Chapter Text
The alarm blared loudly in her ears.
The golden morning light filtered through the window, bathing the pink-haired figure lying beside her—the one she hadn’t been able to take her eyes off since she opened them.
In front of her, tangled in light violet satin sheets, was Vi, comfortably and deeply asleep. Her features were soft, her hair messy—there was no furrowed brow, clenched jaw, or tense shoulders, just a small trail of drool escaping her slightly open mouth, from which a subtle snore emerged.
For a long time, especially after the war, Cait would occasionally wake to the sound of sobs and feel Vi’s trembling body beside her in the middle of the night. Her heart clenched every time Vi suffered from a nightmare—or rather, a memory from her past, which Cait knew Vi couldn’t help but feel guilty about.
It hurt even more when, after finding her in that state for the first time one night, Cait realized Vi had tried to hide it from her initially. It wasn’t the first nightmare or the first time she had woken up crying. Vi had tried to conceal her fears, her insecurities—everything—to avoid adding more weight to Cait’s shoulders, to avoid being an unnecessary burden. Or so Vi had expressed to Caitlyn when she asked why she had kept it hidden.
But Cait cupped her face, gazing with such affection into those gray eyes, and assured Vi she was no burden, that she was there, that she hadn’t left—that she was someone Vi could trust. She said all this while holding her tightly. Vi rested her head against Cait’s chest, listening to the beat of her heart, ensuring that she was alive, that she was real, and let the words flow like a balm to her ears and her heart.
And though Vi didn’t say it, Cait knew she was part of some of those many nightmares.
She feared discovering in what way she might be. Feared uncovering that perhaps this was one of the reasons Vi hadn’t trusted her enough to share what she was suffering. Because even though Vi had assured her long ago that she’d moved past it, Caitlyn hadn’t. Not a day went by that she didn’t regret it, that she didn’t lament how she had hurt her. Caitlyn could still hear the loud thud of her strike landing, the sobs behind her as she walked away and left her behind. She was determined to do better—for Vi. So that night, she held her with all her strength, rocking her gently and stroking her unruly hair as she silently made that promise.
One she was determined to keep.
After that night, whenever Vi had a bad dream and struggled to fall back asleep, Cait was always ready to receive her into her arms, comfort her, and help her find rest. And she would be lying if she said that didn’t also help her overcome her own nightmares.
Now, though, Cait felt warmth spreading through her chest as she watched Vi sleeping so peacefully. It had been hard work, but she felt comforted to see Vi finding more and more peace in this new life by her side, after everything they had endured together.
She noticed a small smile gracing her beloved wife’s lips, and it made her heart swell. She hoped Vi was having the best of dreams. She deserved it.
With her finger resting where her wedding ring sat, Cait gently caressed Vi’s cheek where the familiar tattoo lay, her touch so soft it wouldn’t disturb her tranquil sleep, simply taking her in. She couldn’t help but notice how Vi’s freckled cheeks were fuller, rounder, and softer—a clear testament to the life she had been living with Caitlyn by her side, free from the daily fight for basic survival.
From the moment Vi had set foot in the manor, Cait had made sure to feed her well, keep her healthy, and give her something more than the bland meals she’d endured for seven years in Stillwater. There was a deep sense of gratification in seeing the tangible results of her efforts.
A smile crossed Caitlyn’s face.
Realizing the time displayed on the clock, she quickly got up—but with enough care not to wake her beloved wife, who would scold her for waking her earlier than usual.
She gave her one last glance before turning away to start her morning routine.
...
Her head ached terribly. Sometimes the paperwork felt endless.
She took a sip of the coffee sitting in front of her—her third cup of the day, to be clear, and it was only noon. Vi had brought it to her just a few minutes ago, so it was still warm. But there had been something strange about Vi’s behavior, Caitlyn noted, when she walked into the office to hand it over with her usual goofy, smug grin.
Then again, now that she thought about it, that unusual demeanor had started earlier that morning when Vi came downstairs later than usual to join her in the kitchen. Vi seemed slower in her movements, as if something was bothering or unsettling her. Caitlyn couldn’t pinpoint what exactly, but even at work, Vi appeared unusually distracted, as if her mind was preoccupied with something she couldn’t shake.
