Chapter Text
The faint hum of Caitlyn's music filled the ice rink as she moved with practiced precision, each glide of her skates perfectly in sync with the melody. This was her sanctuary—a place where every jump, spin, and movement was an opportunity to craft perfection.
Across the rink, Vi lounged on the bench, tapping the blade of her hockey stick idly against her skate. Her team was running late, leaving her with nothing to do but watch Caitlyn’s flawless routine.
Not that she minded.
There was something hypnotic about the way Caitlyn moved, like she owned the ice.
But Vi wasn’t one to sit quietly for long.
The music suddenly cut off with a jarring silence, and Caitlyn skidded to an awkward halt, frowning. She skated over to her phone, tapping the screen with growing frustration.
“Battery died?” Vi called out, her voice echoing across the rink.
Caitlyn glanced up, narrowing her eyes. “It’s just a glitch. Nothing I can’t fix.”
Vi grinned, leaning back lazily. “Well, if you need backup, I’ve got a killer playlist in my head.”
“Somehow, I doubt it includes Tchaikovsky.” Caitlyn replied coolly, turning back to her phone.
Vi tilted her head, pretending to think. “Tchai-who? Nah, but I’ve got something better.”
Before Caitlyn could protest, Vi cupped her hands around her mouth and started humming— badly.
The tune wasn’t even close to anything resembling classical music.
It was off-key, loud, and downright ridiculous.
Caitlyn’s head whipped around, her initial glare melting into incredulous disbelief.
“You can’t be serious,” she said, though the corners of her lips twitched.
“Oh, I’m dead serious,” Vi said, sitting up straighter and humming even louder. She threw in exaggerated gestures, pretending to conduct an invisible orchestra with her hockey stick.
Caitlyn shook her head, exhaling sharply through her nose. “Fine,” she muttered, skating back to the center. “Let’s see if you can keep up.”
As Caitlyn began her routine again, Vi kept humming, though her improvised melody barely matched Caitlyn’s movements.
At first, Caitlyn tried to ignore it, focusing on her spins and steps, but the absurdity of the situation got to her.
By the time she launched into a double axel, Vi had transitioned into what sounded like a warbling attempt at opera.
The landing was flawless —until Caitlyn started laughing mid-glide. Her balance wavered, and she barely caught herself before falling.
“You’re making it bad on purpose,” she accused, skating to a stop and glaring at Vi.
Vi leaned forward on her hockey stick, grinning like she’d just scored the winning goal. “What, me? Nah, this is all-natural talent.”
“Talent isn’t the word I’d use,” Caitlyn muttered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
As their banter carried on, the sharp creak of the ice rink door opening broke through the moment. Caitlyn paused mid-sentence, turning her head toward the noise.
A tall figure stepped inside, his broad frame unmistakable even in the dim lighting.
“Vi!” Jayce’s voice boomed across the rink, his tone carrying the same enthusiasm he brought to every game. “Coach is looking for you. Practice starts in five, and you’re— wait. ” He stopped mid-stride, his gaze shifting from Vi to Caitlyn, then back to Vi. A knowing smirk spread across his face. “Am I interrupting something?”
Vi scoffed, skating toward him with an exaggerated shrug. “Relax, Jayce. I’m just keeping Cupcake here entertained until her music decides to work again.”
Jayce raised an eyebrow. “Cupcake?”
Caitlyn crossed her arms, her expression flat. “Don’t ask.”
“Fair enough,” Jayce replied, biting back a laugh. He turned back to Vi. “Coach isn’t gonna be happy if you’re late again. You’ve got about thirty seconds before he sends out someone to drag you in.”
“But I thought we’d be practicing at this rink?” Vi asked, glancing at Jayce with a frown as they walked toward the locker rooms.
“No, we got moved last minute… don’t you look at your phone?” Jayce shot back, holding up his own to emphasize the point.
“Oh…” Vi scratched the back of her neck, her sheepish grin giving her away. “Must’ve missed that notification.”
Jayce rolled his eyes. “Of course you did. Coach’s been ranting for the past ten minutes about you not showing up. Pretty sure he's about to come storming in looking for you.”
“Hey, I’ve been busy!” Vi protested, gesturing toward the rink. “Making friends, spreading joy, you know, the usual.”
Jayce glanced over his shoulder at Caitlyn, who had resumed fiddling with her phone by the boards. “Is that what you call it?”
Vi shrugged, smirking. “Something like that.”
Jayce sighed, shaking his head as they exited the rink. “You’re lucky you’re good at hockey, or you’d be benched for life with how often you zone out.”
“Only the perks of being amazing at this,” Vi grinned, walking backward as she and Jayce headed out of the rink.
Jayce gave her a pointed look. “Amazing? You mean lucky. And annoying. Let’s not forget that part.”
“Hey, it’s called charisma,” Vi shot back, tossing her stick over her shoulder. “You wouldn’t get it.”
“Uh-huh,” Jayce replied, unimpressed. “Pretty sure Coach calls it insubordination, but you do you.”
Vi laughed, unbothered, and pushed open the door to the hallway. “C’mon, Jayce. Admit it. You’re jealous.”
Jayce snorted. “Of what? Your ability to turn being late into a personality trait?”
Vi wagged her finger at him as they walked toward the locker rooms. “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, man.”
Behind them, the faint sound of Caitlyn’s skates slicing the ice echoed through the closed door, but Vi didn’t look back this time.
༻︵‿꘏︵‿༺
“You’re late. Again,” Vander said, glancing down at Vi with a mix of disappointment and amusement as she strolled into the alternate rink’s locker room.
“But, Dad —” Vi started, her tone dripping with mock innocence.
“That’s Coach to you, young miss,” Vander interrupted, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. “Save the sweet talk for someone it works on.”
Jayce stifled a laugh behind Vi, earning a sharp elbow to the ribs.
“Fine, Coach,” Vi muttered, setting her stick down and shrugging off her gear. “It’s not my fault no one told me the rink got changed.”
Vander gave her a pointed look. “And whose fault is it that you don’t check your phone?”
Vi opened her mouth, but Jayce cut in with a grin. “Oh, she was too busy ‘spreading joy’ at the other rink.”
Vander shook his head, though a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Spreading joy, huh? Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“Exactly!” Vi said, snapping her fingers. “See, Jayce gets it.”
“Vi,” Vander said, his tone shifting to that no-nonsense register Vi knew too well, “you’re a team player. That means showing up on time, every time. If you’re not here, you’re letting your teammates down. Got it?”
Vi sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “Yeah, yeah, I got it.”
Vi shot him a cheeky grin. “No punishments, right?”
Vander raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching. “You think I’m gonna let you off easy?”
