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Vi desperately navigated the destroyed hexgate, leaping from metal platform to platform. Her left arm was seared with pain, having been folded under her at an awkward angle after the battle ended. She was exhausted, having put everything into just surviving that thing’s attacks. The thing that used to be her father.
She came across an exceptionally large gap between the maintenance platforms, but she didn’t hesitate. She sprinted forward, heavy boots bouncing off the rigid metal, and then leaped through the air. She landed just on the edge of the other side, using her momentum to lurch her weight forward. The loud clang rang hollow through the now-empty chamber.
She took a deep breath and kept moving, it looked like she managed to get out of the worst of it, the majority of the exit being spared from Viktor’s destructive flight. As she was able to simply sprint through platforms and stairs, her thoughts started to race.
At one point during the battle, she had managed to get a look outside through the hole Jinx had made in the gate. Jinx. Her sister was dead, along with her dad. Vi’s pace stuttered for a moment, the thought piercing her heart like a thousand glass shards.
She couldn’t afford to stop. Not yet. As much as she wanted to break down, and finally just weep for her lost family, she couldn’t. When she had looked through the massive hole in the hexgate, she saw a swarm of red, the Noxians, surrounding three figures. She was almost certain one of them was Caitlyn, donned in her midnight blue uniform.
It seemed like they won the battle against Viktor, as all those creepy robot things were dead. But she didn’t know what was happening outside. She had to know. Tears streamed down her face as her sister’s and father’s faces rotated in her mind. Then Caitlyn’s followed, and Vi’s pace suddenly surged.
The path down seemed like an eternity. An endless labyrinth of stairs and walkways. Vi just tried to focus on going down, as her worry exponentially increased with every second she wasn’t in that courtyard, ensuring Caitlyn’s safety.
She could be dying right now. Vi’s thoughts betrayed her. She tried to focus on just running as fast as she could. Her quads burned from all the jumping, running, and stairs. She could be dying right now and I won’t be there to save her. Vi made a frustrated grunt as she skipped the last few steps in the metal staircase she had been descending. She felt the coarse, cool touch of pavement on the hand she used to catch herself.
I’m almost there. Vi reassured herself, making one last sprint from the exit of the hexgate into the courtyard. Her eyes were met with a sea of red and black. The Noxians stood strong, and Vi couldn’t see what was on the other side. There was a torturous quiet in the area.
Vi approached the wall of Noxian soldiers at full speed. She didn’t care what they were doing, or if they would try and kill her. Caitlyn was on the other side of these assholes and Vi needed to get through.
As she closed in, the two soldiers nearest to her turned and raised their shields. Vi slowed as they raised their spears, ready for battle. She revved the atlas gauntlet she had on her right arm, having left the other amid her grievance and panic.
“GET OUT OF MY WAY BEFORE I FUCKING KILL YOU!” The cry left Vi’s mouth out of pure, animalistic instinct. Her blood flowed like lava in her veins, her heart beating at a lethal tempo. She drew back her gauntlet and made to close the gap after the soldiers made no move to stand aside.
“Let her pass!” A familiar voice called out. Vi had already committed to her attack, and she went flying forward, her gauntlet passing through open air. The soldiers had sidestepped, now returning to the more docile state from before. The entire wall of them had moved aside, allowing her forward.
Vi regained her posture, standing up straight. She eyed the soldiers, then looked forward. Her heart sank. What Vi could see of Caitlyn’s body lay motionless to the right of Mel. Mel’s back was to Vi, and the counselor looked over her shoulder in a pained expression at Vi. Vi’s world slowed, time inching forward as she dropped her gauntlet and ran forward to the pair. No. No, no, no, no.
Her heart beating in her ears was the only sound she heard. Caitlyn’s comforting gaze as she stroked her cheek that day after the bridge was the only thing she could see. Caitlyn’s hand holding her own in the war room before the battle was the only thing she could feel. Caitlyn.
