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Images flickered through Vi’s mind like a broken projector, each one more vivid and painful than the last.
Caitlyn in her enforcer uniform, yelling her name amidst chaos. Jinx, screaming for Isha, her voice cracking with desperation.
Vander, his figure distorted by the glow of molten lava pouring from his wounds. Losing Vander, again, just as they had finally found him, just as the family had almost been whole.
“Vi?”
The sound of her name being called pulled her back from the torment. The voice was familiar, achingly so, a lifeline against the tide of memories threatening to drown her.
She felt the soft brush of silk sheets beneath her fingertips, the unfamiliar comfort grounding her as she struggled to distinguish reality from the nightmare.
A soft glow of light filtered through her eyelids as they fluttered open, revealing a pair of sapphire-blue eyes etched with concern.
Caitlyn.
For a moment, Vi froze. Was she hallucinating again? Her mind had conjured Caitlyn before, in those moments teetering between consciousness and oblivion. Could this really be her?
Then, like the rush of a breaking dam, the memories flooded in: the searing pain of being stabbed, blood pooling beneath her, her last act of defiance spent shielding her sister from the blast.
“Jinx!” Vi croaked, panic flaring in her chest. She tried to sit up, but agony shot through her, sharp and unforgiving. A pained groan escaped her lips as she sank back down.
“Easy, easy,” Caitlyn’s voice was firm yet soothing, her touch grounding. A pair of soft, warm hands pressed gently against her, guiding her back to the bed. “You’ll tear your stitches,” Caitlyn warned, her tone laced with worry.
Caitlyn moved closer, her touch careful and deliberate, as she helped prop Vi into a seated position. Vi winced at the effort, her body stiff and aching, her mind still reeling.
“The explosion!” she blurted out, her voice raw with urgency. “Where’s Jinx? Is she okay?”
Her eyes darted around the room, drawn to the soft glow of lamplight and the warm, refined elegance of the Kiramman mansion. As her gaze dropped, she noticed the unfamiliar clothes draped over her body and the weight of her hair—longer now, and no longer tar-stained black but back to its natural fiery pink.
Shifting slightly in bed, she froze as a sharp sting in the crook of her elbow made her flinch. Her eyes snapped to the source—a needle embedded in her arm, taped firmly in place.
“What is this?!” she exclaimed, her hand shooting out to rip the IV line free from her skin.
“Hey, no! Vi, stop!” Caitlyn’s voice was firm, her hands quick as they caught Vi’s wrists. “Leave it in, okay? You’ll bleed if you rip it out. Just calm down. Let me explain everything.”
Vi clenched her jaw, her breathing ragged as she fought to rein in the panic threatening to boil over. Caitlyn’s hands slowly released her, her touch gentle as she drew back. Instead of looming over her, she chose to sit at the foot of the bed, giving Vi space.
“You took the brunt of the explosion,” Caitlyn began, her tone soft but steady. “The blast knocked you back, and with your wound bleeding out, it didn’t take long for you to lose consciousness. Ambessa’s soldiers were distracted for just long enough, so Jinx and I…” She hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. “We managed to get you out and somewhere safe momentarily.”
Vi snorted, bitterness in her laugh sharp. “Oh, sure. You and Jinx. Working together instead of trying to kill each other. That’s rich.”
Caitlyn’s face fell, her sapphire eyes clouding with something between guilt and exhaustion.
“You were hurt really badly, Vi,” Caitlyn said quietly, her voice tinged with a sadness that made Vi pause. “You lost so much blood. We had to put our differences aside to save you. We didn’t know if you were going to make it.”
Vi didn’t know how to feel about that. A month ago, she would have laughed at the idea of Caitlyn and Jinx working together—or even caring about her enough to try. Back then, she’d thought she’d lost everything and everyone that mattered.
“Where is Jinx now?” Vi’s voice was tense, her anxiety clear. She couldn’t imagine Jinx waltzing around the Kiramman estate, and the uncertainty gnawed at her.
Caitlyn let out a heavy sigh, her expression clouding. “She left not long after we got your bleeding under control. I think…” She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “I think she knew you needed help—help she couldn’t give you. So, she just… vanished.”
Vi’s fists clenched against the sheets, her instincts screaming at her to do something. She resisted the urge to stand up, though her voice betrayed her urgency. “Cait, I’m going after her.”
Caitlyn scoffed, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “Of course. The moment you wake up, your first thought is to get yourself beat up again. It’s like you have a death wish.”
Vi’s eyes narrowed, her tone sharp as a blade. “Why do you care whether or not I have a death wish, Commander Kiramman ?”