Writing neatly on a file and adjusting the patch over her left eye, Caitlyn felt a pang of concern as she wondered whether Vi might be dealing with issues at work. Caitlyn was well aware that, despite the growing integration between Piltover and Zaun, prejudices still lingered among some people. If that was the case, she’d make sure to address it. She made a mental note to investigate later.
Suddenly, her eyes widened, and the pen in her hand froze, suspended over the file she’d been working on, as another possible reason for Vi’s behavior dawned on her.
She remembered how that morning, Vi had avoided coffee and barely eaten anything for breakfast, settling for just an apple. That was odd because, well, Vi was something of a glutton. Caitlyn had asked if everything was alright, and Vi had said yes. But this wasn’t the first time Vi had acted strangely. A few days ago, Caitlyn had noticed her looking more tired—or at least, sleeping much more than usual.
Could it be...?
No.
She didn’t want to jump to conclusions. She needed to stay calm.
But a flicker of hope and anxiety stirred in her chest.
Determined, she resumed her work, though now she found it impossible to concentrate.
...
The first time Caitlyn had thought about having children with Vi was long before Vi confessed her own desire.
That night—the same day they both admitted they wanted the same thing—lying face to face on their large bed, wrapped in the warmth of the sheets and their bare bodies, Caitlyn held Vi’s hand and asked:
"Since when?"
Vi looked at her, puzzled but with her usual goofy grin.
"Since when what, Cupcake?"
"Since when did you think about wanting kids?"
The goofy smile softened. Vi lowered her gaze and played with Caitlyn’s fingers intertwined with hers.
"I think it’s something I’ve always wanted," she confessed, her voice soft and low. "It’s just that… well, I never really allowed myself to think about it, with the life I had in Zaun, Stillwater, and all that… Even though I wanted it, back then, I was convinced I could never have it," she murmured the last part, letting out a small, shaky sigh. Caitlyn squeezed her hand tightly. "But it was really just a few weeks ago that I started thinking about it." She lifted her gaze, looking directly into Caitlyn’s eyes with a profound expression of love and adoration that Caitlyn could hardly believe was meant for her. Vi squeezed her hand in return. "After all, here with you, I’ve never been more sure in my life that I truly wanted it. And the possibility of having it… especially with you."
Unable to hold back, Caitlyn leaned in, her lips meeting Vi’s. One hand cradled Vi’s face as she kissed her plump lower lip, followed by a delicate kiss on the tip of her nose. Vi let out a small laugh, and Caitlyn joined in. Looking at her with tenderness, Caitlyn wondered how she’d been lucky enough to have someone like her. Sometimes, it felt like she didn’t deserve her.
"And you?" Vi asked, gently stroking Caitlyn’s arm after she pulled back slightly, though still lying on top of her. "Since when?"
Caitlyn rested her head against Vi’s chest and let out a soft sigh.
"I actually thought about it just before we got married."
Though she couldn’t see her face, Caitlyn swore she could feel Vi’s eyes widening in surprise.
"That long ago?"
Caitlyn let out a small laugh, rolling her eyes.
"It wasn’t that long ago, love."
"Well, I thought you’d only started thinking about it recently, like me. Over a year is a lot for me."
"And we still have so many years ahead of us as wives, darling," Caitlyn said, running her fingers gently along Vi’s freckled collarbones, which had blossomed from spending more time in the sun during their shared walks in the garden. "But no, it wasn’t recent."
"And… what made you want to… you know, have kids with me?" Vi asked, trying to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks.
Caitlyn thought it was obvious.
She remembered all those times, after the war, when she saw how Vi interacted with the children in the now not-so-hidden hideout of the Firelights. The way she played with them, comforted them when they got hurt during training, rubbed their wounds before putting on a bandage, and smiled so tenderly. The way she cared for each and every one of them. The way she cared for Caitlyn. For everyone.
She remembered all those moments filled with melancholy but also profound love when Vi allowed herself to be vulnerable and share stories about her family—her parents, Vander, her siblings. About Powder. Jinx…
Vi had so much love to give, with a heart so big it barely fit in her chest. It was both her greatest strength and her greatest flaw. And Caitlyn knew that what Vi had always loved most in her life was her family. A family that, though lost to her, she still gave herself to completely, remembering them, holding onto their memory, and keeping a special place for them in her heart. Caitlyn felt honored to have an equally special place in it.