As she approached Mel, Vi slid to her knees, stopping herself to the left of Mel. Caitlyn’s head was laid in Mel’s lap, her body perpendicular to both Vi and Mel. Her eyes were shut but she was breathing. Oh god, she’s breathing. A torrent of tears streamed down Vi’s face as she sharply inhaled twice before a soft sob escaped her lips.
“She’s going to be okay, but she’s heavily injured. I have a medical crew coming,” Mel explained gently, laying a hand on Vi’s right shoulder. “She fought with exceptional bravery and skill, but the battle cost her.”
Vi had already seen the river of blood flowing from Caitlyn’s left eye. Vi readjusted herself, rotating around the front of Mel so she could look at Caitlyn head-on. Her left arm reached out, grasping Caitlyn’s cheek. She could feel the warmth on her skin, and the gentle exhale on her fingers. Another quiet sob emits from Vi. She’s alive. Oh god, she’s alive.
When Vi had first seen Caitlyn’s body lying so still, she had assumed the worst. Everything around her had crashed down into a million pieces. Losing her sister and her father had devastated her, but it was something that she had already experienced. This, losing Caitlyn, she wasn’t sure if she’d recover from it. But Cait was okay, at least she’d live.
Vi’s gaze was drawn to Caitlyn’s eyes, resting so peacefully. The sight of the blood running down Caitlyn’s face made Vi’s blood run cold.
Suddenly, Caitlyn’s eyes gently opened. Her right eye sparkled with that dazzling blue Vi had grown so accustomed to, but her left eye showed only red, the organ slashed and bleeding. Caitlyn’s head slowly turned to fully face Vi, both eyes staring into her very soul.
“Did we win?” Caitlyn asked simply, softly. The words came out barely a whisper. Vi, despite all the worry and pain in her heart, managed a gentle smile and even a small chuckle through her tears.
“Yes, cupcake. We won.” Vi continued stroking her lover's face, the entire outside world irrelevant at this moment. “You can rest now.”
Caitlyn’s eyes pinched slightly as a tear escaped her healthy eye, a small smile washing over her face. She grabbed Vi’s hand on her cheek and squeezed it tight, holding it to her face. Suddenly, she sat up, folding her knees under her, fully facing Vi. Mel and Vi began to make noises of protest but Caitlyn waved her hand gently.
“I’m fine really,” Caitlyn explained gently. Vi could tell that was bullshit just by the way she could barely hold herself up, and the pool of blood she had left where she was resting on the pavement. She locked eyes with Vi again. “After we beat Ambessa . . . all I could think about was whether you were okay or not. I wanted to come find you-”
Vi leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Caitlyn, pulling her gently into herself. She lay her head lightly on Caitlyn’s shoulder. She was careful not to put any weight on Caitlyn, her own knees holding up her weight in their embrace. Caitlyn let out a soft gasp and then sighed, her own arms wrapping around Vi’s back and her head leaning into Vi’s shoulder. Vi could feel her arms barely lying there, not any force pulling her into Cait.
Here Caitlyn is, barely strong enough to hug her, one eye cut out, and who knows how many other injuries. And all she could think about was getting back to Vi. Vi’s heart throbbed with that familiar combination of love and pain. She sobbed into Caitlyn’s shoulder.
Caitlyn had almost died. Vi wasn’t a doctor but even she could see that. She must have been fighting for her life out here and Vi hadn’t been there to protect her. She knew it was a stupid thought, that they both had their parts to play in the battle, but their separation during all of it now felt unbearable. Her arms trembled, her chest heaved, her legs felt like they might give out.
“Don’t leave me again,” Vi demanded softly into Cait’s now tear-soaked shoulder. She felt Caitlyn’s breath stutter for a second, then her lover's arms wrap themselves a little farther, pulling her ever so closer.
“Never again, Violet,” Caitlyn replied lovingly. Vi could feel Cait’s tears pooling on her own shoulder. Vi pulled away, embracing Caitlyn’s face once again, staring into those beautiful eyes. Caitlyn stared back, smiling subtly through her tears. Vi’s gaze shifted to Caitlyn’s injured eye, her face hardening with anger. The thought of anyone hurting Caitlyn like this; it made her sick. It made her swell with rage. Vi swore to herself she would never let anyone hurt Cait like this again.