“Come on, Coach, you know I’m too good for punishment.” Vi shrugged nonchalantly, tossing her gear into her locker.
“Too good, huh?” Vander crossed his arms, clearly not buying her act. “Let’s see if you’re too good to finish your drills today. One more late arrival, and I’ll personally make sure you get to run the entire lap with a puck.”
Vi froze for a second, then smirked. “Alright, alright. I get it.” She grabbed her helmet and skated toward the rink, throwing one last look at Vander over her shoulder. “But seriously, I do deserve a reward for being so amazing.”
“Rewards come after you show up on time for once,” Vander called after her, shaking his head with a fond but exasperated smile.
“Fine, but I’m still waiting for my medal.”
༻︵‿꘏︵‿༺
Vi owned the ice, every movement filled with practiced ease and raw power.
The rink was alive with the sharp sound of skates cutting through the surface, and Vi moved through it like she was born to skate.
Starting at the blue line, she charged forward with explosive speed, her skates digging into the ice, propelling her toward the net.
In one fluid motion, she flicked her wrist, sending the puck flying past defenders with pinpoint accuracy.
The puck collided with the back of the net—bang.
Another perfect shot.
She didn’t stop there.
As soon as the puck was back in play, she skated backward, seamlessly maintaining control.
Her movements were sharp and quick, flicking the puck between defenders like they weren’t even there.
She executed a flawless spin, dodging an opponent’s stick and darting forward at a new angle.
She made it look effortless, her blade carving a clean path through the ice, her opponents unable to keep up.
Another shot.
Another goal.
The drills were next.
Vi moved around the rink like it was her playground, her body in perfect sync with the ice.
She weaved between cones, gliding with a precision that left no room for error. Her stops were clean, the pivots sharp, and with every turn, she left a trail of defenders scrambling to catch up.
She glided to the center, then executed a one-handed stop, sending the puck into the corner with ease.
She wasn’t just skating—she was performing a dance, and the rink was her stage.
The conditioning session followed, but Vi made it look like a breeze.
She raced down the length of the rink, her powerful strides cutting through the ice effortlessly.
She veered to the right, her low body position allowing her to move faster, her form flawless. A quick stop, a pass received without breaking stride, and she was off again, leaving the other players struggling to keep pace.
There was no fatigue in her movements—only the thrill of the game, and the desire to be the best.
Finally, came the last play of the session.
Vi, sweat glistening on her forehead, was on a breakaway with two defenders closing in fast.
She feinted to the left, sending one defender off balance, then cut right, moving with a precision that only she could manage.
With a quick slap of her stick, she sent the puck flying at an almost impossible angle into the corner of the net.
The goalie didn’t even have a chance. The sound of the goal echoed through the rink, but Vi was already skating back to center ice, as calm and composed as ever.
༻︵‿꘏︵‿༺
Vi skated back to the sidelines, wiping the sweat from her brow and reaching for her water bottle. She’d just finished her last lap, her muscles burning but her mind sharp, when a familiar voice caught her off guard.
“You’re an alright player.”
Vi froze mid-drink, water spilling down the side of her chin. She quickly wiped it away and turned toward the sound, surprised to see Caitlyn standing near the rink’s edge, arms crossed and a teasing grin on her face.
Vi’s eyes narrowed, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Is that so, Cupcake? You showing up just to throw shade?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her posture relaxed as she leaned against the rink’s barrier. “I’m just saying, for someone who likes to show off, you’re not half bad.”
Vi pushed her water bottle aside and skated toward her, her grin widening. “Show off, huh? You should see me in a real game.”
Caitlyn tilted her head, studying Vi with a playful glint in her eyes. “I think I’ll pass on that, thanks. I’m more of a ‘grace and elegance’ kind of person.”
Vi chuckled, skating in a circle around her. “Grace, huh? I guess I’ll just have to let you watch me show you how it’s done, then. Maybe after, you’ll reconsider your whole ‘grace’ thing.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but didn’t look away, her lips curling into a small smile. “Keep dreaming, Lance. I’m not switching teams anytime soon.”
Vi came to a stop in front of her, leaning on her stick. “You’re missing out.”
“Oh, I’m sure.” Caitlyn’s voice dripped with sarcasm, but there was a hint of amusement beneath it.
“Hi, Caitlyn!” The cheerful voice rang through the air, breaking the subtle tension of Vi and Caitlyns conversation.
Both girls turned to see Maddie, Vi’s enthusiastic teammate, skating toward them with a wide grin plastered across her face.
“Maddie,” Vi called, waving her stick lazily in her direction. “What’s up?”
Maddie skated to a stop just beside them, still grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “Oh, nothing much. Just saw you two talking and thought I’d come over and say hi to Caitlyn. You know, spread some of my positive energy.”
“Hey, Cait—” Vi started, but was immediately cut off by Maddie, who stepped forward with a grin.
“Do you wanna grab lunch with me later, Caitlyn?” Maddie asked, her voice light and casual, but with a playful tone that made it sound like there was more to the question than just a friendly invitation.
Caitlyn blinked, surprised by the directness, and glanced at Maddie’s teasing smile. The suddenness of the offer caught her off guard, and she wasn't sure how to react.
There was something in Maddie’s tone that felt almost... purposeful.
Vi, sensing the shift in the conversation, raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of mild amusement. “Whoa, Maddie. Moving in on my turf, huh?”
Maddie shot Vi a quick, almost mischievous look. “Relax, Lance. I’m just being friendly.” Then she turned her attention back to Caitlyn. “You’re always so serious on the ice,” Maddie continued, her smile softening but still laced with something undeniably flirtatious. “Thought I could show you there’s more to life than skating. Lunch seems like a good way to change things up.”
Vi let out a low chuckle, not missing the way Maddie was leaning in just a bit closer to Caitlyn. “Nice try, Maddie,” she teased, nudging her teammate lightly. “But you’re not stealing my spot as Cait’s ice buddy.”
Maddie flashed a playful grin at Vi, unfazed. “Oh, don’t worry, I’m not here to steal anything,” she said, her gaze shifting back to Caitlyn. “I just thought I’d offer her a little extra fun, you know? You can’t keep her all to yourself.” She leaned in just slightly. “Besides, Caitlyn seems like someone who appreciates a good change of pace.”
Caitlyn caught the look in Maddie’s eyes and felt her pulse quicken.
She wasn’t used to this kind of attention, especially not so boldly delivered. She cleared her throat, trying to keep her composure. “I’m not sure fun is what I’m looking for, but… lunch might be an interesting change of pace.”
Vi groaned, a bit frustrated at her teammate's bold moves. "Okay, but I'm coming," she said with a playful but slightly annoyed tone, crossing her arms over her chest. "Someone's gotta keep an eye on you two."