The words hit their mark. Caitlyn flinched, her eyes widening briefly before her expression crumbled under the weight of guilt.
“That’s right,” Vi pressed, her voice dripping with bitterness. “Don’t think I haven’t heard the rumors—the declaration of martial law, and you being behind it all. Couldn’t believe it at first, but there it was. You left me out to dry while you went off and played dictator, didn’t you?”
Caitlyn’s lips parted, but no words came. Her silence only seemed to fuel Vi’s anger.
“How long were you sidled up with that self-serving war pig? She oinked poison in your ear, and you just ate it.”
“I know!” Caitlyn’s voice rose, startling Vi into silence. The weight of her outburst seemed to catch her off guard as well. Her shoulders slumped, and when she spoke again, her voice was quieter, burdened by remorse. “I know,” she repeated. “I can’t erase my mistakes—not what I did to the undercity, not what I did to you…” She stared at the floor, her sapphire eyes dull with regret.
A thick silence hung between them before Caitlyn began pacing, her movements restless. “If you must leave to find her,” she said, her tone more controlled now, “at least wait a couple of days to recover. There’s no point in going after her if you’re just going to bleed out again.”
Her words were practical, but the thinly veiled desperation in her voice betrayed her. Caitlyn couldn’t bear the thought of Vi leaving—not so soon, not when she’d come so close to losing her. But what right did she have to keep Vi here? Not after everything she’d done.
Finally, Caitlyn stopped and looked at Vi, waiting for her response, bracing herself for another cutting remark.
Vi’s expression was unreadable at first, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Fine,” she muttered.
Caitlyn nodded, a mix of relief and sadness flashing across her face. She turned to leave, giving Vi the space she clearly needed. But as she reached the door, Vi’s voice stopped her.
“Cait?”
Caitlyn froze, her heart skipping a beat as she turned back, her brows lifting in quiet inquiry.
Vi glanced down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of the bedsheets. “Thank you… for saving my life.”
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a small, sad smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course,” she said softly. “You would have done the same for me.” They both knew it was true—stupid, selfless Vi with her unyielding heart of gold.
Yet Caitlyn had taken advantage of that heart. She had hurt the one person who had stood by her side through everything, even the storm her mother’s absence and death had created.
Out of all her regrets, the pain she’d caused Vi was the one that cut the deepest.
Without another word, Caitlyn stepped out of the room, the door clicking softly shut behind her, leaving Vi alone in the vast, elaborate bedroom.
Vi glanced around the room, her eyes darting over familiar details she hadn’t registered in her haze earlier. The soft glow of lamplight illuminated the space, casting shadows on the large map of Piltover and Zaun pinned meticulously to the far wall—a map she’d seen before. It clicked then: this wasn’t just any guest room. This was Caitlyn’s bedroom.
Her brows knit together in confusion as the realization settled in. Out of all the spare rooms in this massive estate, she was in Caitlyn’s room, her bed, and even more strangely, on her side of it. The thought struck her as odd, almost absurd. Why here? Why this room?
Vi shifted slightly, wincing at the dull ache in her side. Her gaze lingered on the carefully organized desk, the plush chair tucked neatly into place, and the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air—so distinctly Caitlyn. The intimacy of it made her feel suddenly self-conscious, as though she were intruding on something deeply personal.
What the hell had Cait been thinking, putting her here of all places?
***
A firm knock echoed from the door. Vi's head snapped toward it. Was Caitlyn back already? She straightened as much as her body allowed, forcing herself into a semblance of composure, though it was hard to look intimidating while propped up in a nest of plush pillows and soft blankets.
“Come in,” she called, her voice steady despite her discomfort.
The door creaked open, and instead of Caitlyn, a tall, burly figure stepped inside. Vi’s breath caught for a moment—his broad frame and rugged features bore a striking resemblance to Vander. But the moment his familiar, easy grin lit up his face, recognition clicked.
“Loris!” Vi exclaimed, a smile breaking across her face despite herself. “What the hell are you doing here?”
The last time she’d seen Loris, he’d been walking away from Caitlyn’s task force as she went full on fascist mode, a rare act of defiance that had left Vi with a grudging respect for the man. Back then, his steady presence had been the only thing keeping her from spiraling completely. She’d pushed him away, of course—just like she did with everyone—but the memory of his loyalty lingered. Things had only gone downhill after that, until Jinx had come crashing back into her life, shaking her out of the self-destructive haze that would have eventually gotten herself killed.
Loris let out a hearty chuckle as he stepped further into the room, leaning casually against one of the ornate bedposts. “Just came to check on my favorite drinking buddy. You’ve got no idea how good it is to see you awake and kicking! That thick skull of yours must’ve done some of the work pulling you through.”