Caitlyn seemed a little uneasy, and Vi realized she was kind of staring at her like an angry maniac and tried to soften her face again. They just sat there, Caitlyn sitting still, simply returning Vi’s gaze while Vi tried to comfort her with gentle finger strokes through her hair.
“Commander! I’m your field medic, please lay back and relax.” A male enforcer bearing the red cross approached with a duo of enforcers behind him. “I apologize for the delay and lack of manpower, we’re stretched thin with all the casualties.”
Caitlyn opened her mouth as if to say anything, but her voice fell short. She proceeded to slide herself onto the stretcher the enforcers had brought. She took a deep breath and sighed. She’s so tired. I wish she hadn’t sat up like that.
“I’m going to have to take you back to our main tent for stitches and then the hospital, it looks like you’re going to need surgery.” The medic stated as he shone a flashlight into Caitlyn’s eyes, apologizing for the inconvenience. The medic reached for a chain around Caitlyn’s neck and checked for her blood type on the tags. The duo of enforcers with him squatted down and then lifted the stretcher, bringing Caitlyn up to Vi’s waist, who was now standing.
The two exchanged a glance. Vi reached her hand and brushed it against Caitlyn’s. Caitlyn’s words echoed in her head. Never again.
“I’m coming with,” Vi stated flatly. The medic gave her a look, unsure at first. Then his expression softened.
“Of course, please ensure the path forward is clear while we transport Commander Kiramman.” The medic asked gently. Vi sighed, slightly surprised that despite everything, an enforcer was being lenient with her.
She glanced back down to see Caitlyn with a wide grin on her face. Vi smiled back, then headed in front of the two enforcers carrying the stretcher, studying the scene. While she had been stuck in her moment with Caitlyn, the scene had become a bit of a frenzy. The Noxians stood off to the side while several more medical personnel moved frantically in and out of the scene.
Vi began shouting at passersby, and they moved forward. I’ve got you, cupcake.
—
Caitlyn’s headspace was a swirling mess, no thoughts clear enough to focus on. She was vaguely aware of her surroundings, although trying to put a name to anything, even who was holding her in their lap seemed impossible. Her muddied head seemed like it would never fully clear until she heard a familiar voice.
“GET OUT OF MY WAY BEFORE I FUCKING KILL YOU!” Her hero shouted from behind her. Even in her clouded mind, she could recognize Vi’s voice from anywhere. Caitlyn wasn’t fully woken from her stupor but was now acutely aware that Vi was nearby. She’s okay.
“Let her pass!” Mel shouted. Of course, how could I forget? Mel and she had been fighting Ambessa out here before Viktor’s . . . whatever took hold of them. The fact Caitlyn’s thoughts were her own again gave her hope, but she still had to know for sure. Did we win?
She could hear Vi running towards them. She could hear Vi slide next to Mel, Vi breathing desperately. She heard Vi start to cry and sob. Caitlyn’s heart throbbed at the sound. She fought every sluggish thought and stubborn muscle to try and let Vi know she was here. Don’t cry love, I’m here with you.
“She’s going to be okay, but she’s heavily injured. I have a medical crew coming,” Caitlyn heard Mel explain. “She fought with exceptional bravery and skill, but the battle cost her.”
The fight didn’t feel brave to Caitlyn, just a desperate bid for her life. Every blow from Ambessa felt like it would be her end. Caitlyn’s heartbeat started to race. That blade, just inches from her eye, Ambessa’s overwhelming strength. The feeling of the blade carving into her face, taking her vision with it. Caitlyn was there again, on the verge of death, Ambessa, a seemingly unstoppable force ready to take her life, and all her memories of mother, father, and Vi with it.
