Chapter Text
As much as Vi was excited and nervous, there was an issue. She didn’t know how to get to Caitlyn’s.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t tried. Caitlyn had sent her the address earlier that morning, and Vi had gone over it with Siri, Google Maps, and her own internal logic at least five times. But every route involved transfers, unfamiliar stops, or neighborhoods she’d never walked through before. And the last thing she wanted was to end up standing alone in the wrong place, unsure if she was even on the right street. The experience could be rather stressful, to say the least.
She didn’t want to rely too much on her sister, after all her life doesn’t revolve around Vi.
Vander and Loris both had their shifts in the gym, so they were not an option. She would ask Caitlyn to pick her up but that would be too much of a hassle, she was probably too busy preparing for dinner anyways.
Defeatedly, she rang Powder. Her index finger tapped on the couch instinctively as she waited for her sister to pick up.
The second she picked up, Powder’s voice practically exploded in her ears “I’m so glad you called, I was so fucking bored. What’s up.”
Vi hesitated, replying a few beats later, “Pow, Can you drive me somewhere?”
There was a pregnant pause, Vi could already imagine Powder’s suspicious face on the other end of the call, her eyes narrowing, gears turning in her head, the look she had before she figured things out.
“ Wait… you never ask me to drive you anywhere ...unless” Powder said slowly as if she was trying to remind Vi how weird the request was.
Vi feigned innocence, “Yeah, I want to get to a new place, is that not allowed.” Typical aggression she displayed when she’s trying to avoid something.
“Shoot me the address.” Powder’s voice already tingling with mischief. Vi immediately did so, forwarding the address to Powder. “Hmm.. fuck me, Piltover Main Street that’s a rich neighborhood.”
Vi only replied with a, “Mhm…”
“Holy fuck, you’re going to Caitlyn’s house!?” Once again, Vi can imagine Powder’s excited face, her grin mischievous and teasing. “How dare you not tell me?” Powder, a little hurt by how her sister had kept such an event from her.
Vi groaned, rubbing the bridge of her nose, “Well now you know.”
“Arriving in ten.” Powder grinned and hung up before Vi could say anything.
“That little shit.” Vi muttered, hearing that the line had gone dead. Now she was going to have to survive an entire car ride filled with questions. And worse, Powder would definitely make a grand entrance when they arrived.
Vi threw on a simple outfit, nothing special, just her usual plain colors. Her cap was already snug on her head as she sat on the couch waiting, Purrcy curled up beside her, grooming his paws with lazy contentment.
She scrolled through her phone, checking old notifications, then opened her calendar. Her usual schedule was read aloud by Siri; everything seemed ordinary until it announced her schedule for two months later.
“July 17th- Annual appointment with Dr. Kase. 14:30 at Zaun Clinic.”
Vi flinched subtly. Her teeth grazed her bottom lip before she swiped the app away.
Not tonight, she thought. Tonight isn’t about that.
She stood abruptly, causing Purrcy to flinch. “Come on, who wants treats?”
Purrcy upon hearing the T word got up immediately as Vi put her left hand out for Purrcy to jump on like he’d done it so regularly. In no time, the orange cat was already standing on Vi's left shoulder as Vi slowly rummaged through Purrcy’s snack box.
Vi put a few pieces of treats on her cap, letting Purrcy eat from her head.
“Good boy.” Vi cooed, while petting her cat on her shoulder.
Purrcy purred contentedly, munching happily on the treats placed on Vi’s cap like it was a dish made just for him. His tiny claws gently gripped the fabric of her shirt for balance, and Vi chuckled softly under her breath.
“God, you’re spoiled,” she mumbled, scratching behind his ears. “If you weren’t so damn cute, I’d kick you off for using me as a dining table.”
Her phone buzzed — a text from Powder.
Outside. Bring your hot girl energy.
Vi gently lifted Purrcy off her shoulder and placed him back on the couch who followed her to the front door. “Be good. No knocking shit over while I’m gone.” Vi was pretty sure the cat had attachment issues, but nothing’s wrong with an extra clingy cat.
She slipped into her sneakers, grabbed her cane from the hook by the door, and made her way outside.
Her cane tapped rhythmically as she navigated down the stairs, one hand on the railing.
She stood in her usual waiting spot at the driveway, twisting the string on her cane’s handle around her finger. The familiar hum of Powder’s Mini Cooper rolled up the street, then stopped in front of her.
“Heard someone’s got a date,” Powder shouted, window down.
Vi sighed, dragging herself over. She patted the door to find the handle and climbed in, buckling up while ignoring how close Powder was to exploding with excitement.
“I have so many things to say,” Powder squealed. “And guess what? You’re stuck with me for the whole ride!” Vi rolled her eyes so hard, it almost did a 360.
Powder continued, “Why are you still wearing a cap?” Powder’s right hand playfully lifted Vi’s cap off, holding it on her driver’s side. “It’s not giving hot girl energy.”
“Pow!” Vi was more serious now, “give it back.” She tried to reach for it blindly, not knowing where it was. Powder gave it back, putting it on backwards for Vi. “Do you want to strip me naked until I’m late?” Vi narrowed her eyes at Powder’s direction, asking the question sarcastically.
