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Caitlyn’s morning starts off normal, like any average morning would. She wakes up, semi-rested after having thought about a few cases even in her sleep, she washes up and dresses into her uniform. If there’s time, she’ll have breakfast at home; alone as her parents are always out and about already. If she’s short on time she’ll grab a quick bite on the way to work.
Arriving at work is where the morning takes a slight turn. When she enters her office, little does she expect to find her mother bustling around her desk, ”organizing” her files.
“Mother?”
“Ah, Caitlyn, finally you’ve arrived.”
“Is there something you need?” She takes the papers from her mother’s hands and motions for her to have a seat.
“Can’t I come see how my daughter is doing at work?”
“It’s not that you can’t but you seem to find yourself here when you need something not from me—your daughter—but rather Piltover's sheriff.”
“That is not true, Caitlyn.”
“Mother…” Caitlyn frowns. “You’d have told me at home otherwise.”
“I’m serious. I've come to ask you to invite your…acquaintance over for dinner.”
“I've plenty of acquaintances, could you be more specific?”
“The one I caught you sneaking into your room, '' her mother says.
Caitlyn can’t help but let a slight smirk form. “Mother, there’s been a handful of those encounters.”
“Oh, Caitlyn, please,” her mother chastises “the one from the undercity. Doesn't smile, has pink hair.”
“You mean Vi?”
“Yes! That’s the one!”
“And would you mind elaborating why you’re asking her for dinner?”
“Why not?”
“Mother, I know you.”
“You want me to understand you better, right? Then what better way than getting to know the ones you keep close.”
“Well, I’m not sure, but Vi—”
“Unless…she's not a friend?”
Caitlyn already detects the underwhelming expectation in her mother’s voice. “No, no, she is. But I'd rather not do this to her.”
“Caitlyn, you make it sound like I mean harm.”
“I mean, you didn’t exactly leave the best first impression.”
“Well pardon me for having been concerned over my daughter’s safety.”
“I’m only alive because of her—we keep each other alive,” she says with every ounce of conviction in her body.
If there is one thing Caitlyn wants her mother to know, it's the fact that Vi is not a passing person in her life. That the days they spent trying to uncover Silco’s operation of shimmer were more than just solving a case and moving on. They’ve been through carnage together and bore witness to terrible things.
Aside from that, Caitlyn owes Vi so much. Without her help she's not too sure they would have ever ended the exportation of shimmer and uncovered the rotten corruption of the enforcement.
Caitlyn cannot directly pinpoint what she means to Vi, but she knows that Vi has come to see her as more than her family’s wealth and status and more than the enforcers that have ruined her life.
Vi has become one of her dearest and most trusted companions. She’d never forsake her.
“Exactly the reason.”
Caitlyn also knows that she gets her stubbornness from her mother. The woman may have been born into the chair in the council but whether she was good at maintaining it was all due to her levelheaded composure that involved not being easily nudged. So as much as she didn’t want to trap Vi into a potentially uncomfortable dinner with a council member, she knows her mother will personally track Vi down to coerce her into dinner in a rudely polite manner.
“If I agree, will you stop trying to prowl in my personal affairs?”
“I do not prowl.”
“It’s what you’re doing now.”
Her mother narrows her eyes, but this once Caitlyn will not back down. Her mother sighs, “Very well.”
“Great,” Caitlyn stands to walk her mother out. “Now, mother, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve loads of work to attend to.”
“Of course. Don’t forget dinner is at 7.”
“Yes, yes,” She ushers her mother out the door. “Bye-bye, now!”
Caitlyn waves, putting on a docile grin. It drops when her mother is clear of sight. She sits back at her desk, slumping over it and lets out a groan.
During lunch hour, Caitlyn actually finds the time to eat lunch without having to scarf it down in five bites or less or not get a single bite before having to run to another location. Surprisingly, today's work contained more paper than roaming the streets to question witnesses or discover trails and leads for suspects.
She finds herself at the canteen of the department, getting her meal and sitting at an empty table. Most enforcers stare at her—some in disbelief, disdain, or plain ogling. Caitlyn has learned to not let the pestering eyes of others get through her skin at a young age.