She heard Vi shift around her, and then she felt Vi’s hand stroking her face. As quick as her memories of the fight had come, they dissipated. Vi’s touch a soothing eye of the storm in all this chaos. It felt like heaven, after all the pain she’d endured. Caitlyn wanted nothing more than to feel this forever, the warm, comforting feeling of Vi’s presence, protecting her, encompassing her.
Caitlyn willed her eyes to open. She had to see Vi. Begrudgingly, her eyelids agreed, and the light from the world streamed in from around her. There she was, her beautiful lover. Tears streamed down Vi’s face as they locked eyes. I need to know.
“Did we win?” Caitlyn managed to utter the words, slightly painfully. She saw Vi’s pained expression morph into a comforting smile, even if still slightly pained.
“Yes cupcake, we won,” Vi replied simply. Vi’s hand on her face combined with comforting words made Caitlyn’s heart surge. “You can rest now.”
Caitlyn could barely feel it, but she knew she began to cry. After everything they lost, everything they sacrificed, they had won. They still had each other. She grabbed Vi’s hand, desperately trying to just get closer to her. She nuzzled into it, wanting to feel as much of her warmth as possible.
What Caitlyn did next wasn’t a conscious decision, but more akin to a reaction to everything. She began to sit herself up on her knees. It didn’t make any sense. She was wounded, bleeding, and it hurt . But she needed to face Vi, to spill her entire heart out to her. Vi had been everything she could think about since they had defeated Ambessa.
She managed to sit up, hearing Mel and Vi both begin to voice their protests. She probably should listen to them, as the pain is sharp as she tries to straighten her back. She relents and slouches slightly, looking up to Vi.
“I’m fine really.” Caitlyn lied. She locked eyes with Vi and her heart surged. She began her confession of love. “After we beat Ambessa . . . all I could think about was whether you were okay or not. I wanted to come find you-”
Caitlyn was interrupted by Vi’s form wrapping around her own. She felt the woman’s arms supporting her back, and she felt Vi gently lay her head on her shoulder. She could tell Vi was avoiding putting weight onto her, a thought that made her heart flutter. She felt Vi crying and sobbing into her shoulder. Vi was trembling all around her. Caitlyn gently lifted her own arms to return the embrace, allowing her weight to lean into Vi, resting her head on her lover’s shoulder.
Why? It’s all Caitlyn could think. Vi was falling apart all around her and she didn’t fully realize why. She didn’t care very much though. This embrace was divine. It’s everything she sought from the moment she was unsure of Vi’s fate. She’s safe; she’s safe and she’s here holding me, caring for me.
Suddenly, Vi’s voice spoke from behind her.
“Don’t leave me again,” Vi spoke. The words made Caitlyn’s heart throb. They weren’t words of hate, or anger, but desperation; of love. She felt her arms tighten around Vi’s forms, trying desperately to pull her closer. I’m never leaving you ever again, Violet. Not in a million years, not in a million battles. I’m going to hold you close like this forever.
“Never again, Violet,” is all Caitlyn could muster the strength to say. She felt her tears flow down onto Vi’s shoulders. She felt Vi shudder one last time around her, before pulling away. Caitlyn wanted to protest, to draw Vi back into her, but she didn’t have the strength right now.
Her stubborn thoughts melted away at the sight of Vi looking at her. Those beautiful, pale blue eyes peering into her very soul. Caitlyn could now see Vi had suffered her own injuries during the battle. Minor ones, but they hurt Caitlyn either way. She had been the one to ask Vi to put herself in harm's way for a city that had always treated her like dirt.
The thoughts of guilt shifted when she saw Vi staring at her injured eye, an expression she could only describe as vitriol. She shifted uncomfortably. Is it my eye? Is it really that bad?
Vi seemed to notice her discomfort and immediately shifted back to that loving look from before. Caitlyn wanted to ask her why she had looked at her that way but frankly didn’t have the strength. Vi communicated to Caitlyn through her soft gaze and gentle brushing of her hair that it didn’t matter and that Vi was here to care for her. They sat there for what felt like a blissful eternity, just staring at each other. The outside world meaningless in the face of each other.