“I’ll still be asking questions while driving.” Powder replied, her right hand on Vi’s passenger seat, driving backwards to back out of the driveway. Vi only looked ahead, her hand on the handle, her index finger tapping against the material.
Powder turned up the music, humming to it while stealing glances at Vi at the corner of her eyes.
“You know your cap doesn’t have to stay on right?” Powder broke the silence between the two. “It’s barely noticeable.”
“I know,” Vi let out a sigh, “I’ll take it off someday. Not today though, I’m eating dinner with her daughter.”
“Shit, meeting her daughter already? This is serious. She’s not married right?” Powder asked the last question in a hushed voice.
“I don’t know her well enough to ask that.”
“Seems pretty serious to me. You never eat anywhere unfamiliar, like, ever.”
“I eat everywhere, all the time,” Vi huffed, arms crossed.
“Mhm,” Powder replied, she definitely believed her sister.
Powder turned the air-conditioning in the car off, she rolled both their windows down, letting the cool breeze gently hit their faces. A comfortable sensation that words couldn’t describe. The car ride was nice, their conversations teasing and casual as trees and cars passed by them in a blur. The car ride was about thirty minutes before Powder struggled to find Caitlyn’s house, slowly driving to see which house was Caitlyn’s.
As they entered Caitlyn’s neighborhood, Powder slowed the car, squinting at the pristine lawns and fancy garages.
“No shit, the first girl you bag in a decade is filthy rich.” Powder muttered “Way to go, sis.”
Vi exhaled slowly, the scent of grass and something grilling in the air. Everything was clean. Manicured. Designed. She could feel the difference. Too polished. A little eerie. But she pushed that aside.
“I didn’t know she was rich.” Vi shrugged, “Thought professors didn’t make much.” Vi muttered, mostly to herself. She was once again deep in thought wondering if professors made a lot of money while Powder drove through the neighborhood searching for the address Caitlyn gave.
After a few more turns, Powder finally found the house and parked in front of the driveway. Powder walked in front of Vi as the redhead followed her footsteps.
“Stairs, 5 even steps.” Powder casually commented out of habit which Vi was grateful for as her end of the cane hit the bottom of the stairs, feeling the next level. Powder stood right next to the door, to make sure Vi was standing in front of the door. She gently took Vi’s right hand and placed it right next to the button of the doorbell.
“Ring it,” she whispered, practically vibrating with excitement.
Vi hesitated, finger hovering. Then she pressed the bell.
Inside, quick footsteps approached — one light and fast, the other graceful and measured. The second sound made Vi’s throat go dry. She remembered that rhythm — the confident click of heels on gym floors.
Then the door swung open.
“Vi!” A high pitched voice came from a short height. Vi immediately had a smile on her face, almost as if she was here for a playdate with Celeste.
“Hello, Vi.” Followed by Celeste’s, welcome was Caitlyn’s welcome, laced with a thick accent, her voice alone made the hair of Vi’s arms stand. “I hope you didn’t have a hard time finding our house, the thought only occurred-”
“No, it was no trouble at all.” Vi reassured before she froze when a hand grabbed her on her wrist and led her into the house.
“Come!” Celeste excitedly invited, “You can take your shoes off anywhere here. And I’ll show you around the house.”
Vi took her shoes off, before the hand grabbed her again without any warning, leading Vi further into the house. Vi’s cane was still in her hand wondering if she should still use it but was a bit hesitant to do so just in case it was dirty and Caitlyn minded.
On any other occasion, Vi would’ve hated being grabbed by the hand and led into the unknown but this was somehow different? The pace was not too quick nor too condescendingly or sympathetically slow. Vi loosened up, trusting Celeste to not make her bump into anything.
“Lest, you’re gonna scare everyone away like this.” Caitlyn’s parenting voice stern as ever.
Just as Caitlyn was about to close the front door, a figure appeared from the blindspot of the house’s entrance and Caitlyn could’ve sworn she saw her soul leave her physical body for a few seconds.
“GAHHhh” Caitlyn yelped. “Bloody mother of the shits.”
“Indeed I had a hard time looking for this house.” Powder narrowed her eyes on Caitlyn. The taller woman was still recovering from the jumpscare as the shorter girl continued. “My sister eating dinner with the only heir to the Kiramman Real Estate Empire…Caitlyn Kiramman” Powder looked at Caitlyn from head to toe slowly.
“I don’t see how that’s related to anything.” Caitlyn in turn looked down at Powder, her height towering over Vi's sister.
So it seems that Powder has done some research.
“What do you want with Vi?” Powder asked, “I hope you know she’s not made a new friend in about 8 years and she’s finally leaving her comfort zone for you . While I’m very fucking happy for her. If you dare hurt her I’ll make sure your perfect white house is painted into the shittiest shit colour and each stroke would be painted by none other than Powder Lanes herself.” Powder warned Caitlyn in a hushed voice, making sure Vi’s not close enough to hear her.
“I assure you I only have good intentions with Vi.” Caitlyn huffed. “I’ve enjoyed my time around her and I hope the feeling is mutual.” Her face softened up.