A tray is dropped on her table. “Why so lonely, cupcake?”
Caitlyn gives a half smile. “Hello, Vi.”
“Shocking, seeking you here.’
“Could say the same for you. I thought you didn’t like the food here.”
Vi shrugs, ripping a loaf in half and dipping it into the soup on her tray. “It certainly lacks the exquisite undercity flavor but I’ve grown used to it. Besides, it’s free too”
Caitlyn watches the way Vi shamelessly digs into the food. It’s so like her to say words nonchalantly but let her actions betray her and convey something else. She says the food is meh in Piltover but yet always leaves her plates cleaned out.
“So, what brings you here? I’m surprised you’re not out there catching yet another crooked criminal.”
Caitlyn rips little pieces from her own loaf, messing with it more than having any intent to eat it. “More file work than chasing today.”
“I could see it’s putting you on edge. You must really love running out there.”
Caitlyn hadn’t noticed anything about her seeming on edge. “Always a thrill but I’m alright. Why do you say otherwise?”
“You're bouncing your leg, licking your lips too often, haven’t even taken a single bite of your food. I know you’ve only become sheriff not long ago but take it easy, cupcake.”
Now that Vi has pointed it out, Caitlyn seems to notice it as well. Her leg won't stop shaking, her lips feel even more dry even as she licks them again, and her food hasn’t really seemed appealing since she sat down.
“I—well— “
“Something the matter?”
“No, no, um, actually— “
“Is it work?”
Caitlyn shakes her head. It’s funny how she's never once been this shaken before when her life has been on the line but yet something as minor as inviting Vi over for dinner has her nerves twisted.
Vi leans forward, looking at her expectantly. “Are you sure?”
“Actually,” Caitlyn drops her hands to her lap, hiding the way they’ve formed into tight fists from nerves. “If you’re not busy, I’d like to formally extend an invitation for dinner. To you.”
Vi’s hand holding a piece of bread freezes halfway to her mouth. “Like…a date?”
Caitlyn stiffens. “Well…uh…um…”
“No?”
“My parents wanted to invite you over for dinner…to get to know you better.’
“I’m having dinner with your parents?”
“I’ll be present as well.”
“I thought you didn’t like your parents.”
“What, no. Of course, I like them.”
“But you always groan in annoyance when you talk about them.”
“Well, that's because my mother knows no boundaries.”
“So now she'll be invading my boundaries at dinner instead of yours?”
“What—no, Vi, I wouldn't let them—“ Caitlyn catches the grin on Vi’s face. “You’re pulling my leg, aren't you?”
“It’s so fun messing with you.”
“Ha-ha.”
“Relax, cupcake. I’ll go but why?”
“Why what?”
“Why me?”
“Because you’re—well, you're my—”
Vi leans forward. “Your what?”
“Friend! You’re my friend!” Caitlyn croaks out.
“Geez, no need to blow out my eardrum.”
“Sorry, I—”
“No worry cupcake, you’re stressed out, it’s all good.”
“Yeah, that’s why.”
“I’m pretty stressed out too. Working with enforcers doesn’t really help my Zen, you’d think they back off a bit since they'd have gotten nowhere if it weren’t for me, but I guess we can’t let bygones be bygones all the time.”
Caitlyn reaches over, giving Vi’s fingers a squeeze. “You’re doing amazing, Vi, I’m strongly appreciative of your cooperation.”
“I owe you this much after you saved my life.”
“We saved each other,” Caitlyn says, just as she informed her mother. “We’re partners, Vi.”
Vi nods. “The best there is, cupcake.” She stretches quickly before standing. “Anyway, I should go. Gotta meet up with Ekko, he’s got some intel regarding some new crew forming in the lanes. My best guess is one of Silco’s past colleagues but who knows.”
“Please let me know what you find out.”
“Of course.”
Caitlyn catches her by the wrist. “Stay safe, Vi.”
“Always. I’ve got an important dinner to attend!” she muses, not without throwing a playful wink Caitlyn’s way.
Suddenly, Caitlyn stuffs her mouth with food to distract herself from the warm and tingly feeling caused by Vi’s usual antics.
