself away from the doorway entering the room looking over her shoulder. "What does it say?"

Negative.

She felt a frown tug on her lips resting her hands on Caitlyn’s hips kissing the back of her neck.

"It was a long shot," Caitlyn murmured. She didn't meet Vi's gaze, continuing to stare at the negative test in her hand.

Vi gently took Caitlyn's wrist grabbing the test bringing her hand up pressing a kiss to it as she guided Caitlyn to turn and face her. Her wife didn't resist, her eyes damp as she finally met Vi's gaze.

"Hey," Vi whispered, her fingers gently tracing the side of Caitlyn's face. "It's okay." Caitlyn merely nodded, pressing her cheek into Vi's palm while closing her eyes.

After a moment of silence, Caitlyn swallowed thickly, opening her eyes to meet Vi's once more. "I know it is… I just... I got my hopes up."

Vi gave a small nod of understanding, brushing a thumb across Caitlyn's cheekbones in a soothing motion. "We can try again next time. We've got time. No rush." She reassured Caitlyn, leaning down to close the gap between them in a soft kiss.

Caitlyn nodded into the kiss, finding comfort in the slow rhythm and lingering taste. Vi was right, they had time. This wasn’t urgent; it was more of a desire to expand their family, to give Felicia a sibling to grow up with. “We should get ready for work.” She murmured as they pulled away.

"Yeah," Vi answered quietly, her hands leaving Caitlyn's face to rest on her waist. "You go ahead, I need a minute."

Caitlyn searched Vi's face for a moment before giving a small nod and leaving the room, the soft sound of her footsteps fading, leaving Vi alone with her thoughts.

Vi sighed and turned her attention back to the pregnancy test still in her hand. Negative. She stared at that single word for minutes, letting the silence of the room envelop her. After a few more moments she leaned over letting it fall from her hand into the trash can.

Vi squatted down flexing her hands with a giant grin on her face as Felicia fell into her arms, she babbled a few words bringing her thumb to her mouth.

“Hi firecracker.” She hummed kissing the girls cheek a few times before looking towards Tobias giving him a smile. “Thank you for bringing her.”

He gave a small nod bringing his hand up to run through Felicia’s hair. “Are you going to surprise her?”

The redhead grinned, bouncing the little girl getting a handful of giggles from her. “That’s the plan, she hasn’t really been having a good morning,” She looked down towards Felicia grabbing one of her hands, her tone slightly changing. “So we’re going to surprise mama, right Felicia?”

Felicia gave a bubbly giggle, kicking her little legs in excitement, and Vi chuckled, bobbing the girl slightly in her arms. “That’s my champ,” she said with a broad smile. Turning back to Tobias, she nodded once more in gratitude. “Thank you, I’ll bring her home later.”

“Good luck.” Tobias gave one last pat to Felicia’s cheek before stepping back, watching as Vi turned towards the building going back up the stairs.

A few enforcers who were on the outside looked towards her giving her a nod as she passed them. Vi returned the gesture, adjusting Felicia on her hip. "You ready, muffin?" She asked, pressing a quick kiss to Felicia's soft hair. In response, the toddler let out a babble that had Vi laughing.

“Oh my goodness, she looks like a mini sheriff.”

The redhead smirked, stopping by the front desk bouncing Felicia again. “Hey Debbie.”

The older woman turned her chair, getting up from it not before grabbing something from a drawer. “What’s this little one's name?” She asked Vi, holding up a small plastic badge to Vi who gave a nod.

“This is Felicia.” She mused watching as the woman carefully pinned the badge on Felicia's shirt, the toddler letting out an excited giggle.

"Oh, you like that, huh?" Debbie asked, chuckling as she returned to her desk. "Well, isn't that just the sweetest thing? You bring her back anytime, Vi."

"Will do," Vi responded with a grin, before heading towards the elevator to head towards their office. On the way she was met with many people who cooed and awed at Felicia, causing her to giggle and squeal in delight. The toddler's energy seemed infectious, brightening up the entire office as Vi passed by.

Once they reached the office she noticed that Steb was not at his desk, likely he went off to make copies. She held up a finger to her lip hoping Felicia would understand the universal sign for silence. Seeing her mother's funny face, Felicia giggled behind her hand, though she complied and kept her voice down.

Vi carefully adjusted the toddler in her arms as she inched the door open, peeking inside to see that Caitlyn was not at her desk. Pushing the door more she hummed her head swiveling around, but there was no sign of Caitlyn.

“Alright muffin, we’re going to surprise your mama.”

“Ma ma ma.” Felicia started mimicking, the words falling out of her mouth in a joyous babble. She clapped her tiny hands together, her giggles echoing in the room. Vi chuckled, walking further into the office.

“Yeah, your mama," she said, bouncing her lightly in her arms. She crossed the room to Caitlyn’s desk pushing aside a few of the folders, making sure to not mess up Caitlyn’s desk organization too much.

Grabbing a plain piece of paper she set the little girl down in Caitlyn’s chair, she quickly ran over to her desk searching around until she found a random small pack of crayons. “Alright, let’s hope whatever your mama is doing doesn’t take too long.” She mused, tearing open the pack handing the little girl one of them Felicia immediately took to the task, her little hand wrapping around the crayon as she began to scribble on the page.

Moving back to her seat she leaned back kicking her feet up listening to Felicia babble to herself giggling every once in a while as she colored randomly on the page. It made Vi smile just watching their daughter sit in the chair that was too big for her, scribbling away with childlike glee. Truly, she thought to herself, there was no sight more wholesome than this.

As minutes passed, she kept straining her ears out to see if she could hear Caitlyn returning, but keeping her gaze fixed on Felicia. The toddler was now enthusiastically banging the crayon against the paper, a goofy grin spread across her chubby face. "You're really having fun, huh, firecracker?" Vi chuckled softly.

Time seemed to lurch forward and just as Vi started to consider taking Felicia out of Caitlyn's chair, the office door creaked open.

Vi lifted a finger to her lips again as Caitlyn walked in, files tucked under her arm. Though her gaze was down on one of them that was open in her hand, skimming through the words quickly.

"Bloody paperwork," Caitlyn muttered to herself as she closed the door behind her, completely unaware of the surprise waiting at her desk.

Vi took a second to appreciate the sight of her wife engrossed in work.