“I’m not gonna lie, Vi is happier.” Powder admitted. “But- if this is one of your Kiramman PR scandals to let people know that your family is kind enough to help out a person with a disability. All the houses you own will be painted into a shittier colour than the shittiest shit colour and I will make sure of it.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at Powder, “I have nothing to do with my family’s business, as you know I am over 5000 miles away from them and I have my own life.”
“Hmm.” Powder hesitated, while sneaking glances at the interior of Caitlyn’s house. Her suspicious gaze suddenly shifted into a grin. “Have a good night then.” Powder even winked before leaving without looking back, only leaving Caitlyn standing there, blinking in confusion.
As Caitlyn walked back into her house,Vi was seated on the grey couch in the living room while Celeste held a carton of orange juice and a glass, carefully walking over. The first thing Vi noticed upon stepping into the house was the subtle aroma of pinewood. She could tell that the interior of the house was mostly white, beige or something along the lighter shades of colour. Hearing Caitlyn’s footsteps, Vi batted her head to her direction.
“She’s really excited.” Caitlyn spoke gently, “If she’s too much, let her know, she doesn’t know when to stop sometimes.”
“She’s just a welcoming host.” Vi smiled before hearing another set of footsteps, lighter and slower. She was happy Caitlyn’s daughter was so enthusiastic to see her, but it made her a little bit unsure of what to do.
“I’ve got orange juice!” Celeste announced, making sure she didn't drop the glass. “Mum can’t cook so she ordered pizza, it will arrive soon…hopefully.” Celeste carefully poured the juice into the glass. While Caitlyn blushed a little. The eight year old held the glass out to Vi out of pure habit expecting her to take it, she tilted her head just very little before realising why Vi wasn’t taking the glass.
When food arrived and they were all sitting at the table, Vi was trying her best to map the location of the food out, her fingers tracing against the wooden table. Seeing Vi’s eyebrows scrunched up a little in confusion, Caitlyn helpfully asked, "Margarita or pepperoni.”
Caitlyn beat herself up mentally for being so inconsiderate. The taller woman hoped one day she’ll be able to learn all the necessary things to accommodate Vi.
“Pepperoni.” Vi had a grateful smile of relief on her face. While Caitlyn put her pizza on Vi’s plate.
“Mum wanted to try cooking for dinner, but thank god I convinced her not to.” Celeste said in between her bites. “Or we’ll be eating burnt food tonight.”
“I’m sure she’s not that bad.”
Heat rushed up to Caitlyn’s face, “She’s not wrong.”
“Mum’s blushing really hard right now.” Celeste pointed out.
“Is she?” Vi’s head turned towards Caitlyn showing her a teasing grin.
“Mhm!” Celeste took another bite of her pizza. “Can you really not see?” Celeste suddenly asked, causing both adults to tense up.
“Lest.” Caitlyn warned, hoping her daughter wasn’t so shameless when talking.
“No, it’s ok.” Vi assured. “As far as I know, I can’t see.” Vi tried to joke, she was still a little awkward.
“How many fingers am I holding up?” Celeste asked.
“I can only guess.” Vi replied. “I can’t see that kind of detail but I can tell where you are.” She explained, while Caitlyn curiously took everything in. A part of her grateful her daughter was asking all the questions she wouldn’t have the courage to ask.
Celeste stood up and jolted to a random spot, “Do you know where I am now?” Celeste asked.
Vi nodded, “I also have really good hearing, so I can hear where your footsteps are.”
“Do you have super hearing then?” Celeste whispered not so quietly from afar.
“Lest, let’s finish dinner first,” Caitlyn said gently, already rising to guide her back to her seat.
Vi just laughed, enjoying the kid’s boundless curiosity.
Celeste finally sat down, taking another bite of her unfinished pizza while giggling, using her hand to cover her giggles and prevent any food from spilling from her mouth. Caitlyn watched her daughter suspiciously.
Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she blurted out, “Do you have a crush on my mum?”
Hearing this, the redhead paused, staring into Caitlyn’s figure as Caitlyn subtly bit the bottom of her lips and stared into Vi’s eyes. A soft moment of connection before Vi replied.
“I think I’m too old for crushes.”
“How old are you?” Celeste tilted her head.
“26.” Vi replied.
“That’s ok! Mum’s 27 and she has a crush on you.”
Caitlyn’s hands clasped her mouth suppressing a gasp. She let out an awkward chuckle, not wanting to face Vi.
“I think you have a crush on her as well.” Celeste’s eyes darted back and forth between the two awkward adults who were struggling to find any words. “You’re both as red as tomatoes!” Celeste finally commented.
Vi scratched the left side of her neck letting out an awkward chuckle. While Caitlyn was coughing from choking on her own saliva.
“It’s ok you can whisper only to me and I promise I won’t tell mum.” Celeste sneakily got up and stood next to Vi, extending her head.
“I swear I’m never doing this again.” Caitlyn muttered, her fingers massaging her eyelids, while Vi only had an awkward lopsided smile on her face.
Celeste, a bit defeated after not getting a response from Vi, sat back down, grabbing another slice of pizza from the box. She noticed Vi’s empty plate and put another piece on Vi’s plate.