Caitlyn is a nervous wreck just a few minutes before dinner. Vi still hasn’t arrived and she can already see the distaste forming in her mother’s face. Not that she really cared what her mother thought but it would be nice for a change to see her express something else other than disappointment.
“Caitlyn, dear, I’m sure she’ll be here soon,” her father says, trying to ease the tension in the air.
“She must’ve got caught up with a case. She was looking into a possible lead for another case of shimmer distribution by a new crew.”
“Another? I thought you had shut that down after Silco’s passing?”
“Well, we did—there’s nothing concrete about this new intel.”
“It seems we’ll never rid ourselves of these problems.”
“We won’t because of people like us. We have the resources to help the undercity so these issues can become rarer but we’re so high up on our pedestal we can’t see real problems.”
“Caitlyn, you know I’m trying but it’s not easy work trying to convince the council.”
Caitlyn really wishes she could get mad but she’s well aware since the day she and Vi had attempted to convince the council of their proposal, her mother had been slowly integrating their ideals in between meetings but there’s nothing more stubborn than the wealthiest people.
“I know, mother, I’m just growing listless.”
Then the doorbell rings and Caitlyn wonders if the night will go more smoothly or will things go south.
When Caitlyn opens the door, she’s greeted with the sight of Vi in a dark purple suit and a bottle in her hands. “Vi…you look…”
“Weird? Silly?”
“No, no! You’re stunning!”
“Thanks, Caitlyn, I did my best to clean up.” She hands over the bottle. “Jayce said your mother liked this kind; I hope he wasn’t lying.”
Caitlyn analyzes the bottle of wine. “It is. She loves this brand.” She motions for Vi to enter. “We’re just waiting on you.”
“Oh, shit, am I late?”
“No, you’re just on time.”
“Oh, good. Are you ready then?”
“I should be asking you.”
Vi shrugs but Caitlyn notices the waver in her smile. “Feels like I’m about to be interrogated.”
They start heading to the dining room where her parents have taken their seats already. “Don’t worry, I won’t let them.”
Standing near the table are her parents, expectant eyes and their best welcoming grins. Her father rushes up to Vi, shaking her hand immediately.
“Nice to see you again, Vi. You’ve been well I hope?”
Vi keeps up with his firm handshake. “All good, Mr. Kiramman. Thank you for inviting me over.”
“Oh, of course, it's always lovely to have a friend of Cait’s over.”
Her father lets go, stepping back only to be replaced by her mother who shake’s Vi’s hand as well but more subtle.
“Vi, was it?”
Caitlyn holds back the urge to roll her eyes.
Vi clears her throat, standing up straight. “Yes. Lovely home, Councilor Kiramman.”
“You didn’t get much of a tour last time you were here, right?”
“Uh, yeah. Wasn’t much time allowed.”
“It’s not much but I'm sure Caitlyn wouldn't mind giving you one.”
Caitlyn nods. “Sure, but shall we eat first?”
Everyone agrees, breaking away to their seats. Caitlyn makes sure to keep Vi next to her and farthest from her mother who is sitting at the head of the table. Their house staff bring their dinner served on a silver platter and Caitlyn can only hope Vi doesn’t tease her or make a snarky comment later about literally being served on silver.
Caitlyn would say they’re only a few bites into their dinner when her mother wipes at her mouth and directs full attention toward Vi. Her eyes are sharp and mirthless.
“What led you to help our daughter?”
“Mother, can we not, please? May we just enjoy our dinner?”
“It’s just a question, Caitlyn, dear.”
Caitlyn sighs, feeling that this single question is going to turn into many more that she’s going to have to try and deflect for Vi’s sake.
“Oh well, um, well she just asked me, and I was dying for a way to get out of prison--”
“You were in prison?”
Caitlyn intercedes with, “Wrongfully incarcerated. Marcus had imprisoned her without a single charge. Vi is an innocent victim.”
“Oh, so sorry that happened to you.”
“It's fine…doesn't matter now,” Vi says but Caitlyn notes the furrowed eyebrows and clenched jaw say otherwise.