Maddie paused, her smile faltering for just a second as she glanced at Vi.
There was a hint of awkwardness in the air as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I, uh, was hoping it would just be me and Cait..." she admitted, her tone more uncertain now, though her smile remained.
It was subtle, but the change in her energy didn’t go unnoticed.
Caitlyn’s smile softened as she turned to Vi. “Actually, Vi can come with,” she said, her voice light. “I’m sure it’s not a problem.”
Vi shot up from her spot, a grin spreading across her face as she looked back at Caitlyn. "There we go, see, Maddie? I can go," she teased, clearly seeing Maddie as competition for Caitlyn’s attention. Her voice was laced with a playful, almost smug tone as she stood a little taller, proud of her victory.
Maddie’s smile faltered, her eyes narrowing just slightly. The playful energy that had been there before was replaced with something a bit more competitive, a little less warm. "Oh, are you sure you can handle it?" Maddie shot back, the hint of a challenge in her words.
She wasn’t happy about Caitlyn inviting Vi, especially after she’d hoped for a quieter, more intimate lunch.
Caitlyn could feel the tension rising between them, the subtle shift in the air as both Maddie and Vi seemed to circle each other, each trying to claim some kind of victory. She chuckled softly, trying to break the silence. “I’m sure we’ll all have a good time.” she said, her tone trying to smooth over the growing competition between them.
Vi, undeterred by the shift in Maddie’s mood, leaned in a bit closer to Caitlyn. “Right, Cupcake?” she teased, her grin widening as she nudged Caitlyn’s shoulder playfully.
Caitlyn nodded, picking up her bag and slinging it over her shoulder as she turned to head out of the rink. “I’ll wait for you two outside,” she said, her voice light but with a hint of amusement as she made her way toward the door, leaving Maddie and Vi behind.
“You just had to ruin it, didn’t you?” Maddie’s voice was lower now, edged with frustration and a hint of something sharper.
Vi met her gaze with an easy grin, leaning back slightly as she crossed her arms. “Oh, please, you don’t stand a chance against me.” Her tone was playful but confident, almost daring Maddie to argue.
Maddie clenched her jaw, her eyes flicking toward the door where Caitlyn had just exited.
She could feel the competitive spark igniting inside her, a familiar feeling she didn’t often show. "You think I’m competing with you?” she asked, her voice colder now. "I don't need to fight for Caitlyn’s attention. But you, on the other hand— clearly, you do."
Vi’s grin didn’t falter, but she tilted her head slightly, taking in Maddie’s words. “If you say so.” She shrugged casually, then added with a smirk, “But I don’t mind a little competition. Makes things more interesting.”
Maddie’s gaze was sharp, her lips pressed into a thin line. “We’ll see about that,” she muttered, her tone low and almost possessive.
Vi raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Maddie’s words. “If you want to keep trying, go right ahead,” she said with a carefree laugh. “But Cait’s already made her choice. And trust me, no one else is taking my spot.”
With that, Vi made her way to their locker room, her skates clicking against the hard floor as she hurried toward the exit.
She quickly unstrapped her pads and yanked off her gear, tossing it carelessly into her bag. Her movements were swift, almost frantic—she didn’t want to waste any time letting Maddie’s words linger in her mind.
Caitlyn was waiting outside, and that was all that mattered.
She quickly changed into a casual hoodie and jeans, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder before making her way back out toward the rink’s entrance.
The air outside was cool against her skin, and she spotted Caitlyn standing near the door, her posture relaxed as she glanced around.
“Hey,” Vi started, her grin spreading as she walked alongside Caitlyn, her eyes bright with playful mischief.
Caitlyn glanced around, scanning the area for any sign of Maddie, but it was clear the other girl hadn’t followed them. “Is she not coming anymore?” Caitlyn asked, her voice a bit curious as she raised an eyebrow.
Vi shrugged casually, her confidence never wavering. “I think so. Let’s just go and eat. You and me—no distractions,” she said, her grin widening as she nudged Caitlyn with her elbow. “Besides, I’m starving, and I’m pretty sure you owe me for all the times you made me laugh today.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” she asked, her voice teasing. “I should be compensated for hearing your ‘amazing’ singing voice as my music earlier.”
Vi chuckled. “Hey, I’m just trying to expand your musical tastes, Cupcake,” she said with a wink. “You should thank me. Not everyone gets the privilege of hearing my one-of-a-kind talent.”
Caitlyn smirked, clearly amused by the bold claim. “Talent?” she repeated with a raised eyebrow. “If you call that talent, I’d hate to hear what you consider bad music.”
Vi leaned forward, her voice dropping. “Oh, I’m sure you’ve heard worse. But don’t worry, I’ll work on improving my artistic skills just for you. Maybe next time I’ll throw in a dance number.”
Caitlyn shook her head, laughing despite herself. “Please, no more. I don’t think I can survive another impromptu performance.” she teased, her voice light and warm.
Vi grinned, clearly pleased with Caitlyn’s reaction. “Too bad. I was already planning my world tour,” she said, making a grand gesture as if she were on stage. “But if you’re not a fan, maybe I’ll keep it private for now.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. “Well, just know that next time, I’ll be bringing earplugs.” she said, playfully sticking her tongue out at Vi.
Vi laughed, her tone light and carefree. “You’re really going to need them,” she replied with a wink, clearly enjoying the easy banter between them.
They reached a nearby restaurant, the warm glow of the dim lighting welcoming them inside.
Vi led the way, her usual confidence guiding her as she found a booth at the back, far enough from the hustle and bustle of the main area but still close enough to enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Caitlyn slid into the seat across from her, setting her bag down with a soft thud.
The booth felt oddly intimate, a space that seemed perfect for conversation without too much distraction.
Vi settled in comfortably, leaning back with a satisfied sigh as she took in the surroundings. Glancing down at the menu placed on the table.
“So,” Vi began, her tone playful, still keeping her focus on the menu, “now that it’s just you and me, what’s the real reason you’re so good on the ice?” She grinned, clearly enjoying the chance to shift the focus back to Caitlyn. “Are you secretly some kind of ice queen who uses mind control to get perfect spins or is it all just hours of practice and discipline?”
Caitlyn shot her a sideways glance, her smile soft but amused. “I think you’d be more impressed by my mind control than my technique,” she teased back, raising an eyebrow. “Though, practice and discipline aren’t a bad start.”
Vi chuckled, resting her chin in one hand. “You know, I kind of like the idea of a figure skating mind reader. It’d make things a lot more fun. You could read my next move before I even do it.”
Caitlyn shrugged, playing along. “Maybe I do know what you’re thinking right now.”
Vi leaned in, intrigued. “Oh yeah? What’s going on in my head then?”