Vi huffed out a laugh, though her ribs protested the effort. “Loris, seriously… I didn’t get a chance to thank you. For everything. You dragged my sorry ass out of so many fights, made sure I got home in one piece—when all I did was shove you away.” Her voice softened, the vulnerability unfamiliar but genuine. “Thank you for sticking with me when I didn’t deserve it.”
Loris waved her off, though the warmth in his eyes betrayed how much her words meant. “Come on, Pink. It’s what buddies do. Besides, I saw too much of my old self in you—someone becoming their own worst enemy. I just thought… hell, I wished someone had been there for me back then. But at the end of the day, the only person who can pull you out of that hole is yourself. And you did, eventually.” His voice faltered slightly. “But we were scared, you know. Thought we’d lost you for good. You’d been out for so long we weren't sure if you were going to wake up again.”
Vi tilted her head, frowning. “How long was I out, exactly?” Her question was casual, almost dismissive. It was just a small stab wound, wasn’t it? Nothing that she hadn't endured before.
Loris’s expression darkened. “Vi…” He hesitated, then sighed. “You’ve been in a coma for two months.” His tone was soft, but it couldn’t dull the impact of his words.
Two months.
Vi’s world tilted. Two months?! Her mind raced, her pulse quickening. Jinx had been missing for two months. Ambessa and her Noxian army had two months to consolidate their power, two months to prepare for whatever came next. And what had she been doing? Lying here—half-dead and useless—in Caitlyn’s bed.
“I—” She felt bile rising in her throat. She clutched the sheets tightly, her knuckles turning white.
“Hey, hey,” Loris said quickly, stepping forward to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His grip was warm, grounding. “Settle down, Pink. It’s gonna be okay.”
Vi’s jaw tightened, her fists balling at her sides. “Loris, I need to get out of here. Now.”
Loris sighed, a mix of exasperation and concern crossing his face as he shook his head. “I’m afraid it isn’t that simple, Pink. Caitlyn’s got guards stationed right outside this door. The only people allowed in here are her, me, and Dr. Kiramman. Even if you wanted to sneak out, it’d be damn near impossible.”
Vi frowned, her frustration boiling over. “Why the hell does she have guards posted outside my door? Am I some kind of hostage now?”
Loris chuckled, a low, humorless sound. “No, nothing like that. The rest of the world thinks you’re dead. Those guards out there? They have no idea who they’re even protecting. Considering the ever-growing list of people who’d like to see you six feet under, Caitlyn figured this was the best way to keep you safe”
“Why the fuck does she care if I’m safe or not?” Vi snapped, her voice dripping with venom. “She had no problem leaving me for dead in the ventilation system. Where was she when I was getting beat up shitless everyday? I don’t need little-miss-dictator’s pity party.”
Loris held up a hand, his calm demeanor unwavering in the face of Vi’s anger. “Pink, I think you should give her some grace.”
Vi bristled at the suggestion. If anyone else had said that, she’d have told them to shove it where the sun didn’t shine. But this was Loris—the man who’d sacrificed his career to stand by her side, who had stuck with her through the worst of it. His opinion carried weight, whether she liked it or not.
“Listen,” Loris continued, his tone firm but understanding. “It hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park for Caitlyn these past couple of months either. When she betrayed Ambessa’s forces to help you, she made herself enemy number one in the Noxian warlord’s books. We’ve all been holding our breath, waiting for the next strike. But when it came down to it? She didn’t hesitate. She chose you over everything.”
Vi stared at him, the words hitting harder than she expected. It was true, wasn’t it? Caitlyn hadn’t even flinched when Vi confessed that the bloodthirsty monster who’d torn through Stillwater’s guards was her father. She’d chosen to help, even trusted Jinx enough to save her. That same Caitlyn had once been so single-minded in her pursuit of revenge that she’d been ready to gun down a literal child who was clinging desperately to Jinx.
“She’s been worried sick about you, Pink,” Loris said, his voice pulling her back to the present. “She made the call to limit who could come near you—me, so someone could watch over you when she couldn’t, and her father, since he’s been managing your recovery. But Caitlyn?” He stopped, locking eyes with Vi. “She’s been here every damn day. Looking after you, refusing to leave your side. And she hasn’t stopped blaming herself for what happened to you.”
The anger that had been simmering in Vi’s chest began to ebb, leaving her with a sense of unease she couldn’t shake. She hated feeling conflicted, hated the idea of Caitlyn shouldering guilt for something she wasn’t even sure she forgave. But she couldn’t deny the truth in Loris’s words. Caitlyn had stayed—despite everything.