“Of course, it does, you'd been put there against your will--”
“Caitlyn, it's alright, I’d rather not dive into that right now.” Vi sends her a reassuring smile. “But it is also why I'm helping Caitlyn. We shared similar desires to set the system right, so that another victim won't have to experience what I did.”
Caitlyn's heart surges. She wants to reach over and crush her into a hug but if only they weren’t in the presence of her mother’s observant gaze.
“Our daughter sure is a wildcard, isn't she?”
Vi chuckles lightly. “Oh, yeah, for sure but it’s what I like about her most. She's meticulous and calculated with her actions but is never revealing when she's going to act on them--element of surprise and all that.”
Her father’s expression lightens up. “You know, when I was a young lad--”
“Honey, I doubt Vi would like to hear your stories of youth.”
“Oh, I don't mind--”
Caitlyn, for this matter, agrees with her mother. As much as she adores her father greatly, he can get a bit into too much detail when talking about his memories as a teen. It feels like sitting in a three-hour lecture of history. Might be nice for some interested but after twenty minutes it’s a bit tedious.
“Thanks, father, but perhaps some other time?”
“Oh, alright, raincheck I suppose.” He settles back on eating his dinner with gusto.
Caitlyn almost believes they are going to get through dinner unscathed. So far, her mother’s questions have not been too daggering or too personal--perhaps her light tone made up for her brusque choice of words.
But foolish she was because her mother sets down her cutlery and aims her gaze at Vi again.
“That young lady--Jinx, I believe--is your sister?”
Caitlyn takes note of the way Vi’s shoulders goes rigged. Her grip on her fork tightened and coldness seeped in her eyes. “Mother--”
“Yes, she is,” Vi responds steady and calmly before Caitlyn could reject the topic. “Is there an issue with that?”
“No, no, of course not. Family is all we have sometimes…no matter the choices or actions they commit.”
“If you're worried about my sister pulling another stunt, she won’t…She’s trying to get better. We both are. But I do swear I’ll never allow Caitlyn to be caught in the crossfire again.” Vi glances at her, eyes sad but determined.
“Vi, that wasn’t your fault.”
“Not directly perhaps but your link to me triggered her. She thinks--thought I was replacing her with you.”
Caitlyn attempts to reach out but her mother clears her throat. She plays off her movement and picks up her glass of water.
“If I may ask, what are your aspirations, Vi?”
“Mother, please!'' Caitlyn exasperates because she's very sure the last thing that needs to be discussed at this table are ambitions that are sure to get too deep too fast.
But Vi still hasn't backed down either from answering which is a feat of hers--never backing down. “Oh, um, well I guess helping my people, make sure my sister doesn’t feel alone, do right by my partner, overall, just to be a better person.”
Her mother then leans forward, her eyes sharpened. “Now let me ask you--if you had to choose between the undercity or my daughter, what would you choose?”
This time Caitlyn slams her cutlery down, shooting a glare toward her mother’s way. “You’re crossing a line, mother!”
“Caitlyn.” her father says, mildly authoritative which is unusual for him.
“But dad--” He shakes his head and Caitlyn settles but turns to Vi. “You don’t have to answer.”
“It's fine, I will.”
“Vi--”
Vi gives her hand a quick pat and it shuts Caitlyn up.
“When I met Caitlyn, I wasn't in the best situation, but she helped me in her own way. I still didn't trust her, so I chose the undercity. Initially, my plan was just to go along with her idea and be free then go off and do my own thing but then circumstances happened--she saved my life. So, I stuck around, got to know her a little more and saw she genuinely cares so I chose her. Now, after everything we’d been through together and separate, I'm confident I can choose both. Why should there be a reason to pick sides, it’s why our homes are divided in the first place. There are things I've done growing up I'm not proud of, but I was left with no choice in order to survive. It could go the same for you--some things may be done out of selfishness, but some may be done because there's no other option. In my view, topsiders chose ignorance, and I chose pride. But who's to say the choice we make defines us forever. That what I choose today will be the same as I choose tomorrow.”
Caitlyn's heart surges at Vi’s response. A calculated and diligent answer. Her eyes flicker between her mother and Vi.