Caitlyn put her fingers on her forehead, feigning deep concentration as she squinted at Vi. “Hmm, let me see... You’re thinking that you're the best hockey player in the world, but you’re also secretly wondering if your impressive singing voice might be your true hidden talent.”
Vi’s eyes widened dramatically, her mouth dropping open in mock shock. “How did you know? You are a mind reader!” She leaned back in her seat, clearly amused. “I guess I’ll have to keep all my deepest, most secret thoughts to myself from now on.”
Caitlyn’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she lowered her hand. “It’s a gift,” she said, her tone teasing. “But I’ll let you off the hook for now. Just know that I’m always two steps ahead.”
Vi grinned, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. “Well, you’ll have to be if you’re ever going to keep up with me,” she shot back, giving Caitlyn a wink.
Caitlyn couldn’t suppress her smile. “We’ll see about that.” she said, her voice light, but there was an unmistakable spark in her eyes.
She hadn’t expected to enjoy this lunch as much as she was, but there was something refreshing about the way Vi didn’t hold back, the way their banter felt natural.
It wasn’t often Caitlyn let herself be so carefree, and for a moment… she almost forgot about all the expectations that came with her figure skating career.
“So,” Caitlyn began, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned in just a bit closer, “if you’re not thinking about your future singing career, what are you thinking about?”
“You."
Caitlyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Vi's blunt response. She tilted her head, studying the grin playing on Vi's lips, trying to read the deeper meaning behind those two simple words.
"Me?"
Before Vi could respond, a waitress approached their table with a friendly smile. "Can I take your order?" she asked, looking between the two of them.
Vi didn’t hesitate, already knowing exactly what she wanted. "I'll have the grilled chicken, with salad. And some sweet potato fries, please," she said with a grin, clearly accustomed to ordering meals packed with enough fuel for her intense training sessions.
Caitlyn, on the other hand, paused for a moment before looking up at the waitress. "Just a simple turkey sandwich, please. Nothing too fancy,” she said with a polite smile, though her order was far more understated compared to Vi’s.
Vi shot Caitlyn a playful glance as the waitress walked away. "A sandwich?" she teased, leaning back in her chair. "You know, you really are too easy on yourself. You need more protein than that."
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but there was a soft chuckle in her voice. "Not everyone needs to eat like they’re training for a marathon, Vi."
"Hey, you’ve got to feed those muscles somehow," Vi said with a wink. "You never know when you’ll need to keep up with me on the ice."
Caitlyn tilted her head, clearly amused. "I’ll be fine without the extra protein, thank you. I think I’ve got the stamina to last longer than you."
Vi smirked. "We’ll see about that," she replied, leaning in slightly as if she were about to make some grand statement. "You can always join me in my protein-filled world one day.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her smile turning more playful. “A protein-filled world?” she repeated, leaning back in her seat. “I think I’ll pass on that. I prefer my meals a bit more... manageable.”
Vi grinned, clearly unfazed. “You say that now, but when you see the gains I’ve got, you’ll change your mind. Trust me, nothing beats the power of a good protein shake.” She leaned in closer, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “You might even get hooked.”
Caitlyn chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think I’ll survive without it. Besides, my idea of a power move is being able to glide effortlessly across the ice, not crash into walls trying to build muscle.”
Vi laughed, shaking her head. “Touché. But you’ve got to admit, a little strength wouldn’t hurt. I could show you some moves. You’d be unstoppable. ”
Caitlyn crossed her arms, a playful challenge flickering in her gaze. “Maybe you should worry about being unstoppable first. I’m still waiting for the day you can actually keep up with me on the ice.”
Vi leaned back in her chair, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, it’s on, Cupcake. Just wait. I’ll have you eating my dust next time.”
Caitlyn leaned in just a bit, her tone light but competitive. “We’ll see about that. You may be fast, but I’ve got grace on my side. You can’t beat that.”
Vi’s phone pinged, cutting through the rhythm of their conversation.
She glanced down at the screen and saw her sister’s name—Powder—flashing on the display. With a sigh, she unlocked the phone, scanning the message that had just come through.
Powpow: can u come help me w smth?
Vi(olence): and that is…?
Vi’s phone pinged again before she could even finish her thought, and she couldn’t help but roll her eyes as the next message came in.
Powpow: idk i was tryin 2 make somethin and now theres a loud noise and i think its broken
Vi(olence): classic. what did you break this time?
The little typing dots appeared for a moment, then stopped as Powder hesitated to respond. Vi’s brow furrowed slightly, already sensing where this was going.
Powpow: ummm, i mightve accidentally mixed some wires… and mayb the microwave?
Vi groaned dramatically, leaning back in her chair. Caitlyn, still sitting across from her, raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Everything okay?”
Vi showed Caitlyn the message, shaking her head with a grin. "Powder, as usual. I think she just broke the microwave trying to make a ‘cool experiment’."
Caitlyn chuckled, a little amused by the whole situation. "Sounds like she needs a personal tech support hotline."
"Yeah, one that charges a hefty fee for every mess she gets herself into." Vi muttered, typing back a quick response.
Vi(olence): i swear, if i get there and it’s smoking again…
A few seconds passed before Powder’s reply came in, followed by several more emojis than necessary.
Powpow: its not smoking!! (i hope)
Just as Vi was about to send one last message to Powder, the waitress arrived with their food, momentarily pulling her attention away from the chaos that awaited her at home.
The plates landed on the table with a soft thud—the sizzling sound of Vi's grilled chicken and sweet potato fries making her stomach growl louder than she expected.
Caitlyn’s turkey sandwich, neatly wrapped and served with a side of crisps, sat beside it, perfectly balanced as always.
Vi grinned, her earlier frustration momentarily forgotten. "Now this is what I call a proper distraction," she said, picking up her fork with enthusiasm as she dug into her meal. "I don’t think I’ve had a meal this good in days."
Caitlyn picked up her sandwich, still amused by the sudden shift in Vi’s focus. "I’m glad you like it. You were about to start another rescue mission, weren’t you?"
Vi took a hearty bite of her chicken, chewing thoughtfully before nodding. "Yeah, but honestly? I think Powder can wait another ten minutes," She winked at Caitlyn. "Besides, I’m not letting a microwave disaster ruin my lunch."
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Vi’s quick pivot. "I’d say you’ve got your priorities straight, then."
"Hey, this is important," Vi replied with a grin, leaning back in her chair. "You can’t be a proper rescue team member if you’re hangry. You gotta eat first, then you can save the day."
Caitlyn smiled, shaking her head in mild disbelief. "I guess that’s one way to look at it."