“Anyways, I wouldn’t be making any grand escape plans just yet,” Loris said with a wry grin, gesturing toward Vi’s bandaged side. “With a wound like that, one wrong move, and you’ll be right back here just as quick as you left.”
Vi snorted, though the sharp ache in her side turned it into more of a grunt. “I’ll keep that in mind, doc.”
Loris chuckled lightly. “All I’m saying is, maybe give it another week or two. Doesn’t seem like much, considering you’ve already been here for two months. And hey, if you still feel like breaking out, you know where to find me.” He winked, giving her knee a reassuring squeeze before standing and heading toward the door.
Just as he reached it, the door opened, revealing Caitlyn. She stepped inside carefully, a tray of food balanced in her hands. Loris held the door open for her, giving Vi one last look. “See you around, Pink,” he said with a small wave before slipping out and closing the door behind him.
Caitlyn hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath as she approached. Her polished demeanor faltered slightly, her uncertainty clear in the tightness of her jaw and the way she shifted her weight. She placed the tray gently on the bedside table. “I’m not sure if the food up here in Topside can compete with Jericho’s cooking,” she began, her tone light but tentative. “But I picked out a few things I thought you might be able to stomach.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, sitting up as best she could. “Well, I guess I’ll be the judge of that.”
As Caitlyn stepped back, Vi glanced at the tray, her curiosity giving way to hunger as the smell hit her. Her stomach growled loudly, and she realized just how famished she was. Without another word, she dug in, practically inhaling the food.
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile as she watched. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said with a quiet laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.
Vi glanced up between bites, her expression softening despite herself. “Don’t get too cocky, Cupcake. I was just starving.”
Caitlyn chuckled, her voice warmer now. “I’ll take what I can get.”
Vi took advantage of the quiet, the space between them charged with unspoken words, to really look at Caitlyn for the first time since waking up. Her hair was longer now, most of it tied back in a high ponytail, though a few loose strands framed her face, softening the sharpness of her features. But it wasn’t just the change in her hair that caught Vi’s attention—Caitlyn looked... worn.
She seemed thinner than she had on the ridge that day, her cheekbones more pronounced. Her complexion, usually bright and warm, now carried a pale, almost ghastly hue. Dark circles sat heavy beneath her sapphire eyes, stark against her skin. The bags hinted at sleepless nights, the tension in her posture spoke of unrelenting stress, and Vi could only imagine the weight Caitlyn had been carrying.
Guilt settled like a stone in Vi’s chest. She hated it—hated seeing Caitlyn like this. Hated knowing that, in some way, she’d been part of the reason. It wasn’t like Caitlyn to let herself fall apart, but then again, it wasn’t like Vi to lie in a bed for two months, either. The sight of her like this churned something in Vi’s gut—an uncomfortable mix of guilt and frustration. She was supposed to be the one who handled things, the one who could take a beating and keep moving. Not Caitlyn.
Vi looked away, unable to bear the sight for too long. “You've been taking care of yourself, Kiramman?” she asked, her voice quieter than she intended, tinged with something between concern and self-reproach.
Caitlyn blinked, startled by the question. “I’ve been managing,” she replied after a moment, her tone carefully neutral.
Vi’s jaw tightened, her fingers twitching against the blanket.
“Doesn’t look like it,” Vi shot back, her tone softening despite herself. “You look like you’ve been through hell.”
Caitlyn’s lips quirked into a faint, tired smile. “Funny. I could say the same about you.”
Vi exhaled a quiet laugh, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. “Fair.” She leaned back slightly, her gaze dropping to her hands. For a fleeting moment, the tension between them lifted, replaced by something softer, more familiar.
“Hold on, you’ve got a little something…” Caitlyn said suddenly, her voice steady as she leaned in without hesitation. Her thumb brushed gently against the corner of Vi’s mouth, wiping away a small smudge of food. Before pulling back, she tucked a stray strand of Vi’s pink hair behind her ear. Caitlyn lingered for a moment, her fingers soft against Vi’s skin, and a fond smile curled at the edges of her lips.
Vi blinked, frozen in place, her eyes wide with surprise. Caitlyn caught the stunned expression on her face and immediately stiffened. “What?” she asked, the question falling from her lips before her brain caught up. Before the heat rushed to her cheeks, staining them a vivid pink to match Vi’s hair. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry!” she blurted, her voice flustered and quick. “I didn’t mean to invade your space—I don’t even know what I was thinking.” She raised a hand to shield her face, clearly mortified.