“Commander! I’m your field medic, please lay back and relax.” A male enforcer bearing the red cross approached with a duo of enforcers behind him. Caitlyn was, admittedly, a little irritated at the interruption at first, but quickly remembered she was, in fact, bleeding and needed medical attention. “I apologize for the delay and lack of manpower, we’re stretched thin with all the casualties.”
Take everyone else before me. They put their lives on the lines the same as me. A commander mustn't eat before all of her soldiers do. Caitlyn wanted to express these thoughts to the medic, to shove that silly apology away, but she didn’t have the strength. And as much as she wanted her soldiers cared for first, she was feeling even woozier than before and probably needed the medical attention earnestly. So she just stayed silent and adjusted herself on the stretcher that was now on the ground. Besides, Vi would probably just pick me up and run me over to the medical tent herself if I refused the help.
“I’m going to have to take you back to our main tent for stitches and then the hospital, it looks like you’re going to need surgery.” The medic stated as he shone a flashlight into Caitlyn’s eyes. The light stung her healthy eye, but, as expected, she felt and saw nothing on her opposite eye. The medic apologized for the light, then clicked it and faced the now buzzing scene in the courtyard.
The duo of enforcers on either end of the stretcher squat down and lift her into the air. She was brought to Vi’s waist level, looking up to the beautiful woman. They made eye contact, and Vi brushed her hand against Caitlyn’s. Caitlyn’s heart stirred at the contact. She knew they might have to get separated in all this messy aftermath but-
“I’m coming with,” Vi stated flatly towards the medic. Caitlyn’s heart went from stirring to a wild flutter. Oh Violet, what have I done to deserve you?
“Of course,” The medic responded. “Please ensure the path forward is clear while we transport Commander Kiramman.”
Caitlyn saw Vi jog up to a few feet in front of them and begin shouting orders to the passersby to make way. Then, they were off. The journey wasn’t long. They had set up the medical tent at the base of the tower, one of the enforcers carrying her informed her.
As they moved forward, Caitlyn felt herself slipping into unconsciousness. Every time she approached that edge, however, Vi’s voice would sound out to someone and Caitlyn was grounded back into the present once again.
“Just try to stay with me, ma’am.” The medic had noticed her faltering state and stayed close to the stretcher, observing her. “We’re almost there.”
All Caitlyn could do was stare into the sky as it transitioned into the entrance of the hexgate, trying to stay here with Vi. She could still hear her shouting, but even that was beginning to become difficult to focus on. Caitlyn could hear a commotion ahead, growing louder. Must be the tent.
Her suspicions were confirmed when they stepped through the entrance to a massive white cloth tent, red crosses decorating the outside. Inside was chaos, as medics rushed between screaming and worryingly still patients. Caitlyn thankfully couldn’t fully process it all, as her vision and hearing were becoming increasingly distorted.
Vi suddenly approached from some unknown direction as Caitlyn was moved from her stretcher to a bed. Vi leaned over her side, grabbing her hand. You’re so beautiful.
“Don’t worry, cupcake. We got you here, the medic is going to be back soon and take care of you.” Vi stated gently. Caitlyn could tell Vi was worried, but she was warmed by the smile Vi managed regardless. Caitlyn’s battle against falling asleep again was finally lost, and she slipped into the milky black of unconsciousness, Vi’s face the last thing she saw.
___
Caitlyn’s eyes slowly opened. She wasn’t in the tent. She wasn’t entirely sure where she was, actually. The ceiling emit a harsh white light down onto her, and she moved her left arm to cover her eyes. Not a smart move. The movement of her arm pulled at her side, which screamed in protest at her foolish act.
“Agh!” Caitlyn let out a quiet, but sharp cry at the sudden pain. She moved her arm down to her side and felt soft cotton, not her uniform. She tried to sit up but something wouldn’t let her. She looked back up, eyes readjusting. Vi was standing over her, blocking the lights and holding her gently to the bed.