Vi took another bite, savoring the food before wiping her mouth. "You wouldn’t believe some of the things that have gone down with Powder. Last time, she somehow got the blender stuck in the sink. Don’t ask me how she did it, but I was there for hours trying to get it out."
"Sounds like you’re more of a superhero than a sister," Caitlyn teased, a grin playing at the edges of her lips.
Vi’s phone buzzed relentlessly, the messages from Powder flooding in faster than she could process.
She glanced down at the screen, trying to suppress a groan.
Powpow: SIS u thereEE??
Powpow: VI
Powpow: VI VI
Powpow: VI
Powpow: u asshole answr me??
Powpow: helloo?//
Vi let out an exasperated sigh, setting her fork down with a clink as she unlocked her phone. "Powder really knows how to get my attention," she muttered to herself, eyes skimming through the increasingly frantic barrage of texts. Caitlyn, amused by the situation, watched her with an intrigued smile.
Vi quickly typed back a response, trying to keep her tone light but firm.
Vi(olence): calm down, I'm eating.
The typing bubbles appeared immediately, followed by a pause as Powder probably processed the reply. Then the texts came again, one after the other.
Powpow: omg im gonna DIE
Powpow: the microwave won’t stop buzzing and i dunno what to do
Powpow: i tried turning it off but it like... won’t?????
Vi chuckled dryly, shaking her head. "This girl…" she muttered. "This is probably the third time this week she’s almost set something on fire."
Caitlyn smiled, her amusement barely contained. "Sounds like she needs a personal fire extinguisher."
"Honestly," Vi laughed, glancing at Caitlyn before typing again. "I should just carry one around at this point."
Vi(olence): what exactly is happening with the microwave? is it smoking?
Powpow: NO its NOT SMOKING YET but its REALLY LOUD and i cant turn it off?????
Vi let out a sigh, her patience wearing thin. She quickly typed out her next message.
Vi(olence): you’re gonna be fine, just unplug it. If it’s still buzzing, turn it off from the power source.
Powpow: okay okay. but SIS im not kidding it’s scaring me pls come
Vi paused for a moment before sending the final message.
Vi(olence): Fine. I’ll be there in 10.
She put her phone down with a sigh, rubbing her temples as she turned back to Caitlyn. "Looks like I really do need to save the day. She’s practically having a meltdown over this microwave."
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "You should charge her for these emergency calls."
Vi snorted, grinning. "Yeah, like she’d pay me. No, I’m pretty sure I’m just stuck being the one who bails her out. But honestly, I think she likes the drama more than the actual danger."
"I think you’ve got a full-time job as her personal crisis manager." Caitlyn teased.
Vi smirked, standing up from the table. "Guess I’m off to my next adventure. If she somehow destroys the kitchen this time, I’ll be sure to let you know."
Caitlyn laughed softly, nodding. "I’ll be waiting for your rescue report."
“I’ll see you later, yeah?” Vi said, already grabbing her bag. “You’ve got that performance, right?”
Caitlyn nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips as she took another bite of her food. "Yeah, another rehearsal in an hour," she sighed. "Just the usual—perfecting my routine and hoping I don’t end up flat on my face."
Vi raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Please, we both know that's not happening. You're way too graceful for that."
Caitlyn smirked, adjusting the strap of her bag as she stood. "Graceful, sure. But I’d still prefer to make it through without any unexpected falls, thanks."
Vi chuckled, shrugging on her jacket. "Fair enough. But you'll have to let me know how it goes. I'm curious to see you perform without me distracting you."
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the challenge in Vi’s voice. "Distracting me, huh? You’re just upset because I’m better at ice than you."
Vi grinned, leaning in with mock seriousness. "It’s not about being better—it’s all about finding the right mix of technique and... flair. You just need a little more pizzazz in your spins."
Caitlyn laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe. But I think I’ll stick with my routine for now—the one that doesn’t end in disaster."
Vi winked, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Hey, the world could use more flair. Anyway, I’ll catch you later, Cupcake. Go wow the crowd."
Caitlyn grinned, her eyes lighting up. "I will. Goodluck with your sister, though."
Vi grinned back as she made her way toward the door. “I’ll try. See you later!"
༻︵‿꘏︵‿༺
Vi slammed the door open, already wincing at the smell of something burning.
The acrid scent of overheated electronics filled the air, making her head spin as she rushed toward the kitchen.
There, in the middle of the disaster zone, stood Powder, looking sheepish and holding a scorched microwave door open with one hand.
"Powder," Vi said, her voice a mix of exasperation and concern. "What happened here?"
“I already told you, I was trying to make something ‘fun’, and included your microwave!” She glanced at the burnt appliance, letting out a sheepish grin “was your microwave.”
Vi's eyes narrowed as she took in the chaotic scene before her.
The microwave sat at the center of the kitchen, battered and blackened, looking like it had survived an explosion rather than an innocent snack attempt.
The door hung crookedly, and wires were scattered across the floor, their once-functional parts now mangled and fried.
The scent of burnt plastic and singed wires lingered thick in the air.
"Powder," Vi said, her voice laced with disbelief as she crossed her arms, "fun? This looks more like the aftermath of an explosion."
Powder, standing beside the disaster zone, shrugged with an exaggerated innocence. " I swear, I thought it was gonna be awesome. Like, a cool new gadget thing, you know? Something different. You always tell me to be creative and experiment—so I thought I'd, like, combine a bunch of stuff. A real kitchen adventure."
Vi rubbed her forehead, struggling to keep from laughing.
The sheer absurdity of the situation was almost too much to handle.
Powder’s wide-eyed expression, coupled with her half-formed excuse, made it hard for Vi to stay mad.
Vi let out a low chuckle, though the frustration simmering beneath the surface was still palpable. "So, you decided to experiment with my microwave? And now it’s a pile of scrap metal? Great. "
"Hehe, sorry?" Powder said, her voice a little higher than usual, clearly trying to play off the mess she caused.
Vi narrowed her eyes. "Oh, it’s cute that you think that’s gonna get you out of this. Wait ‘til I tell Dad about this."
Powder’s grin faltered for a moment, her eyes widening. "No, no, no, you wouldn’t."
Vi crossed her arms, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "Oh, trust me, I absolutely would. You’re in big trouble now."
Powder’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. She threw her hands up, giving an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, I’ll just pay for the new microwave, okay? No need to tell Dad. I’ll be good. Promise."
Vi raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because last time I checked, Dad’s the one who’d probably double my punishment just to make sure you don’t touch another appliance for a year."
"Alright, alright!" Powder said, rolling her eyes but grinning all the same. "You win. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."
Vi gave a satisfied nod, stepping closer to the wreckage. "I’ll let you off the hook this time, but next time? I swear I’ll let Vander handle it."