“You don’t have to tell me you have a crush on my mum.” Celeste announced. “But you have to promise me that my mum’s your only crush. Celeste carefully asked, knowing how much it hurt when her mum wasn’t the only one.
Caitlyn’s heart ached hearing her daughter’s concern, knowing no child should’ve gone through that and be doubted its worth over another man.
Vi, sensing the uneasiness in the air, quickly replied, cutting off the worsening mood, “Only her, I promise.” she assured, putting her pinky finger up in the air to show Celeste her sincerity.
“How do you know if you have a crush on my mum if you can’t see her?” Celeste continued.
“Liking someone is more than just their looks.” Vi explained, “The concept of faces is barely a thing for me,”
“Don’t you get curious?”
“Very rarely…but now I am”
“Well I have green eyes and blonde hair unlike mum or mama.” There was a little strain on the last word which Vi picked up. “It’s very weird, I don’t really look like them at all.”
“Everyone has different DNAs and sometimes family members don’t look alike.” Caitlyn cut in.
“But you’re my mum?” Celeste asked.
“Always.” Caitlyn smiled reassuringly, “Now finish your food, or we’ll be stuck here until morning.”
“Does that mean we’ll have a sleepover here?” Celeste perked up.
“We have our own beds to sleep in.” Caitlyn answered as Vi watched the mother and daughter interact, a smile naturally plastered on her face.
After dinner, while Caitlyn cleared the plates, the little girl tugged Vi gently by the wrist, her voice bright with excitement as she guided her through the house with the enthusiasm of a tour guide giving a VIP client the grand tour.
Vi tried to keep up, nodding at the right moments, but her smile was starting to strain. Each step felt like a gamble. The floor beneath her wasn’t consistent, smooth hardwood interrupted by thick, plush rugs that shifted underfoot. She had no sense of where one room ended and the next began. Celeste’s voice was a blur of enthusiastic descriptions: windows, side tables, wall art, something about a hallway mirror shaped like a sun.
She tried to picture it all, but her mental map was long gone. And her cane — her lifeline was folded up, resting in her pocket
Caitlyn followed closely behind the two.
As Vi was led to the backyard. The cool spring breeze slowly brushed past her, making her more uncomfortable.
“I have some potatoes planted in the backyard, that’s so cool right?”
“Wow.” Vi replied with a chuckle, though her voice was thinner than before. “I wish I knew how to garden.”
“I can show you!” Celeste beamed.
“Sure!”
Truthfully, her pulse was beginning to race. Every step felt like she was walking on tempered glass. Her foot hovered before each movement, unsure if she was about to trip over a table leg or sink into another unpredictable rug. She bit the inside of her lip, hard enough to taste metal.
She didn’t want to ruin the moment. Celeste was trying, she was sweet, thoughtful, and so full of light. But Vi’s anxiety was crawling up her spine, burrowing beneath her skin. Her fingers twitched at the outline of her cane inside her pocket, aching to unfold it, to tap her way back to something familiar.
Caitlyn could sense Vi’s uneasiness. Her pupils were shifting constantly, more than ever before, fingers fidgeting.
“Lest,” Caitlyn’s voice cut off Celeste’s sentence. “How about you go to your room and make sure it’s clean so Vi doesn’t step on one of your toys later. We’ll come up soon.”
Celeste nodded before darting upstairs to her room.
Vi let out a little breath, clearly less tense now.
Caitlyn took a few steps forward, closing the distance between the two, “Use your cane, daredevil.” She teased.
Vi took her cane out immediately, unfolding it. The moment the end of her cane hit the ground, her tense facial expression relaxed.
“Thanks, cupcake.” the words slipping out causally as she tapped her cane around to see how close she was to bumping into anything. “Let’s not keep Celeste waiting.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. They entered the house again, this time with Vi’s cane hitting the ground. They walked side by side, with Caitlyn on Vi’s right hand side. The back on their palms brushing against each other ever so slightly, yet each contact sent jolts to their heart.
Caitlyn walked up the stairs first, prompting Vi to ask, “Can you tell me how many steps there are?”
The taller woman has lived in her house for around a decade yet she’s never noticed little details about it like how many steps there are on her stairs. She counted from the bottom, her finger following her eyes as she whispered while counting.
“Now this is my room.” Celeste announced, “It has toys in one corner, my bed on the left hand side.”
Vi made a mental image while her fingers brushed over some artwork Celeste drew that was hung on the wall, while Caitlyn watched the both of them from afar.
“The art you’re touching right now is one about my dream job! I want to be a lawyer when I grow up.” Celeste’s eyes beamed as always when talking about her dreams.
“Really? You must be very smart then.” Vi asked.
“That’s why I study very hard.” Celeste replied. She was indeed one of the top students in her grade and everything seemed to come naturally to her so she rarely found school boring. “Did you have a dream job?”
Vi hesitated, “Mhm. Guess what it was.”
“Doctor? Police? Ice cream taster!” The gears in her head turned.
“Ice-cream taster?” Caitlyn chimed in.
“Yeah, it’s really a real job.” The blonde stated, “So what was your dream job?”