“Can’t be moving too much, cupcake, don’t wanna rip up those stitches the doctors gave you,” Vi said, a smirk and a faint giggle lining her lips. Caitlyn’s memory started to return to her and she pieced together what happened.
“I’m in the hospital? How long?” Caitlyn asked, her voice confused and tired. Vi stood back up straight, moving her hand from Caitlyn’s shoulder to her hand.
“The medics patched you up to make sure you didn’t die in the tent. Then they sent you over here to get emergency surgery for your eye and your hip. The surgery took several hours and you've been out of it about 12 so all in all it's been about a day” Vi explained patiently, grasping Caitlyn’s hand. Caitlyn noticed a small bandage on Vi’s wrist.
“What happened to you?” Caitlyn asked as she traced her fingers over the bandage. Vi smiled and let out a full chuckle.
“Always worried about me, huh?” Vi smiled and interlocked her fingers with Caitlyn’s. “The doctors were low on supplies because of the big increase in injuries, but it turns out you and I have a little more in common than you might think.”
Caitlyn was still confused at first. She looked at the bandage again, then at Vi’s smug face. She was so . . . pale. Suddenly she understood, and she audibly gasped.
“You gave me your blood?” Caitlyn demanded. Vi laughed and squeezed her hand.
“Don’t sound so angry, I totally saved your life,” Vi said teasingly. Caitlyn felt the strings of her heart get pulled hard. “Now you and I are really connected.”
Caitlyn smiled as a few tears ran down her face. Did Vi’s compassion and heroism know any bounds?
“Thank you, Vi,” Caitlyn whispered. Vi’s expression suddenly shifted into a more serious manner. She leaned over and kissed Caitlyn’s forehead. Caitlyn almost shook with giddy excitement at the physical contact. At Vi’s ever-strong presence, at her decision to donate a literal part of herself to save Caitlyn. It was all too much.
“Don’t worry about it, Cait,” Vi said, the smile returning to her face. Caitlyn had enjoyed the small physical gesture, but couldn’t help but feel a little wanting. Caitlyn stared at Vi’s lips. She wanted to feel that scar against her skin again.
“Is this,” Caitlyn gestured to her forehead with her free hand. “All you had in mind?”
Vi seemed a little confused at first, but Cait saw the realization hit her face, along with a rush of red. Caitlyn smiled deviously.
“Come, my valiant hero, let me reward your endless bravery,” Caitlyn said dramatically, the smug grin not fading until Vi was leaning over her, centimeters from her face. Cait could feel Vi’s breath on her skin, and then she felt Vi take the final lean forward, their lips meeting.
Caitlyn reached her free hand around Vi’s neck and gently ran it through her hair as their kiss continued. Cait could, to her great enjoyment, feel Vi’s scar as she pressed lovingly into her. The feeling sent shivers down her spine. She could also feel Vi still holding onto her left hand, having pressed it gently into the mattress. She felt Vi’s other hand come to rest on her face as their kiss deepened. Caitlyn felt a shudder and burning desire in her heart, and she made to open her mouth to Vi, but Vi pulled away slowly.
Caitlyn made a soft sigh in protest, her hand still resting on the back of Vi’s head. Vi put her left hand on Cait’s forearm and gently pulled it away. She could sense those pale blue eyes had the same burning desire. But they softened, and Vi just smiled at her, standing back up straight.
“We can’t have the commander of Piltover’s finest losing her composure in a hospital bed, can we?” Vi teased. Caitlyn playfully pouted, crossing her arms.
“Whenever I get out of this bed-” Caitlyn started.
“We can do whatever you want, cupcake,” Vi interrupted playfully. She booped Caitlyn’s nose with her left hand. Caitlyn’s heart fluttered violently at the words.
Vi walked over to the far side of the room to retrieve a chair against the wall. As Vi reached her hand out to grab the chair, she froze for a second. Her hand glided to a second and third chair that sat next to the one she was going to grab.
Vi shook her head and grabbed the one she originally reached for, turning back to Caitlyn as she dragged the chair to her bedside. Caitlyn could see that Vi’s expression had changed drastically, pain lining a frown. Vi’s eyes were unfocused, lost in thought.