Powder smiled, relieved, but still clearly a little embarrassed. "Deal. No more microwaving random stuff. I’ll stick to, like, toasting bread next time."
Vi couldn’t help but laugh, the tension finally easing. "Yeah, that’s probably for the best—you’re lucky I love you."
"Bleugh, don't get all mushy with me," Powder groaned, dramatically sticking her tongue out as if she was about to gag.
Vi rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. "You know, one of these days you’re gonna appreciate my unconditional love."
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Powder said, sticking out her tongue again. "I’ll leave the ‘loving you’ part to someone else."
Vi chuckled, ruffling Powder's hair playfully. "Don’t worry, next time I’ll make sure to set you up with an actually safe experiment. How about... I don't know, a salad? Maybe you can figure out how to microwave that without burning down the house.”
Powder groaned dramatically and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Vi standing amidst the chaos her sister had created. "Not even going to help me clean up, Pow?" Vi called out, hands on her hips, already dreading the mess.
From the hallway, she heard a loud sigh. "Fine, fine," Powder muttered. "But only because I feel guilty, not because you asked me nicely."
Vi raised an eyebrow, smirking as she began gathering the scattered electronics. "Yeah, sure. Guilty, my foot."
Powder reappeared a few seconds later, dragging her feet as she reluctantly picked up a broken piece of the microwave. "I still don’t get how I managed to break the microwave and the kitchen sink in one go. That’s a new record, right?"
Vi couldn't help but laugh. "At least you're setting records, just not the right ones.”
They cleaned the mess in silence, the only sounds being the occasional shuffle of feet and the soft scrape of broom against tile.
Every now and then, Powder would break the quiet by tossing a charred wire at Vi, a grin spreading across her face as the wire bounced off Vi’s back.
"Really?" Vi said, not even bothering to look up as she carefully swept up the remains of the microwave. "Is this how you make up for nearly burning the house down?"
Powder giggled and quickly ducked behind a counter. "What? I’m just keeping things interesting."
Vi shot her a look, though it softened when she saw the playful look in Powder’s eyes. "You’re
lucky I don’t throw you in the trash with all this junk."
"Hey, I’m helping!" Powder protested, flinging another piece of scorched wire toward Vi. "You don’t get to be too mad when I’m just lightening the mood.”
"Throw these out," Vi said, handing Powder the trash bag as she started grabbing her jacket from the chair. "I've got to leave in a few minutes."
Powder took the bag reluctantly, her frown deepening as she looked at her sister. "For what?"
Vi paused, adjusting her jacket and glancing at her phone. "I’ve got to meet someone. Some plans, you know?" She didn't elaborate further, but the tone in her voice made it clear it was important.
Powder raised an eyebrow, eyes narrowing. "Plans, huh? Who are you meeting?”
Vi glanced over at Powder as she grabbed her keys. "I’m cheering on Caitlyn, for her performance today."
"Ooh, lover girl at it again?" Powder teased.
Vi rolled her eyes, tossing a quick glance over her shoulder. "Oh shut it, I’m just being a good friend."
"Yeah, right," Powder smirked, clearly unconvinced. "Good friend, my ass. You’ve got that ‘supportive girlfriend’ vibe going on."
Vi blushed at the thought, quickly brushing it off. "We're not even together!" She slung her bag over her shoulder, trying to act casual. "You really think I’m that obvious?”
Powder raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Vi, in my 17 years of living with you, I've seen enough to know when you're into someone. You’re practically glowing every time you talk about Caitlyn."
Vi groaned, running a hand through her hair. "I am not glowing."
"You are!" Powder grinned, clearly enjoying herself. "Every time her name comes up, your face lights up like a Christmas tree. It's almost adorable, really."
Vi rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the soft smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You're ridiculous."
"Yeah, yeah," Powder teased, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. "But hey, if you’re not into her, you’re doing a terrible job at hiding it."
Vi shot her a pointed look. "I’m just trying to be supportive, okay? No need to make it weird."
"Oh, it's already weird," Powder smirked. "But go ahead, go cheer her on. Just don't forget who called it first when you two finally figure it out.”
"Oh, fuck you," Vi joked, a grin pulling at her lips as she slammed the door behind her. The sound of the door slamming echoed in the hallway, and she heard Powder’s laughter on the other side, the mocking but affectionate tone of her voice floating through the walls.
Vi smirked as she jogged down the stairs, shaking her head. "Ridiculous," she muttered, though she couldn't help but grin. Powder was relentless when it came to teasing her about Caitlyn.
The teasing was almost too much at times, but it was hard to deny the growing feelings she had every time Caitlyn crossed her mind.
For now, though, she was sticking to the "just a friend" line, even though it felt like her heart wasn’t entirely on board.
༻︵‿꘏︵‿༺
Outside, the crisp air greeted Vi as she stepped onto the sidewalk.
She pulled on her leather gloves and adjusted the straps of her jacket before heading to where her motorcycle was parked.
The sleek black machine gleamed under the streetlights, a reminder of the freedom Vi loved more than anything. The rumbling engine was almost a second heartbeat for her, and as she slid onto the seat, she let out a satisfied breath.
She pulled on her helmet, revved the engine, and took off, the wind rushing past her as she made her way through the city.
There was something about riding her motorcycle that helped her clear her mind.
The speed, the focus, the way everything else blurred—everything about it was freeing.
But today, she couldn’t help but think of Caitlyn.
She was looking forward to seeing her perform, to supporting her in a way that felt more meaningful than she cared to admit.
Vi maneuvered through traffic with ease, weaving between cars and taking sharp turns as she got closer to the venue.
The excitement was palpable, buzzing in her chest as the venue came into view.
She could already hear the low hum of activity from inside—people setting up, last-minute preparations, the familiar chaos of a performance day.
She parked her bike, feeling the rush of adrenaline as she removed her helmet, raking a hand through her windswept hair.
With a deep breath, she slung her bag over her shoulder and headed toward the entrance. Inside, the warm lights and the buzz of voices welcomed her, but it was Caitlyn she was looking for.
Vi spotted her almost immediately, standing off to the side, getting ready.
Caitlyn was in her element, focused, poised, and so damn graceful that it made Vi’s heart stutter for a second. She watched her for a moment, unable to help the proud smile that pulled at her lips.
"Hey, Cupcake," Vi called out, her voice carrying across the space, and Caitlyn turned, her face softening into a smile as their eyes met.
"You’re here," Caitlyn said, surprised but clearly happy to see her. "I didn’t think you’d make it."
Vi smirked, her confidence returning. "You seriously think I’d miss this? I’m basically your personal fan club, ready to cheer you on."
