Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vi checked her watch and the clock on the wall for the third time in the past hour. 7:20. The times matched, they always did but today was a day she couldn’t let a minute go unaccounted for. She shifted in her seat in a failed attempt to make herself comfortable.

The usually calm and stoic doctor was now a bundle of nerves. She had to prepare one of her many patients for surgery and oversee said surgery. Which was scheduled in an hour. She had prepped patients before. When little Jackie had needed to get her tonsils removed or Warwick had needed his skin graft. The difference this time was that she would be in the theater.

Isha, her patient, was born with congenital heart defects and was able to live with the condition for years until fairly recently. Luckily her parents – with Vi’s help – had managed to schedule a surgery for her with Doctor Viktor Herald. All that was left to do now was for Isha to actually receive the surgery.

That made Vi more nervous than anyone could possibly imagine. Isha was one of her very first patients and the only one of her patients who had required such a complicated surgery. Yes, other surgeries her patients had risks but none as big as this one.

“Sky,” she called for her secretary.

The older woman entered her consultation room with Isha’s file in hand. Somehow Sky always knew what she wanted from her. It was probably due to the years of experience she had over the young doctor.

Vi thanked Sky as she took the file. She flipped and read over each section, making sure she didn’t leave anything out. Sky stood and watched her in silence, taking note of the anxious expression she wore.

“You’re nervous,” Sky pointed out. “Your nervousness isn’t gonna help anyone.”

“Since when did you become so cynical,” Vi’s eyes were still glued onto the file though a fragment of a smirk played on her lips.

Sky sat in the empty chair in front of her.

“Since my boss looks like she’s on the verge of a panic attack.”

Vi scoffed, not lifting her head from the file. “Your boss is the actual owner of this place, not me.”

Vi didn’t have to look at the older woman to know she was rolling her eyes.

“Young people and their attitudes,” Sky complained as she leaned over and grabbed the file out of Vi’s hands.

“What the-”

“Blood type?”

Vi looked at Sky completely dumbfounded.

“What are you-”

“Blood type,” Sky repeated, unwilling to back down.

Of course of all the secretaries in the hospital Vi would be assigned the one with the guts to steal a patient's file right from her hands.

“B positive,” Vi grumbled.

“Family medical history?”

Vi rolled her eyes and reached over her desk to snatch the file away from Sky, who anticipated it and swatted her hand away with the very same file.

“Mother has a history of high blood pressure and the father has type 1 diabetes,” Vi sat back down in her seat with an annoyed huff. She knew there was no point in arguing with Sky, the woman was just as stubborn as her.

“Favourite animal?”

“Walrus.”

Sky smirked as she dropped the file onto Vi’s desk.

“That last one wasn’t even in the file,” she pointed out. “Which proves my point, you’re worried about nothing. You’re not even the one doing the operation.”

Vi knew Sky was right but that didn’t mean that she would stop worrying about her patient. If anything went wrong…

“Vi,” Sky wore a concerned smile. “You’re gonna be in that room with Viktor, if it’s too much I can tell him you can’t-”

“No,” she interrupted. “I’ll be fine.”

There was no way in hell Vi would let Isha down. The girl was scared and had made Vi promise she’d be there with her whilst Viktor did his ‘magic’.

“Just a little nervous,” Vi shrugged it off. “First time observing a surgery in this hospital.”

It wasn’t a complete lie, it was her first year at the hospital but that was not at all the reason she was nervous.

“You’ll be fine,” Sky comforted her. “It’s the same procedure as any other hospital, a surgery you’ve done before. The only difference is this time you’ll be in the backseat. Not to mention how much trust Isha and her parents have in you.”

Vi nodded. She wouldn’t dare tell Sky that what she had just said was her biggest fear, having parents trust her with their kids' life only to regret it if something were to go wrong.

—

Caitlyn sat in her fathers office, stirring the cup of tea Elora – his assistant brought her. It was time for the hospital's annual ‘ethics audit’. The Kiramman Private Hospital always hired lawyers to ensure that everything was running smoothly. Though said lawyers came from the family’s law firm.

As a result meticulous documentation was required to ensure there was no conflict of interest between the hospital and law firm. Part of Caitlyn enjoyed the fact that she had to keep a veracious record of the hospital's staff and operations, the other part of her was annoyed she had to be there in person.

The door to the office swung open widely as Doctor Kiramman himself entered. The grey haired man was wearing his doctor's coat and had a clipboard in his hand.