“I’m sorry, I uh . . .” Vi started before stopping herself. She sat down in the chair, lowering her face into her hands. Caitlyn sat up on her elbows, concern growing rapidly. She reached her left hand out towards Vi, not quite able to reach her without moving.
“What’s the matter, Vi?” Caitlyn asked, concerned. Vi took her hand, clutching it with both of her own, and shifted forward in the chair. She shook her head gently, lowering it.
“Jinx. . . she-uh.” Vi started. The words were strained heavily, like Vi was fighting to get them out. Caitlyn gave her an encouraging look. Vi met her eyes, swallowed, and then continued. “That crazy wolf thing, that used to be Vander- my dad. It was still alive after Viktor bit the dust and . . . Jinx saved me from it. But she-”
Vi’s composure broke down and she started crying. She brought Caitlyn’s hand, still clenched between both of Vi’s, up to her face and cried into it. Caitlyn was able to piece together the rest. Her feelings about Jinx were irrelevant.
“Lay with me, Violet.” Caitlyn slid to the far side of the bed, patting the now-open space. Violet looked up at her in surprise, her lips slightly parted.
“But you-”
“Violet. Please, just lay with me.” Caitlyn stopped her. Vi swallowed again and then obliged. The space was a little tight, but Vi managed to settle in beside her. Caitlyn wrapped an arm around Vi’s head and pulled it into her collar, laying the other arm around her back. Vi’s arms lay folded in front of her.
“Talk to me, Vi. I’m here for you, always.” Caitlyn said. She could feel Vi shudder around her slightly. “Anything and everything. All of those words you’ve needed to let out these past years. Let them out.”
Vi’s breath quickened and then calmed. She took one last deep breath and started. She told Caitlyn everything between tears and sobs. She told her about that day on the bridge, the day her mother had been killed. She told her about Vander, her father, who had sacrificed everything to protect her. About how she had abandoned Powder. About how she had experienced unknowable pain and isolation in Stillwater. About how she had drowned herself in fighting and alcohol during their time apart. About how she almost got her family back, only to have it taken away again. About how she watched Jinx lay Vander’s memory to rest, at the cost of her own life. Vi spilled her heart out to Caitlyn, letting all her walls fall down as she sobbed and cried and yelled and grabbed onto Caitlyn for comfort.
Caitlyn simply listened, pained by how much Vi had endured. She stroked her hair and back as comfortably as she could while she listened. When Vi’s words finally ceased, she wrapped her arms around Caitlyn, holding onto her for dear life. Caitlyn wasn’t sure what to say, so she didn’t say anything for a while. She just let Vi grieve in her arms, comforting her as best she could.
After a long while, Vi’s crying ceased, and she took several deep breaths. She pulled her head up to face Caitlyn, and Caitlyn reached out to wipe the tears from her face. Vi’s face twisted, likely trying to force that small smile again. Caitlyn just stared into Vi’s eyes, holding her close.
“Thank you, Cait.” Vi finally said. She gripped onto Caitlyn’s gown. Her other hand grabbed onto Caitlyn’s hand still embracing her face. She pulled it close, nuzzling into it.
“The pleasure was all mine,” Caitlyn said softly. Vi looked into her eyes and a pained smile appeared. “Vander sounded like a great man. I would have liked to meet him.”
Caitlyn wasn’t sure if she should have said that, but Vi smiled knowingly, her vision unfocused.
“He would’ve liked you a lot,” Vi replied simply. Her eyes refocused on Caitlyn’s as she gave her a genuine grin. The two lay there, staring into each other's eyes. Vi’s expression shifted a little.
“Hey, uh, you probably don’t even remember it happening so this is gonna sound a little stupid, but when I was staring at your eye like a maniac, it wasn’t your eye that bothered me. I just . . . the thought of someone hurting you that bad . . . it upset me a little, to put it simply.”
Caitlyn had hardly remembered the interaction, but the fact Vi did warmed her heart.