Caitlyn smirked back, her eyes locking in Vi's. "Well, I’m glad to have a cheerleader, at least. But if you start doing a victory dance when I land this routine, I’m leaving you behind.”
Their eyes stayed locked for a moment longer than usual, the playful tension between them building in the silence. Vi’s smirk faltered for just a second, the teasing tone in Caitlyn’s voice suddenly not registering.
She was too busy caught in the warmth of Caitlyn’s gaze, her own breath hitching slightly as the unspoken words hung in the air.
Caitlyn blinked first, the moment breaking, and Vi quickly cleared her throat, shaking off the unexpected feeling that had settled over her.
She could feel the faint heat creeping up her neck, but she covered it with a cocky grin. "You wish you could leave me behind," Vi said, leaning against the railings and crossing her arms with exaggerated confidence, even though her pulse still raced.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the brief moment of vulnerability she had caught in Vi. "We’ll see. No promises about that, either."
Vi gave her a quick nod, the rush of emotions still lingering, but she pushed it aside, trying to focus on Caitlyn's upcoming performance instead.
"I'll be right here cheering you on, Cupcake."
༻︵‿꘏︵‿༺
The lights dimmed, and the soft, ethereal music filled the arena, reverberating off the walls as Caitlyn took her position at the center of the rink.
Vi leaned forward in her seat, eyes locked on her, her heart suddenly feeling like it was beating to the rhythm of Caitlyn’s movements.
Caitlyn’s blade scraped gently against the ice as she took her first graceful glide forward, the start of her routine slow and deliberate, every motion precise.
She shifted her weight from one skate to the other, her posture upright, poised, as she effortlessly floated across the rink like she was defying gravity.
The fluidity of her movements was mesmerizing, the way her body seemed to bend and curve with the music—perfectly in sync with every note.
She took a soft spin, one that started small but gradually grew, the delicate curve of her body creating a perfect arc.
Vi couldn’t help but notice the controlled precision in the way Caitlyn spun, the effortless elegance of it.
She was so light on her feet, as though she was made for this, each turn like a slow whirl of a dancer on a stage.
Caitlyn slowed, coming to a brief stop as she raised one leg, the pointed toe of her skate just a few inches from the ice, and extended it high into a graceful position.
She held the pose for a moment, her arms extended wide, like she was embracing the very air around her, then flowed into a deep, controlled lunge that brought her back to the center.
Vi watched in awe, every muscle in Caitlyn’s body responding to the music, every movement flowing into the next with seamless perfection.
She could see the effort behind it, the dedication, but it all appeared effortless —like Caitlyn was born to glide across the ice.
Then came the jump.
Caitlyn took a few strong strides, her posture shifting as she prepared for the leap.
The tension in the air built up as Caitlyn launched herself into the air, the powerful push off the ice sending her soaring higher than expected.
Her body twisted mid-air, her arms and legs pulled tight, the elegant arc of the jump making it look almost unreal. As she spun, her blades carving the air with precision, Vi couldn’t help but hold her breath.
Caitlyn landed gracefully, her legs slightly bent to absorb the impact, the skate blades cutting cleanly into the ice. She held her balance perfectly, no wobble, no stutter—just a perfect landing that drew a quiet gasp from the audience.
Vi was on the edge of her seat now, her heart racing in time with Caitlyn’s performance. The crowd was quiet, every person in the arena captivated by Caitlyn’s incredible skill and focus.
She moved fluidly into another series of gliding steps, her body sweeping gracefully across the rink as she transitioned into another set of turns, her movements always timed to the music.
With each step, Caitlyn became more and more absorbed in the rhythm, her concentration obvious as she leaped again, this time into a triple axel. The jump was stunning—clean, sharp, and landing flawlessly.
The arena was silent for just a heartbeat, every person holding their breath, and then the roar of applause exploded as Caitlyn completed the sequence, not a single misstep.
Vi’s chest swelled with pride, watching Caitlyn land a perfect camel spin next, her body curving with impeccable balance. The way Caitlyn moved from one complex sequence to the next with such ease made it seem like the world outside of the rink disappeared, leaving only her.
The final moments of the routine approached, Caitlyn’s body flowing in a series of intricate footwork sequences, sharp and controlled, the final flourish coming with a dramatic, sweeping spin, arms extended out to the sides as if she were embracing the world.
Caitlyn finished with one last graceful glide toward the edge of the rink, her arms raised above her head in a grand, final pose. The music came to a soft, stunning finish, the last note hanging in the air.
Vi was the first to stand up, breaking the silence as the last note of music faded. Her hands clapped together with a force that echoed through the arena, her cheers loud and genuine.
"That was incredible!" Vi shouted, her voice cutting through the applause, her eyes locked on Caitlyn as she made her way off the ice.
The crowd around her joined in, but Vi’s cheers were the loudest, the most fervent. She wasn’t holding back—Caitlyn had just put on a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.
Caitlyn, still catching her breath from the routine, caught Vi's gaze from across the rink. Her smile was wide, her cheeks flushed from the effort, and she gave a small wave in return, a light chuckle escaping her lips.
Their gazes lingered on each other for a moment longer, unspoken words hanging between them. The tension felt almost palpable, an invisible thread connecting them as they shared a look that felt like more than just admiration.
Caitlyn’s smile softened, and Vi found herself lost in the warmth of her gaze, feeling something stir within her she hadn’t expected.
Before either of them could say anything, the voice of the commentator crackled through the rink’s speakers, breaking the spell.
"And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes tonight’s performance by Caitlyn Kiramman, one of the finest athletes to ever grace this rink! Let's hear it one more time for her stunning routine!" The crowd erupted into another applause, pulling their attention back to the present.
Caitlyn skated toward Vi, the sound of her blades cutting through the ice blending with the lingering applause.
Her cheeks were still flushed from the performance, and her smile was soft— almost shy —as she passed the crowd's cheering and focused on Vi, who stood waiting for her at the edge of the rink.
The people around Vi continued to applaud, some calling out her name in excitement, but Caitlyn’s attention was all on her. As she approached, her smile grew more genuine, a light in her eyes that made Vi’s heart skip.
"Hey," Caitlyn greeted, her voice slightly breathless from the performance, yet still warm. She gave a quick glance to the people around them. "Looks like I’ve got a pretty good fan club, huh?"
Vi’s gaze softened as she took in Caitlyn’s graceful movements, still in awe of the performance. "You’ve got more than that," she replied, her voice teasing but filled with admiration. "You’ve got me."
Caitlyn chuckled, leaning in just enough to make sure only Vi could hear her. "And what was that about not doing a victory dance? Seems like you were ready to break out your moves earlier.” she teased, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.
Vi smirked, crossing her arms with a playful scoff. "Hey, I had to contain myself. Wouldn’t want to distract from the real star of the night.”