“I wanted to be a fighter.” Vi replied. Each word seemed a little shaky, tension against each word.
“Did you ever become a fighter?” The blonde was more curious than ever.
“I did, for some time.”
“Could you see when you were a fighter.”
“I did back then.” Luckily for Vi, Celeste didn’t ask about how she lost her sight, probably knowing there was a limit, but she could sense that Celeste had a lot more questions she wanted to ask.
“Is that why you have so many muscles?” Celeste stood besides Vi, examining her arms.
Vi in turn closed her fist to flex her muscles a little, a cheeky grin on her face, knowing that Caitlyn was watching. “That, and I workout a lot.”
“Are you better at fighting than coach Cohen?”
“Back then I was. Not anymore though.”
“Why are you not anymore? Do you still fight?” Celeste pushed, a question that made Vi ask herself as well. Why didn’t she fight anymore? Well, she could if she set her mind to it, sparring wouldn’t hurt. Not that she didn’t try, but every time she stood facing anyone, with her fists balled, wrists wrapped. Each passing second made it harder to breathe, stopping her from proceeding, it was like she could see again, replaying its memory or the sound of her bones shattering upon impact.
“Lest, take a breather.” Caitlyn voice cut through Celeste’s questions.
Celeste did a few moves she learned from her class, “one, two.” She whispered when throwing two punches in the air. “I learned that from Coach Cohen.”
Vi was about to reply, Celeste walked closer to Vi, still panting from the demonstration. The redhead tensed a little upon feeling how close the eight year old was to her. Celeste narrowed her eyes on Vi's shirt. Realizing that there were lots of white and orange fur stuck on it. A detail she only noticed now.
“Do you have a pet?” Celeste asked.
Vi chuckled, “How did you know?”
“Your shirt is filled with fur.” Celeste smartly pointed out.
“Yeah, he’s an orange cat.” Vi perked up in excitement, “Do you want to see some pictures of him?”
“Please!” Celeste’s love for animals was also a significant part of her, “Mum! Come look at Vi’s cat.”
Celeste watched curiously as Vi navigated her phone while the screen was read aloud. Vi swiped and clicked naturally as each action was read aloud. Soon, Vi opened an album named Purrcy pics.
Vi handed her phone to Celeste, guiding it carefully into the girl’s eager hands. Celeste’s fingers brushed Vi’s as she took it, her excitement almost tangible, eyes already sparkling as the screen reader chirped to life. Caitlyn sat down beside them, her posture relaxed but her gaze attentive, taking in the scene unfolding only inches from her.
The three of them sat close on the floor — Celeste practically glued to Vi’s side, her legs tucked under her as she leaned in, and Caitlyn just a little behind, knees drawn up, arms resting loosely around them. The soft light from the hallway spilled into the room, casting a warm amber hue onto the hardwood. Vi’s cane rested beside her, finally unfolded and leaning gently against the wall, a quiet symbol of comfort reclaimed.
On the phone, the voice read aloud: “Album: Purrcy Pics.”
Celeste blinked at the name. “You named your cat Purrcy?”
Vi smirked. “Yeah. Like Percy, but with a purr.”
Celeste giggled as she swiped through the pictures. “That’s such a weird name,” she said, clearly delighted. “But it’s cute.”
The photos were... chaotic. Most of them were blurry or off-center — a paw sticking in from the edge of the frame, a blurry streak of orange fur, one of his ass mid-jump. But there were a few gems in there, too — Purrcy perched proudly on Vi’s shoulder like a pirate’s parrot, one where his chin was tucked on her head, his face squished from the angle.
“He’s a chongus,” Celeste announced very seriously.
Vi’s brows furrowed. “A what?”
“It means he’s big and fluffy,” Celeste explained with a giggle. “I’ve always wanted a pet, but Mum says I need to be more responsible first.”
Caitlyn, who had been quietly watching her daughter’s delighted expressions, raised an eyebrow and gave a soft, amused snort. “Because you do. You’d probably try to dress a cat in a tutu.” Caitlyn thought back to the phase where Celeste decided that being a hairdresser was her future career, using her art scissors to give each and single one of her dolls a new look. If they had a pet during that time, no fur was safe. Caitlyn could’ve swore Celeste secretly cut some of her hair too, although there was so evidence.
“And what’s wrong with that?” Celeste asked, mock-offended.
Vi grinned, turning her head toward Caitlyn. “I think I know the real reason.”
Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed, her lips already twitching with dread. “Don’t.”
“Your mum’s scared of my cat,” Vi said, victorious. “And all cats.”
Celeste burst into giggles, completely entertained by the idea of her stoic, composed mother being chased around by a chubby orange cat.
“Can we visit him one day?” she asked, still scrolling through the photos.
Vi’s expression softened. “Anytime.”
There was a pause. The kind that didn’t feel awkward, but full, like a moment meant to breathe in. Caitlyn looked at Vi then, really looked. There was something in the way the redhead’s body had eased, the way her shoulders, usually so tense and drawn, were relaxed now. The way she was smiling like she didn’t have to guard it.
“I didn’t know you took so many pictures,” Caitlyn said quietly.