Until finally her mother nods approvingly and continues eating. From her peripheral vision she watches Vi’s posture deflate and relax.
Dinner still could have gone a lot better. The food was tasteful, but the talking left a sour taste in her mouth. She only hoped it didn’t drive Vi away from her. She’d need to speak with her mother on her foul behavior and too personal interrogation.
Caitlyn enters her bedroom with irritation, followed by a calm Vi. It's usually the reverse with them. Vi tends to act first then speak and is blinded by her anger while Caitlyn remains the reasonable and steady one. But with Vi, she feels secure enough to release pent up frustration just as Vi is comfortable enough to relax her muscles and guard.
"Dinner was splendid," Vi comments, her tone light.
Caitlyn eyes her incredulously. "Are you joking right now?"
"Uh, no?"
"Dinner was an absolute disaster!"
"I thought the soup was--"
"Forget the soup, Vi! My parents--my mother was awful!"
"I think she was actually nicer than last time."
Caitlyn watches the way Vi comfortably plops on her bed. She joins her side, hoping--knowing being closer to her will calm her down.
"So, you're telling me that you didn't mind her asking you all those questions?"
"Well, yeah I minded but I could tell she was more curious about who her daughter was hanging out with rather than trying to dig dirt on me."
"But still! She was crossing the line. I'm sorry. I swore I'd stop her from interrogating you, but I failed."
"Hey, hey, relax, cupcake. I answered her question on my own accord. Besides, your mom is just looking out for you, it’s what they do. I don't remember much of my birth parents but I...I had Vander...he was my dad. He used to literally hound the people he saw as any threat to me or my sister."
Caitlyn realizes this is the first time Vi willingly speaks of her family without it being full of sorrow and anger. She's tempted to ask for more but hesitates because what if they're still not at the level of friendship where one can ask out of wonder rather than accepting what was given.
But the tiny smile on Vi’s face motivates her.
"What was he like, if you don't mind me asking?"
Vi looks at her and Caitlyn almost retracts her question, an apology on the tip of her tongue.
Vi sighs, leaning back on her hands. "Hm, let me think. He was tender, protective, a huge goofball when he wanted to be, but he was also hot headed, stubborn, and a stickler for rules. But he was Vander, y'know? He was home."
The distant expression on Vi’s face urges Caitlyn to reach out and ground her. She gently places her hand on top of her thigh, giving it a light squeeze.
"I wonder if he'd been alive today would things have turned out the way they did."
Caitlyn can sort of empathize with the grief and wondering that comes with losing someone dear. When she'd been informed of Grayson's death, it was as if time had frozen and nothing seemed real. Grayson was her mentor, the figure in her life that never shut her dreaming down but rather asked her about it. It was because of Grayson that Caitlyn never ended pursuing her goal of entering the enforcement to end on top and actually make a difference in a distorted system.
She had her parents and friends, a big house and fancy dinners, and the best education wealth could afford.
But none of that matters when you lose the only person that believed in you.
"He--Vander would be proud of you--I'm sure he was."
"I don't know, maybe. One can dream."
"I'm proud of you, Vi."
Vi turns to her, doesn't say anything, just looks at her. Caitlyn watches the way her eyes flicker up and down.
And then Vi starts leaning toward her slowly, still looking into her eyes. Caitlyn tilts her head slightly, closes her eyes, and eases into the kiss.
It’s slow and tender, nothing too strong or fast. Vi lightly bites her bottom lip and she lets out a sigh of pleasure. She tastes so sweet and feels so soft, in contrast to her tough exterior.
Vi kisses her gently, holds her waist with a light touch.
Few months ago, they'd been in Caitlyn's room, just after they'd escaped near death. They hadn’t known each other longer than a day or two but were already risking everything to help and save the other. It was in the moment she and Vi had laid opposite of each other on her bed as she listened to Vi’s childhood stories with her sister that Caitlyn had wanted to hold her.
But wary of her reaction, Caitlyn had settled for a caress on the cheek, a tingling in her torso from the way Vi had grasped onto her hand like a lifeline. Being deprived of human connection for years was something Caitlyn couldn't imagine but she could at least help with it in any way.