She couldn’t fully understand how Vi felt. Caitlyn had lost her own mother, and though their relationship was complicated due to their similarities, she had loved her deeply. That much had been clear when she lost her, consumed by the terrible seed of vengeance. She had suffered her loss profoundly. But she’d never lost two families, nor had she lost her father and sister multiple times, holding onto the hope of getting them back, only to fail horribly.
She had witnessed Vi’s deep love for her sister, how she’d tried to save her since the day she was freed from prison. It had been all she thought about. Caitlyn was an only child, but the closest thing to a sibling she’d had growing up was Jayce, someone whose disappearance—seemingly forever—she had mourned, grieved, and felt as though a part of her had vanished. So, she couldn’t imagine how Vi felt after everything she’d been through. Her Violet was certainly a resilient woman who, despite it all, hadn’t let her big heart change. She hadn’t let herself be consumed as Caitlyn once had.
That was one more reason Caitlyn was determined to make it up to her for the rest of her life—to Vi and to Zaun. The sacrifice of her eye was proof of that, but it wasn’t everything.
Before proposing, Caitlyn had already been convinced she wanted all of this with Vi. She wanted to offer it to her. Caitlyn wanted to give Vi security, happiness, a home. And she knew, she wanted, she needed to give her a family. A family she knew Vi would love and protect fiercely.
But at that time, they were still rebuilding. Still healing their wounds—physical and emotional. Caitlyn was willing to wait. She would wait. For her Violet.
Caitlyn nestled her head further against Vi’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat and basking in the warmth of her skin.
But now, just like Vi, she felt there couldn’t be a better moment than this.
"Your big heart," she simply said.
...
The first time Caitlyn had thought about having children with Vi was long before Vi confessed her desire to her.
Talking about the possibilities and deciding on one of them made both of them incredibly nervous.
If Caitlyn were honest, before Vi, she had never thought that having a family or children would be something she might ever want. She had always been someone deeply dedicated, obsessive, and attentive to her interests, particularly her work. She was addicted to it, and she loved it.
As a young woman, Caitlyn had casually dated a few women, sneaking them into her room—or so she thought until her parents, especially her mother, admitted they knew all along what she was up to. At first, it embarrassed her, but later she brushed it off, realizing her mother didn’t mind as long as she kept up with her responsibilities. So, she continued living that way. Her relationships never lasted long—everything was casual, fleeting, often just one-night flings. She prioritized other things.
When she began working and realized how much she loved her job, she decided to dedicate herself entirely to it, dismissing any notion of a serious relationship—let alone starting a family. While she knew her mother might have wanted her to carry on the Kiramman legacy, she never demanded or pressured Caitlyn, something Caitlyn was immensely grateful for.
But with Vi, everything changed. It wasn’t until she met Vi that Caitlyn realized she genuinely wanted those things. And when Vi mentioned the idea, Caitlyn was surprised at how natural it felt to imagine it.
She could see it clearly: Violet playing with a child in the garden, the two of them singing a lullaby to put their child to sleep. She could even imagine herself, for the first time, cradling a little baby with pink hair in her arms. The thought warmed her heart but also sent a pang of fear through her.
Could she really do it? Was she ready for something so monumental?
"Who will carry the baby, then?"
The question pulled her out of her thoughts. The gynecologist, a robust woman with a warm smile, sat across from them, looking at them with an encouraging expression as she waited for an answer.
The decision over who would carry the baby had been a pivotal moment in their discussions. One evening, sitting together on the couch surrounded by medical papers and with Caitlyn holding a steaming cup of tea, they explored their options. Caitlyn had carefully researched scientific advancements that could allow them to create an embryo using both of their genetic material. The possibility that their future child could carry a part of both of them excited them deeply.
"But who will carry the baby?" Caitlyn finally asked, her tone soft but direct.
Vi remained silent for a moment, fiddling with a loose thread on her sweatshirt. Then, she looked up, her gaze meeting Caitlyn’s.