Vi shrugged. “I can’t see them, but... I like having them. It’s like freezing a moment. I remember how I felt when I took it. And sometimes that’s enough.” Taking pictures felt real, like she could forever hold on to the memories, prove of its existence.
Caitlyn’s heart tugged in her chest at that, the quiet weight of the words, the subtle ache behind them. She wondered how many moments Vi had captured, not for what she could see, but for what she didn’t want to forget.
Celeste, still focused on the phone, suddenly gasped. “This one! He’s on your head! He looks SO grumpy.”
Vi laughed. “That’s his default setting.”
Caitlyn leaned over to see, her shoulder brushing Vi’s. She didn’t move away. Neither did Vi.
“He’s charming,” Caitlyn admitted, her voice softer now.
“You’re just saying that because he’s not here,” Vi teased.
“You’re right,” Caitlyn replied, deadpan. “He terrifies me.”
Another laugh bubbled out of Vi before she could stop it. It felt easy. Natural. She hadn’t realized how rare that had become.
Celeste looked up from the phone, her voice curious again. “Do you miss seeing him?”
The question hung in the air a second longer than expected.
Vi tilted her head. “I don’t think about it like that,” she said. “I miss moments. I miss seeing people laugh. I miss sunsets. But with Purrcy... I can feel him. I know his weight, his purring, the way he lands on my shoulder. That’s enough.”
Celeste nodded, satisfied. But Caitlyn, Caitlyn was quiet. Her eyes studied Vi’s face, every small movement, every shift in tone. And something about the way Vi spoke made her chest ache. Not out of pity, never pity, but something deeper. Admiration. Respect. And maybe, just maybe, something that was starting to feel dangerously close to love.
“I think you two would bond very well if you gave him a chance,” Vi added suddenly, breaking the silence. “You’re both a little uptight.” She teased
Caitlyn let out a bark of laughter. “I knew there’d be a backhanded compliment coming.”
“If the shoe fits,” Vi said with a shrug.
They sat like that for a while, three of them huddled together over an album of blurry cat photos. The kind of moment you don’t plan for, but remember forever.
After exhausting Vi’s gallery of lopsided cat selfies and blurry tail shots, Celeste reluctantly handed the phone back, her fingers gently brushing Vi’s as she did.
Celeste nodded slowly, then perked up. “Can we play a game?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “It’s getting late, Lest.”
“Just a quick one! Just one!”
Vi, still sitting cross-legged on the floor, tilted her head. “What kind of game?”
Celeste grinned — the kind of grin that made Caitlyn instantly suspicious. “Twenty questions. But you can only ask yes or no questions. One person thinks of something, and the others have to guess.”
Vi clicked her tongue playfully. “Is this how you interrogate your friends at school?”
“They’re not as fun,” Celeste declared dramatically.
Caitlyn gave her daughter a look. “And why do you think that is?”
Celeste shrugged, then pointed a finger at Vi. “Vi can go first. Think of something!”
Vi leaned back, resting her hands behind her on the carpet. “Alright... got it.”
Celeste immediately fired off her first question. “Is it alive?”
“Nope.”
“Is it something you can eat?”
“No.”
“Is it something you can hold?”
Vi smirked. “Not really.”
Caitlyn joined in, her voice warm. “Is it something you own?”
“Nope.”
Celeste gasped like she had already cracked the case. “Is it... a building?!”
Vi grinned. “Closer than you think.”
“A house?” Caitlyn offered.
“Nope.”
Celeste narrowed her eyes. “Is it a school?”
“No.”
“A gym?”
Vi’s lips twitched. “Getting warmer.”
Celeste’s eyes lit up. “Is it The Last Drop?”
Vi tapped her nose. “Bingo.”
“That’s not fair!” Celeste flopped back dramatically onto the carpet. “You picked something too easy.”
“You asked good questions,” Vi said, turning her head toward where she’d heard Caitlyn shift. “Your daughter’s got a future in detective work.”
“She already thinks she’s a lawyer and a spy,” Caitlyn replied, stretching her legs out in front of her. “She tried to bug our living room once using a cereal box and a walkie-talkie.”
Celeste shot upright. “I succeeded .”
Vi laughed. “Remind me never to talk shit in your kitchen.” Immediately covering her mouth once she realised what she said in front of an eight year old.
“It’s ok! I say bad words too. Just not in front of my mum.” Celeste cheekily said, “ass” she whispered before a fit of giggles. Although Celeste deliberately said it in a hushed voice which Caitlyn could not hear, she still saw the words forming on her daughter’s lips, shooting her a glare while Vi tried her best to hold it in.
She rolled her eyes but let it go. Her gaze was warm as she looked at Vi. “She only eavesdrops on me.”
“My turn!” Celeste declared, sitting up and folding her arms as she thought about her secret object.
Vi leaned forward slightly. “Is it alive?”
“Yes.”
“Is it an animal?”
“Nope.”
“Is it a person?”
“Yes.”
Vi smirked. “Is it your mum?”
“No.”
Caitlyn looked over. “Is it me?” Caitlyn absolutely sucked at the game.
Celeste giggled. “No.”
Vi raised an eyebrow. “Is it me?”