Their conversation came to an abrupt stop as Maddie approached, a wide grin spreading across her face. Vi’s eyes flicked toward her, and her playful demeanor immediately shifted into something more guarded.
Maddie, as always, had a knack for showing up at the most interesting moments.
"Well, well, look at the two of you," Maddie said with a teasing tone, her eyes shifting between Vi and Caitlyn. She raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing the closeness between them. "Having a nice little chat, are we?"
Vi’s posture stiffened, her arms crossing over her chest as she glanced at Maddie. "Just congratulating Caitlyn," she replied, her voice a little sharper than intended.
Caitlyn, completely unaware of the growing tension between the two, smiled warmly at Maddie. "Yeah, I just wanted to thank Vi for cheering me on," she explained, her voice carefree and casual as she glanced between Vi and Maddie. "It was a pretty great performance, wasn't it?"
Maddie leaned in a little, her eyes lingering on Caitlyn a second too long as she flashed her a coy smile. "Oh, absolutely, " she said, her voice dripping with sweet, flirtatious sincerity. "You were absolutely stunning out there. Honestly, it's hard to take my eyes off you when you’re on the ice. The way you move is just... mesmerizing."
Caitlyn blinked, clearly flattered by the compliment but missing the underlying edge to Maddie’s tone. "Thank you, Maddie," she said with a chuckle, brushing it off modestly. "I try my best, you know? A lot of hard work goes into it."
Maddie’s smile only grew wider, but there was a shift in the way she spoke, a softening of her tone that seemed to hint at something more personal. "Well, it's more than just hard work. There’s something about you on that ice that just... draws everyone in. You're like the star of the show."
Vi, standing just a bit off to the side, could feel her protective instincts kick in as Maddie’s words lingered in the air, but Caitlyn didn’t seem to notice, still smiling brightly at Maddie.
Caitlyn shrugged nonchalantly, clearly trying to remain humble. "I don't know about all that," she said with a small laugh. "But it's always nice to hear that from someone." Her gaze flicked back to Vi for a moment, unaware of the unspoken challenge that was building between the two women.
Maddie’s eyes flickered to Vi, a subtle, playful look behind them as she leaned a little closer to Caitlyn. "Well, I think it’s pretty clear to anyone who’s watching that you're something special.” she said, her voice lowering just a bit, adding a layer of intimacy to her words.
Vi’s jaw tightened as she watched, her patience running thin, but Caitlyn, blissfully oblivious to the tension, simply laughed. "You're way too kind," she replied, though the smile on her face was genuine.
Maddie didn’t back down, still holding Caitlyn’s gaze a little too long, as if waiting for some kind of reaction. "It’s not kindness, Caitlyn. It’s the truth," she said softly, her smile still warm but carrying a certain intensity.
Vi cleared her throat, her tone turning teasing as she stepped in. "Alright, Maddie, I think you’ve made your point," she said, with just a hint of playfulness mixed with something else. "We all know Caitlyn's amazing. No need to keep rubbing it in."
Maddie’s smile faltered for just a moment at Vi's sudden interjection, but she quickly recovered, her expression still playful. "Oh, of course, Vi," she said, giving her a knowing glance. "I'm sure you two make a great team."
Vi stood a little taller, her gaze steady as she met Maddie’s eyes. "You bet we do," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of protectiveness. "Caitlyn doesn’t need anyone else for that."
Caitlyn, completely unaware of the undercurrent of tension between Vi and Maddie, let out a soft chuckle.
She glanced from one to the other, her smile wide and carefree. "You two are something else," she said, shaking her head in playful disbelief. "But seriously, I really appreciate all the support."
Maddie’s smile was sweet, but there was a certain sharpness behind her eyes as she replied with a smooth, "Anytime, Cait." She gave Vi a quick look—one that lingered a second too long, before she turned her attention back to Caitlyn, maintaining the appearance of sincerity.
Vi, standing a little taller now, her posture stiffened in response.
She returned the sentiment with an almost identical tone, though the slight edge in her voice made it clear she wasn’t about to back down. "Anytime," she echoed, her eyes narrowing just a fraction as she met Maddie's gaze.
The air between them crackled for a split second before both turned their attention back to Caitlyn, though the tension didn’t completely dissipate.
Caitlyn, still smiling brightly and completely oblivious to the charged exchange between the two, shrugged lightly. "Well, I guess I’m lucky to have such dedicated cheerleaders," she said, her tone light and filled with gratitude. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly ready to move past the awkward moment.
Maddie’s eyes flickered briefly toward Vi again, her lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "It’s all part of the job, right?" she said smoothly, though there was a hint of something more beneath her words. She gave a little tilt of her head, her expression just a shade too friendly.
Vi waved her hand dismissively in Maddie’s direction, trying to steer Caitlyn’s attention back to her. "Speaking of performances," she said with a sly grin, "I’ve got a big game next Saturday. You know, the kind where I actually get to show off some real skill." She raised an eyebrow playfully, leaning in slightly. "And, seeing as I've been such a fantastic cheerleader today, I was wondering if you could return the favor. I’d be honored to have you in the stands cheering me on."
Caitlyn, still smiling but now looking more intrigued, tilted her head. "A game, huh?" she asked, her tone teasing. "You really want me to watch you kick butt out there?”
Vi’s grin widened. "Absolutely," she replied, leaning back with a cocky yet charming smirk. "I need someone with great taste in performances to see me in action. Plus, I’m not just going to kick butt—I’m going to dominate. You’ll want to be there to witness it."
Caitlyn chuckled, her gaze softening with amusement. "Dominate, huh? You really have a lot of confidence," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "I’ll admit, that’s tempting. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to see how the mighty Violet Lance performs, right?"
Vi laughed, giving Caitlyn a playful nudge. "It’s not just tempting, it’s a guarantee," she said, her tone dripping with mock arrogance. "I’ll show you exactly why my team needs me. So, what do you say? Are you up for it?"
Caitlyn bit her lip, looking at Vi with a mix of amusement and intrigue. "Alright, I’ll go," she said, her voice teasing but with a definite hint of excitement. "But only if you don’t go all ‘too cool for school’ on me while I’m there."
Vi raised her hands in mock surrender, a wide smile on her face. "I promise, I’ll be on my best behavior. But no guarantees I won’t steal the spotlight," she added with a wink.
"That’s what I’m afraid of." Caitlyn replied, shaking her head with a laugh.
Vi grinned, her heart skipping a beat at the thought of Caitlyn in the stands, cheering her on. "It’s a date then. I’ll see you there, Cupcake."
Caitlyn’s smile softened as she nodded. "I’ll be there. Don’t mess it up, okay?" she teased, her voice light but warm.