“I understand, Vi,” Caitlyn said as she leaned forward and kissed Vi’s forehead. She smiled warmly at her lover. Vi sighed in relief and blushed mildly. She did understand. The thought of Vi getting hurt by someone, even just thinking about it, made her blood boil.
“So what now, hero?” Caitlyn asked, trying to lighten the mood. Vi grinned, intertwining her fingers with Caitlyn's.
“You get to rest in this bed,” Vi replied teasingly. “Once that’s through, though. . .”
Vi’s voice trailed off. Caitlyn’s smile widened as she twirled some of Vi’s hair in her fingers.
“We can go back to that big fancy house and just . . . take some well-deserved time off.”
“That sounds perfect,” Caitlyn said sweetly. “Although my father is rather strict so you’re going to have to sleep in another room, unfortunately.”
Vi looked up in shock. Caitlyn let the information stew a bit, then laughed hard.
“You should see your face.” Caitlyn barely managed to get out between her laughs. Vi still looked confused and gently shoved at her shoulder. Caitlyn realized she still didn’t realize she was joking. “I’m just messing with you, Vi.”
Vi rolled her eyes and then leaned forward to nuzzle into Caitlyn’s chest.
“You had me a second there.”
“A second might be an understatement,” Caitlyn said, then a thought occurred. “Is there anything you’d want moved into the house?”
She could feel Vi stir at the question. Vi pulled back and looked at Caitlyn again, pondering the question. Then she grinned playfully.
“As long as my beautiful girlfriend is there, I don’t really need much of anything else. Besides a punching bag and maybe some more casual clothes.”
Girlfriend. It was silly, she knew. They had literally made love before, but hearing the word stirred Caitlyn’s heart regardless.
“Noted. Wouldn’t you want to look too distinguished in public, would we?” Caitlyn teased. Vi just laughed and returned to nuzzling her chest. Caitlyn wrapped her hand around the back of Vi’s head, playing with her hair. Since we’re girlfriends now . . . surely it wouldn’t hurt if I . . .
“I love you, Violet,” Caitlyn confessed. She froze. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that . . . I mean that’s a big step and . . .
“Love you too, cupcake,” Vi replied casually. Caitlyn’s heart soared. Vi chuckled a little into her chest. “I felt you tighten up after saying that. You really thought after everything I was gonna be snooty about a little ‘I love you’?”
Caitlyn didn’t respond, realizing how silly she was to be nervous about it in the first place. Suddenly, a surge of child-like energy coursed through her. My girlfriend is alive and well and she loves me!
Caitlyn squeezed Vi’s head into her chest and nuzzled the top of her head. Vi seemed surprised but mostly reciprocated the new touch. That is until she started tapping Caitlyn’s shoulders with increasing urgency. Caitlyn could hear Vi’s muffled protests and let her go. Vi inhaled deeply then laughed.
“Geez, Cait. Getting mixed messages here.” Vi teased lightly, her face scarlet red. Caitlyn realized she had been suffocating her girlfriend in her chest and felt her face flush simarlily.
“I-I’m so sorry! I-”
“Shhh. It really wouldn’t have been a bad way to go, anyway.” Vi reached a finger to Caitlyn’s lips and reassured her. Caitlyn was still red as Vi leaned forward and pecked her on the lips. Caitlyn managed to get a hold of herself and calm her thumping heart. Vi returned to her collar and kissed gently through the fabric. Caitlyn smiled and began playing with the hair on the back of Vi’s head.
Today was a lot. Nearly executed by her bed-warmer, nearly killed by her former mentor, and now everything that’s happened since the battle ended. But all of it was bearable. Deep down, Caitlyn knew even though she was down an eye and the chaos of outside would return, everything would be alright. She had this beautiful, compassionate, brave woman in her arms to protect her, and whom she’d protect in turn. They’d face whatever came next together, finally reunified.
Caitlyn sighed and closed her eyes, resting her head against Vi’s. She took a few deep breaths and slipped off into a well-earned sleep, intertwined with her soulmate.