And now here they were again in her bedroom, tangled in each other's arms and their lips pulling and tugging.
Wanting to be the levelheaded one, Caitlyn pulls away from the kiss, feeling warm and breathless. “Do you…want a snack?” she offers.
“Right this instant?”
“Yeah.”
“In the middle of our make out?”
Caitlyn flushes from how forward Vi is. “Yes, Violet. It’ll be worth it, I swear.”
Vi sighs whimsically. “I'm not sure anything could beat your lips but sure, I could go for a snack.”
“Okay.” She stands from the bed, loving the way Vi holds onto her hand till the very last second. “Be right back.”
“I’ll be here.”
She only suggested a snack time because she didn’t want to get too ahead of herself with Vi. Yes, they’re friends--possibly more now after kissing like that--but she wanted to respect Vi’s limits and not push anything. They’ve never been simple from the get-go, and it was a safer bet to take slow steps from now on.
But if Vi were to initiate more then Caitlyn would follow right behind.
Caitlyn heads downstairs with caution. The last thing she needed was to run into her mother who'd either give knowing eyes or bombard her with embarrassing questions. The plan is to grab some drinks and snacks then bolt right back upstairs
She tiptoes into the kitchen, manages to grab some cookies from the cabinets with caution, then proceeds to open the fridge and take two cartons of milk all with the silence of a ninja.
It all goes according to plan. That is until she closes the fridge and shrieks when she sees her mother leaning on the counter.
“Mother! You gave me a fright!”
“About you and Vi--”
“What about us? There's nothing going on!”
“Caitlyn Kiramman,” her mother begins in a strict tone. “I know you believe you're sneaky and sly, but you are my daughter. It is simply impossible to hide things from me.”
“I--”
“Yes, I know you are your own person, and you are not the same girl you were years ago, you’ve grown and wised up. But you’re my daughter and there are some parts a parent never forgets about their child.”
“Mother--”
“I'm not the cruel monster you’ve painted me as. If I've overstepped any lines you drew, it's not because I wanted to--I needed to, honey. You are the most precious treasure in my life and if it means getting on your bad side to keep you safe then so be it. If I must appear antagonistic in the eyes of others and yours to make sure my beloved daughter is out of harm's way, then so be it.”
Her mother, who was usually strong and stone cold, was now soft and vulnerable. Caitlyn felt a tad remorseful. In the back of her mind, she sensed her mother was being protective, but she also wanted to be let go and experience the world to flourish on her own.
“I know, mum, I know but I'm not a little girl anymore. You can't save me from everything or everyone.”
“And that's what I'm afraid of, dear. All I want is for you to be okay. But if dedicating yourself to a danger-filled career and bearing your soul to that young lady in your room is your way of being who you are then I respect it and support it.”
“Mum…”
“Now, hurry along, don't keep your girlfriend waiting.”
Caitlyn splutters. “What, no, she is not--we are not--”
“Darling,” her mother starts, fixing her stray hairs. "If you think you got your charm from your father then you are very misinformed.”
“Do you mean…?”
“Gosh, you remind me so much of myself when I was your age.”
“Oh, mother, ew.”
“Hush you.” She pats her cheek gently. “I can see you both have strong feelings toward each other.”
“How do you know?”
“I noticed the way you watch her and the way she looks right back at you.” she says then, “...that and your lips are flushed.”
Caitlyn's hand flies up to cover her lips. Her eyes widened in panic. How embarrassing.
“Also, I will be apologizing to Vi. I know I pried too much, and I truly appreciate her willingness to answer. She’s a fine young lady, hold on to her, Caitlyn.”
It’s not that she hadn't expected her mother to come around eventually, but she is surprised at how soon. She was expecting her mother to hold out on her liking for Vi for a bit longer just to push Caitlyn’s buttons but hearing her now does have her a little shocked.
“I…thank you, mother, I appreciate it.”
Her mother nods towards upstairs. “Now, go.”
Just before Caitlyn does leave, she pulls her mother into a crushing hug. Yes, she may be a pain at times and a tad overbearing but Caitlyn knows if she weren’t she might not have gotten to where she was now nor would she be the mother she loves.