"I think it should be me," she said, her voice steady but carrying a rare vulnerability Caitlyn seldom saw.
Caitlyn frowned.
"Vi, you don’t have to do this if you’re not comfortable. I can do it. I don’t want you to feel like it’s your responsibility just to protect me or something."
Vi shook her head, taking Caitlyn’s hands in hers.
"No, Cait. This isn’t about protecting you. It’s about us. Building something together. And I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel like this is something I want to do."
Caitlyn was silent for a moment, processing Vi’s words. Slowly, a soft smile spread across her face.
"Besides…" Vi continued, with a goofy grin, "I think it’s time I take a break from getting punched and blocking hits with my face. And honestly, I doubt you’d be able to tear yourself away from your work long enough to do it."
Point taken.
Now, in the doctor’s office, Vi sat upright, her posture stiff. Caitlyn, seated to her left, could tell with her sharp eye that Vi was trying to mask her nerves. Caitlyn squeezed her hand firmly, providing the reassurance Vi needed. Vi took a deep breath before finally answering:
"I’ll do it."
The weeks that followed were filled with preparations. Vi underwent medical examinations and an intensive hormonal treatment regimen. Caitlyn, ever the diligent and devoted partner, accompanied her to every appointment, taking meticulous notes and ensuring Vi felt supported throughout.
On the day of the procedure, Caitlyn held Vi’s hand tightly, her eyes filled with love and confidence.
"This is just the beginning," Caitlyn whispered as Vi took a deep breath.
The procedure was successful, and now all that was left was to wait for the results. Caitlyn wouldn’t deny it—she was anxious.
...
Caitlyn couldn’t stop thinking about Vi all day, glancing at the clock on her desk every few minutes, anxiously waiting for the end of her workday.
She had worked hard to get through as many files as she could, determined not to stay overtime as she usually did. At least she felt more at ease knowing she had transferred Vi to strictly office work, temporarily canceling her field duties for obvious reasons—to avoid any potential risks and keep her safe.
And although Vi had stopped by her office a few times throughout the day—whether for work, a quick question, casual small talk, or to bring her more coffee—Caitlyn wanted to have a proper conversation with her, something that couldn’t happen while sitting at her desk surrounded by paperwork. She preferred to do it in the comfort of their home, which meant waiting.
When Vi had left for home a few hours earlier, Caitlyn’s desire to finish up only intensified.
Now she found herself finally standing in front of their door, preparing to step inside and face what had been spinning in her mind all day.
As she entered, hanging her coat and bag on the rack, she caught a warm, delicious aroma wafting through the air. She guessed it might be some kind of meat and tomato dish.
As she approached the dining room, where the scent came from, she saw the table set with two plates of steaming, freshly served food.
What caught her attention and took her a bit by surprise was noticing a glass of wine at one seat and, at the other, a glass of orange juice.
"Hi, love."
Caitlyn turned to find Vi. She was wearing simple black sweatpants and a white t-shirt, comfortable and relaxed, but her expression showed excitement and a hint of nervousness. Vi was fidgeting with her hands, a huge, slightly anxious smile spreading across her face as she stepped closer.
"Hi, darling."
Vi stopped in front of her, her eyes reflecting something Caitlyn couldn’t quite read. Then, without a word, Vi moved toward the table and picked up a small kraft-colored box Caitlyn hadn’t noticed before, sitting between the two plates. Vi brought it over to her and held it out.
Hesitantly, Caitlyn took it.
Something inside her told her she already knew what she would find, but for some reason, her mind went completely blank at that moment. The world seemed to stop. The sound of her heartbeat pounded in her ears. It was just her, Vi, and the answer to something she had been waiting for all this time, now resting in her hands.
She carefully opened the box, and that’s when she saw it—a small white stick, its result displayed as if shouting at her. Her heartbeat quickened. A pregnancy test.
But what made her bring a hand to her mouth in disbelief was the positive result staring back at her.
Caitlyn couldn’t hold back the tears. Vi, with a mix of pride and excitement, wrapped her arms tightly around her.
"We’re doing this, Cait. For real."
Caitlyn nodded and returned the hug just as tightly.
This was real.
It was happening.
They were really doing this.
The beginning of something new.