Celeste pressed her lips together like she was trying not to laugh, then nodded. “Mhm”
Caitlyn gave her daughter a look, gently teasing. “That was subtle.”
“I panicked!” Celeste exclaimed. “Also, she’s the coolest person I know right now.”
Vi pretended to puff up her chest. “I accept this title.” Shooting Caitlyn a grin, who gave Vi a little push. She winced sarcastically.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but there was a quiet pride in her expression, like watching Vi and Celeste banter was something she hadn't realized she'd needed — and now couldn’t imagine not having.
They played another round, then another, time slipping through their fingers unnoticed. At some point, Vi stretched her legs out, her foot accidentally bumping Caitlyn’s. Neither of them moved.
Celeste’s questions started to slow, her voice turning softer, yawns sneaking in between guesses. She lay on her stomach now, arms stretched out in front of her, chin resting on her hands as she looked up at Vi like she was listening to bedtime stories instead of playing a game.
Vi didn’t mind. It felt... good. Being here. Being part of something that wasn’t just about keeping herself together. Something softer. Caitlyn leaned back on her hands, eyes on her daughter, then on Vi.
“She likes you,” she said, quietly.
Vi tilted her head. “I like her too.”
There was a beat of comfortable silence before Caitlyn added, “And I’m glad you’re here.”
Vi didn’t answer right away. Her hand rested on the carpet, fingers brushing against Caitlyn’s again — not by accident this time. When she spoke, her voice was low.
“So am I.”
They sat like this for a while. Vi’s finger on top of Caitlyn’s, for once, it didn’t have the urge to tap on the surface nor fidget on something, yet her finger traced back and forth on Caitlyn’s finger. Their knees lingered, not an inch moved since they accidentally made contact. The air filled with a soft scent of Caitlyn’s perfume, and the wooden toys in Celeste’s room.
“My sister would draw on any possible surface, every one of my homework was-” Vi continued sharing about her childhood stories, although Caitlyn paid no mind to it.
Her gaze was fixed on Vi.
Caitlyn’s gaze was steady, soft, her pupils dilated, almost unblinking, her blue eyes softened with a yearning look that she didn’t bother to hide. Her bottom lip caught gently between her teeth, as if biting back words she couldn’t bring herself to say. The faintest blush crept to her cheeks, a warmth that betrayed her composure. She wasn’t listening to Vi’s story, the words barely registered by the taller woman. All she could focus on was the way Vi’s finger traced hers, the unspoken intimacy humming through the tiny movements, the accidental brush of their knees that neither dared to break. In that moment, the weight of Caitlyn’s gaze meant much more than just a stare.
When you know you know.
Much to Caitlyn’s insistence, Vi was now sitting on the passenger’s seat on Caitlyn’s car, while Celeste dozed quietly in the back. As the night grew older, Celeste’s eyelids drooped, Vi was about to call her sister to pick her up, but Caitlyn dismissed the idea immediately. She offered to drive Vi home, leading to a round of bickering between the two. Though Caitlyn would never deny that she was guilty of wanting to spend as much time as she possibly could with Vi after not being able to converse much during dinner.
“Thanks for the night.” Vi whispered.
“It’s nothing, really,” Caitlyn replied, glancing at her. There was a pause. Then a sly smile. “Don’t think I missed the nickname you gave me earlier though. Cupcake?”
Vi smirked. “Because you’re sweet. Like a cupcake.”
“Shut up,” Caitlyn muttered with a mock groan, but the smile lingered. Then, more seriously, “So... Do you?”
Vi blinked. “Do I what?”
Caitlyn checked the rearview mirror, confirming Celeste was still fast asleep — her hoodie pulled up, face turned toward the window, mouth wide open.
Her tone shifted, quieter now. “Have a crush?”
The woman who had practically choked when her daughter called her out was gone. In her place sat someone far more dangerous, flirtatious, confident, and too damn smug for her own good.
Vi matched her energy with a grin. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Just as Vi thought her response was unmatched, a shiteating grin still on her face as she received no response from Caitlyn. A gasp escaped her lips before she could suppress it, when Caitlyn put her right hand teasingly on Vi’s upper thighs, just slightly hitching up her shorts as the taller woman gently raked her short nails on Vi’s skin, before resting her hand there.
Vi’s breath caught. The grin faltered. “I think I’d like to know,” Caitlyn whispered, her tone feigning innocence.
“Maybe just a little,” Vi managed, her voice low. “Maybe... more than a little.” The only response she managed, trying to not think about Caitlyn’s hand teasing her thigh.
“Good to know.” Caitlyn replied, a smile on her face that was unable to fade.
“This is nothing romantic, but I’ve enjoyed every moment we’ve had together.” Vi used all the confidence she had, “Maybe we try taking this further?” Her voice was barely audible, but the words came out nonetheless.
“Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” She teased.
“Not anymore.” Vi rolled her eyes sarcastically.
“Ok, girlfriend.” Caitlyn purred, her hand innocently inching upwards, rubbing slow circles with her thumb on Vi’s thighs. It was definitely enough to make the redhead’s throat dry, to feel each and every movement of Caitlyn’s fingers on her sensitive skin, before forcing herself to put both of her hands back on the wheel.