“Caitlyn,” Tobias approached his daughter with open arms.

Caitlyn placed her tea on her father’s desk before she got up to hug him. She was taller than her father now but not long ago the opposite was true.

“Hi dad,” Caitlyn greeted him as she pulled away from the hug. “It’s nice to see you up and about despite the fact you should be retired.”

Tobias chuckled and gestured for Caitlyn to return to her seat.

“I’ll retire when I die,” he replied as he hung up his coat.

Caitlyn scoffed. Her parents were the same. An old couple who refused to retire despite being well past their retirement age.

“Mum told me the same thing,” Caitlyn picked up her tea.

“Did she really,” Tobias grinned and took his seat.

Caitlyn shrugged and placed the now empty teacup on the desk. She turned to her briefcase, pulling out a notebook and pen.

“Back to business already,” Tobias raised an eyebrow.

“You see me for dinner every weekend,” Caitlyn pointed her pen at him. “Besides, I’m not here for pleasure.”

Tobias hummed softly. No matter how much Caitlyn would deny it she was as much a workaholic as her mother, never resting until she had conducted her research and made a solid case.

“What harm is there in a father wanting to have some quality time with his daughter outside of weekly visits,” Tobias didn’t wait for Caitlyn to respond before changing the topic. “How’s the audit going?”

Caitlyn looked at her notebook, flipping pages. She had written down all her notes on each staff member she interviewed in her notebook, which was almost filled.

“We’re practically done. I assigned Steb and Maddie to deal with the nurses, anesthesiologists and such. According to Maddie they should be done by the end of today and I only have part of the pediatric section left to interview.”

Tobias hummed in acknowledgement.

“I’m surprised you're not interviewing them right now.”

“A few of them are in theater or have appointments scheduled,” Caitlyn explained. “I decided I should keep you updated whilst waiting.”

These visits done by the law firm always happened unexpectedly – for the doctors and nurses. The only people that knew when they were going to happen were the lawyers that were assigned to the audit and the Kiramman family.

According to Cassandra they decided to keep it this way to, “catch them off guard.” It was one of the few things Caitlyn didn’t argue with her mother about.

“How are you finding it being on the opposite end of these reports,” Tobias asked.

“I would rather be in court right now,” Caitlyn frowned.

Normally Caitlyn would not come to the hospital in person, she would review the data gathered by her colleagues who were sent and ensure the accuracy of said data. This time however her mother had insisted she had to go to the hospital in person.

“The staff aren’t that bad are they,” Tobias raised an eyebrow.

Caitlyn shook her head. “None of them gave me trouble – except for Jayce.”

“That’s to be expected,” Tobias chuckled. “You are going to be running this place soon enough. Don't think anyone would dare to do something to earn your wrath.”

The joke made Caitlyn scoff, she knew that was the main reason for her mother insisting she would go to the hospital in person. Her parents might have said they would never retire but their actions told her otherwise.

“Somethings bothering you,” Tobias pointed out. “Whatever you say here will be between us. Doctor-patient confidentiality.”

“It’s nothing,” Caitlyn sat straighter as she spoke. “Just stress.”

“You’re worried about running the show.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a topic Caitlyn refused discussing with her parents. Each time they brought it up she would try to change the conversation. It worked the majority of the time.

“I think it’s time for me to return to work,” Caitlyn deflected. “Doctors should be free by now. I’ll visit you again sometime this week.”

The frown on her fathers face made it clear to her that the man didn’t want her to leave. Not waiting for her father to come up with an excuse for her stay and continue their conversation, Caitlyn got up and exited the office.

Chapter Text

Nearly 9 hours later the surgery had been successfully completed and Vi was finally allowed to return to her cozy office on the other side of the hospital. The first thing Vi planned on doing was having a red bull and ordering from the closest fast food place.

“Doctor Vanderson,” Sky wore the fakest smile Vi had ever seen in her life. “You have a visitor.”

Vi cursed under her breath. “I thought I arranged for all appointments to be cancelled for today.”

Sky nodded vigorously, a fake smile still plastered on her face. “You did but this wasn’t exactly… avoidable.”

Of course some random parent would demand to have their appointment with her. She loved working with kids but their parents… a completely different story.

“It’s fine Sky,” Vi tried her best to hide her annoyance. “I’ll deal with them. If you don’t see them leaving in the next 5 minutes then send me the patient's file.”