She heads back upstairs, entering her bedroom, and finds Vi in a familiar position. On her stomach at the end of the bed, Vi perks up with expectant eyes.
“Just cookies? And milk?”
“Were you expecting a whole platter?”
“Knowing you, sort of?”
Caitlyn hands her the cookies and a milk carton when she sits up. “Sorry to underestimate.”
“You could never, cupcake,” Vi mumbles with a mouthful of cookie. “These are exquisite, and the milk is refreshing.”
Caitlyn wipes away a few crumbs from the corner of Vi’s lips before gently swiping her thumb along her top lip, extra care on the little scar present. It’s tender and intimate. "My mother likes you."
Wide eyes, eyebrows raised, and one cheek bigger than the other due to the cookies, Vi appears completely stunned. “She does?”
“Well, she didn’t directly say it, but I spoke with her briefly in the kitchen and she’s more open? I guess that's the way to put it.”
“Oh, well, that's good, right?”
“Yes, it is.” Caitlyn chuckles at the innocence that wafts through Vi’s tone. “But know who else likes you?”
“Let me guess, your dad?”
“Well, yeah, but aside from my parents.”
“Um…not sure.”
Caitlyn takes the cookies and milk carton from Vi’s hands, setting them aside before nudging her until she’s fully laid back against the bed. “I really, really like you Vi.” she confesses softly.
Vi, no longer bearing her shocked expression but rather a warm and gentle one, reaches up and plays with a piece of hair hanging by Caitlyn's cheek. "I know."
"What about you?"
"Do I like myself?"
Caitlyn pinches her waist playfully. "Be serious please."
"What do you think?"
"I don't know."
"I call you cupcake, we just made out, I called you hot a few hours after knowing each other," Vi lists then pulls Caitlyn down on her until she’s fleshed against her. Their lips are centimeters apart. "You drive me a little insane, cupcake, in a good way," she murmurs. The words hitting Caitlyn's lips.
"That's good to hear."
"You don't regret anything?"
Caitlyn shakes her head but barely, refusing to break eye contact. "In spite of all the disastrous shit and endless injuries...if I get to be with you, I'd do it all again. What about you?"
A soft grin plays on Vi’s lips. She leaves a gentle kiss on Caitlyn's cheek. It warms her entire body.
"Meeting you saved my life. The least I could do is give you my heart."
"Vi--"
"If you feel it’s too much you can always give me yours?"
On the outside Vi is everything but a softie. She's got a smirk that could either cause a flush on one's cheeks or irritate the living hell out of someone. Her confidence not only exists in her stance, walk, and muscles but it’s so present in her eyes. Vi is like a walking brick wall that it seems nothing could tear it down.
But, on other and more personal occasions, when it’s just the two of them, Vi is gentle and sweet, careful with her touch and words, her walls become permeable, and Caitlyn can truly experience what meets more than the eye.
So, to hear her speak such sweet filled words, without a cringe and the strongest sincerity she can muster, Caitlyn has no fear in falling.
"It's been yours for a while, violet."
"Well," Vi sighs calmly. "I'm glad we've settled the score on that." She switches up with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Before I said that I was thinking about asking for your rifle instead."
Caitlyn rolls her eyes playfully. "You're a terrible shot."
"Yeah, but I've got you, cupcake, to teach me."
"Sure, if you kiss me."
Vi rolls herself on top of Caitlyn, holding herself up on her elbows so as to not completely crush her. "I can offer way more than that."
And Caitlyn decides that two can play at this game. She tilts her head up, their lips brushing against each other lightly as she speaks. "I'm sure you can but the real wonder is: can you keep up?"
"I guess we'll have to find out."
Caitlyn is sure that tonight is not the sole time she'll be learning more about vi. After all, she's been entrusted with a treasure; her heart will be cherished every beautiful way possible. She deserves it all and Caitlyn is going to give it to her.
Vi mentioned at dinner that choices are not always set in stone. If the circumstances allow it, they can change.
But being in Vi’s firm but loving arms, Caitlyn would make the same choices over and over again because they lead her to right here, right now, with Vi.