“We’re here.”
They soon arrived at the driveway of Vi's apartment, both reluctant to say goodbye to one another. They sat in silence for a while, the tension crackling in the air between them.
Caitlyn reached over to the passenger’s seat, her hand finding its way to Vi’s neck, fingers tracing lightly along her jawline. The warmth of Caitlyn's touch sent a shiver down Vi’s spine, making her heart race.
Before either could think twice, their lips crashed together, a collision of pent-up desire. Vi leaned into the kiss, her hands finding their way to Caitlyn’s waist, pulling her closer. Caitlyn was so close to straddling Vi entirely, but her daughter was still sleeping behind them after all.
If Caitlyn were even a few years younger, a little more reckless, a little less responsible, she might have pulled Vi upstairs without a second thought. She would’ve parked the car and followed her in, kissed her breathless in the hallway, and let the night unfold with no regard for consequences. But she wasn’t that girl anymore. She had lectures tomorrow. Celeste had school. And somewhere beneath the heat building between them was the voice of a mother, a woman who knew where her responsibilities lay, and the weight of them.
Still, it was hard to remember all that when Vi was this close. When her lips were still damp from the kiss. When her breath was still shallow and her pupils blown wide with want.
Caitlyn’s hand found its way back to Vi’s thigh, again. Her fingers lingered near the edge of Vi’s shorts, teasing. Her nails grazed across warm skin, slow and deliberate, the motion making Vi’s breath hitch. Then Caitlyn’s hand slid higher, fingers curling at the waistband of Vi’s boxers, tugging just slightly — enough to make a promise neither of them could keep.
Vi bit back a moan but failed. It escaped into Caitlyn’s mouth as they kissed again, harder this time, messier, a collision of mouths and breath and heat.
Caitlyn moved like someone who had been starving for this, because maybe she was and Vi matched it, until—
“Fuck.” Vi pulled back, panting, her forehead pressed against Caitlyn’s. Her voice was strained, barely a whisper. “I don’t want to traumatize Celeste.”
That line cut through the haze like a cold breeze.
Caitlyn froze, eyes wide for a beat before she let out a breathy, embarrassed laugh. She sat back in her seat, dragging a hand through her hair as she tried to collect herself.
“Shit. Yeah. Sorry. I got carried away.”
Vi’s chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. Her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed, and her body was still humming with unfinished tension, but she reached down anyway, patting her pockets, grounding herself. “Thanks for the ride,” she said, voice softer now. “And for... everything.”
Caitlyn nodded, her gaze still lingering on Vi’s mouth. “Of course.”
Vi opened the door but lingered, unfolding her cane with a familiar flick and resting it against the ground. Before stepping out, she turned back with a smirk.
“I had a great night, girlfriend.”
The word made Caitlyn’s heart stutter. She rolled her eyes, but her lips curved with something that was far too warm to be teasing. “Goodnight to you too.”
The air in the car felt charged — like the spark of young love had been left behind in the passenger seat, pressed into the fabric. They both sat there, hearts beating a little too fast, bodies still buzzing, a dull ache settling between their thighs that neither of them could ignore.
Vi lingered at the open door, leaning into the frame. “Text me when you get home,” she said softly, and for a moment, Caitlyn wished she could follow her inside. Just to see what it would be like — a quiet moment in Vi’s space, their knees brushing on her couch, Purrcy curling up beside them like it was meant to be…Maybe if the cat was on the other end of the Couch, Caitlyn might just be able to tolerate it.
“I will,” Caitlyn promised.
Vi smiled and stepped out, her cane tapping lightly against the pavement. Caitlyn watched her — the sway of her movements, the way her hand glided along the railing of the stairs. She walked with a confident rhythm, a calmness Caitlyn admired, even now. And when Vi reached the entrance of her apartment building, she turned her head slightly, like she knew Caitlyn was still watching.
She raised her hand in a small wave, then disappeared through the door.
Vi walked up the stairs as quickly as she could, entering her home. She leaned on the front door, pulling up her shirt to her nose to catch the scent of Caitlyn lingering on her shirt. The kiss replayed in her head, still wondering how she had the courage to ask Caitlyn to be her girlfriend, how Caitlyn had said yes. There was no doubt her underwear was soaked, which was a surprise.
She was told her sex drive would be affected. Seven years of celibacy . That was how long it had been since she’d felt anything like this. After everything, the endless stream of pills that dulled her pain but also dulled everything else, she had assumed that part of her was gone for good. The medications she occasionally took to manage her migraines and nerve pain had side effects that suppressed her libido, but she hadn’t cared, hadn’t even noticed. It had been easy to blame the numbness on the trauma, to bury herself in the belief that her body wasn’t capable of wanting anymore.
But now...her body betrayed her with the help of Caitlyn. Her cheeks flushed as she became acutely aware of the dampness between her thighs, a sensation she hadn’t thought she’d ever feel again. It was startling, unfamiliar, almost foreign after so many years, and yet it was undeniably there.
Needless to say, a long shower was needed to calm herself down from what had happened tonight. While Caitlyn had another way of dealing with her ache.