“You should probably kno-”

Vi didn’t wait for Sky to finish her sentence and entered her consultation room. Inside there were no kids, only a woman with dark blue hair. Vi approached the woman who stood in front of the kids bookshelf.

“You’ve gathered quite the collection here Doctor Vanderson,” The woman had a posh, British accent.

Vi hummed in acknowledgement. “It’s for the kids. They get bored whilst I talk to their parents.”

The taller woman turned to Vi, facing her for the first time. Her piercing blue eyes sent a shiver down Vi’s spine.

It was obvious to Vi that the woman wasn’t a parent – not of her patients at least. She didn’t recognise her at all. Sure some faces are easier to remember than others but this lady was a complete stranger. Perhaps she was scouting ahead? Seeing if Vi was the ‘right’ doctor for her children. Whatever her business was, Vi did not want to deal with it now.

“Please,” the woman sat in one of the empty chairs. “Take a seat.”

Vi chuckled nervously. She had never had someone offer her a seat in her office. She could tell that this mystery woman would be hard to get rid of. Regardless, Vi sat in her chair, facing the woman.

“So you know who I am but I have no clue who you are,” Vi leaned back on her chair.

“My apologies,” she wore a kind smile as she spoke but looked as though she hadn’t thought about introducing herself until now. “I’m Caitlyn.”

Vi nodded, trying to put on her friendliest face. Judging from Caitlyn’s mannerisms it was clear to her that this intruder was going to be keeping her company for a while.

“So Caitlyn what can I help you with today,” Vi pushed her glasses further up her nose.

Caitlyn didn’t look at Vi, she instead shoved her head into the handbag she was carrying and pulled out a black leather cladded notebook and a fountain pen. Fancy.

“You can answer some questions for me,” she answered.

“I- I’m sorry what,” Vi tilted her head in confusion, eyebrows scrunched. Out of all the things this random woman could’ve asked of her this was the last thing she expected.

“I need to interview you. It’s procedure.”

What the hell was going on? A random woman was sitting in her office and asking for an interview, not bothering to explain to her what any of this was all about.

“I’m sorry, what exactly do you do?”

Vi didn’t bother to hide the confusion in her voice and this somehow amused the mysterious woman who started laughing at her.

“My apologies,” Caitlyn said once she had managed to calm herself, the thin line on her lips now a smile. “I thought you knew already. I’m a Medical Malpractice Attorney.”

Oh fuck.

The random woman who had been waiting for her in her office was not just some random woman but was in fact someone who could possibly end her career. Of course the day where she had to oversee a surgery this would happen to her.

Caitlyn did not seem to be aware of the distress she caused Vi and began twirling her hair with her pen. Somehow that simple act made Vi more scared.

Unwilling to let her fear be known, Vi mustered up her best smile. Lawyers could smell fear and Vi wasn’t going to let the one in front of her get a whiff of that fear.

“Fire away then,” Vi gestured for Caitlyn to start her interrogation.

Caitlyn let go of her hair and leaned back into her chair, pen in hand ready to write.

“Doctor Vanderson,” Caitlyn looked between her notebook and Vi. “You performed a surgery today. It’s my understanding you’ve been hired as a general pediatrician. Why are you then participating in surgeries – especially ones that are delicate?”

“Please call me Vi. As for your question… well… I am a general pediatrician here but I’m technically a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon. Doctor Hearld insisted I sat in since the surgery was for my patient.”

Vi scratched the back of her neck nervously. Was she about to get sued for observing the surgery? It’s not like she did anything except stand there and watch Viktor work. Besides that she wouldn’t have been assigned to observe the surgery if it was illegal. If anyone should be sued for that it would be the hospital not her.

“Do you need to know about where I got my credentials?”

Vi leaned forward trying to catch a glimpse of what Caitlyn had written. Unfortunately for her, the lawyer looked up with a sly smirk. Vi could feel her cheeks turning red as she leaned back into her seat.

“I am to receive a copy of your file tomorrow,” Caitlyn informed. “But it would help if you told me now.”

Great, the lawyer interviewing her has been granted access to her file. That meant one thing and one thing only, she was being sued.

“Right,” Vi scratched the back of her neck. “Well should I start from preschool or-”

“Once you graduated from highschool you would be fine,” Caitlyn interrupted.

“Well I graduated from Piltover Academy at 13 and-”

“I’m sorry did you say 13,” she interrupted Vi once more.

Vi nodded with a smirk, “Yeah, skipped a few grades. Though if my birthday was earlier I would’ve been 14.”

People would always react like this when she mentioned she graduated early. It filled her heart with joy and a little pride whenever someone would be in awe of her. She would never brag about it of course.

In truth the smart one from her family was her sister, Powder. The only reason why she skipped so many grades was mainly because of her father. Her dad was scared shitless that she wouldn’t keep up with her peers due to her being born in the later half of the year. He had insisted that her uncles Silco and Vander help to ensure she would be on par with her peers.

Uncle Silco and Vander however had tutored her a little too much resulting in her skipping two grades. Ever since Vi had become notorious for skipping grades throughout her schooling career.

“Impressive,” Caitlyn had stopped taking notes and opted to look at Vi. “When exactly is your birthday?”

Vi smiled at least the lawyer that was going to sue her was nice. She had heard from others – the shows she watched – that lawyers are usually stone-cold asses.

“19th December.”

Caitlyn’s eyes widened. “Mine is the fourth of January.”

“We’re basically birthday neighbours,” Vi laughed alongside Caitlyn.

The laughter came to a halt when Caitlyn cleared her throat, re-entering her ‘lawyer mode’.

“As you were saying..”

The interview continued with Caitlyn asking questions and Vi answering them truthfully and to the best of her abilities. She had nothing to hide – as far as she knew – and therefore no reason to lie.

“One last question and then we’ll be done with this,” said Caitlyn.

Vi let out a sigh of relief and nodded. “Ask away.”

“Have you…” Caitlyn hesitated, unsure of her words. “As a single butch doctor, do you feel your sexuality affects your work?”

A pit grew in her stomach.

“Is that question even-” Vi bit back her tongue.

If a medical attorney was asking her questions about her sexuality it could only mean one thing, she was being sued in regards to her personal life. Is that even possible? Nowhere in her years of medical training had she ever heard of a doctor’s sexuality being put on trial. What type of shit did she get herself into?

“Not really,” Vi answered honestly. “Parents here are rich enough to pick the doctor they prefer. It’s probably why most of the parents fall under the queer umbrella.”

Before Vi could further elaborate on what she had said Caitlyn had packed up her stuff. The woman was probably just as tired as she was.

“That concludes our interview,” Caitlyn offered her hand to Vi for the second time that day. “Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you.”

“No inconveniences at all,” Vi lied as she shook Caitlyn’s hand.

Vi was considering escorting Caitlyn outside but as soon as their handshake ended the woman turned on her heels and left as suddenly as she appeared. That woman had places to be and Vi was just grateful she was gone.

“How’d it go,” Sky’s voice was laced with concern.

Sky’s head was peeping through the ajar office door. Vi wasn’t paying enough attention to know if Caitlyn had left the door ajar or if Sky had pushed it open to speak with her.

“Vi,” Sky called out when she didn’t reply.

Vi didn't know how to answer that question. The interview wasn’t exactly bad but it was by no means good.

“I think it went fine,” Vi lied. “I’m just glad it’s over and done with.”

Sky nodded and pointed at the clock on the wall. ”It’s time for you to do your rounds.”

Vi groaned. She hadn’t even had enough time to grab a cup of coffee for herself. The interview with Caitlyn had taken an hour of her time. Not having a choice, Vi got up and began her journey to the pediatric ward of the hospital.

—

Caitlyn left the doctors office with a triumphant smile on her face. She had expected Doctor Vanderson to be an old man with greying hair and missing teeth, not a butch whose face was sculpted by Aphrodite herself.

Luckily for her, she was a natural flirt. Throughout the entire interview Caitlyn ensured she laughed at Vi’s god awful jokes. That woman had the same humour as Jayce. And if that went over Vi’s head, her last question definitely made Vi realise her true intentions.

It was completely unprofessional of Caitlyn to question Vi about her sexuality like that. It had nothing to do with ethics or medical duties, it was just Caitlyn trying to sneakily figure out if Vi was available. The fact that Vi hadn’t questioned was further proof that the Doctor had known Caitlyn’s true intentions.

Whatever the case maybe one thing was certain for her, Doctor Vanderson was interested in her. If not romantically at the very least sexually. She had caught the woman leaning over her desk, in an attempt to get a better look at her chest. Caitlyn couldn’t help but smile to herself when she remembered just how red her face had turned when she had been caught.

All that was needed now was an excuse for her to see Doctor Vanderson again. It might take a while but Caitlyn was determined.