She peeked out from behind her fingers, her voice softer now, tinged with embarrassment. “I guess… I just got used to looking after you while you were unconscious these past few months,” Caitlyn admitted, her tone bashful and hesitant, as if she wasn’t sure she should say it out loud.
“Oh yeah?” Vi leaned back with a teasing grin. “You gonna miss snuggling up with my body every night in this bed of yours, huh, Cait?”
Caitlyn’s face flushed even redder, her hands flying up in defense. “It wasn’t like that!” she stammered. “I just needed to keep an eye on you in case you woke up or—”
“Relax, Cupcake,” Vi interrupted, smirking. “I’m joking. Although…” she raised an eyebrow, gesturing to her now-vivid pink hair. “I didn’t know you hated my hair that much. First thing you do when I’m out cold is wash the black dye out? And I guess the emo look wasn’t doing it for you either,” she added, tugging at the hem of her new outfit with mock offense.
“Okay, first of all,” Caitlyn began, her blush deepening but her tone gaining confidence, “dirty chest bindings don’t count as a shirt—especially not ones shredded from whatever idiotic blade you decided to get stabbed with.” She crossed her arms, fixing Vi with a pointed look. “And second, you were filthy. I wasn’t about to let you ruin my bed.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. “So you gave me a makeover? Never figured getting knocked out cold would score me my own personal stylist. Although…” she tugged at the hem of her grey tank top, inspecting it with exaggerated disapproval. “Gotta say, Cupcake, the grey tank? Kinda basic.”
“Noted," Caitlyn said with mock seriousness, raising an eyebrow. "I’ll make sure to grab something more runway-worthy next time you decide to get yourself nearly killed."
Vi couldn't help but let out a chuckle, “ Alright well maybe next time, just let me bleed out. At least I’d still have my ‘badass’ image intact."
Caitlyn tried to laugh at Vi's joke, but the words hit too hard. Her smile faltered as the casual mention of bleeding out triggered a flash of memory—the image of Vi, lying on the floor unmoving, blood pooling around her. Caitlyn had felt time slow, unsure if Vi would make it, her heart racing as she fought to keep her alive. The memory hit her harder than she expected, and she quickly glanced down, fighting the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Her smile was gone, replaced by a quiet, uneasy stillness.
“Cait?” Vi’s voice softened, sensing the shift in Caitlyn’s mood. Caitlyn quickly shook her head, trying to clear the dark thoughts clouding her mind. “How’s the wound doing? We’ve got you on a couple of different pain meds, so just let me know if they start to wear off.”
Vi fell silent for a moment, her gaze distant as she mulled over her thoughts. “I just don’t get it,” she murmured. “Two whole months out cold... I’ve been stabbed before, so why is this taking so long to heal?”
Caitlyn sighed, her gaze dropping to her hands for a moment before she looked back at Vi, her expression gentle yet firm. “Well, the blade cut much deeper this time, and we didn’t exactly have a magical shimmer potion to heal it instantly. And I guess… you weren’t in the best shape before the attack, either.”
Her voice softened, almost hesitant. “I saw it when I overpowered you during the ambush at the ridge. You’d gotten weaker, and when we took you in, I noticed the bruises and old wounds already covering your body. It was like they’d been there long before the fight with Ambessa. What happened, Vi?”
The question hung in the air, heavy and unspoken for a beat, as if Caitlyn was trying to gently prod at something buried deep within Vi—a truth that might still be too painful to surface. Vi's silence was almost as loud as the question itself.
Vi exhaled sharply, her voice low and thick with the weight of her words. “I just… couldn’t stop seeing you. Your face, that day, it haunted me everywhere I went. The people I fought for, the ones I thought needed me, but they didn’t anymore. So I just… I tried to drown it out. Drink it away, fight it away—like that was all I knew how to do.” Her voice trailed off, her eyes glazing over as if seeing something only she could. “At first, it wasn’t so bad. I was winning, staying on top. But it didn’t last. Eventually, the weight of it all hit me. I found myself knocked out cold more times than I could count, pushed past the point of no return. If Jinx hadn’t come along to pull me out, I… I probably would’ve died in that pit, alone.”
Caitlyn’s breath caught in her throat, her heart heavy as Vi’s words settled in. "So... that explains the coma," she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if saying it out loud made it more real. "The head trauma finally caught up with you..." She trailed off, the sheer weight of Vi’s suffering leaving her speechless for a moment.
"Everything you've been through these past months, all the pain... it’s all my fault. What I did to you that day, it—it started all of this." Her voice cracked, her guilt choking her words. "I'm so sorry, Vi. I know sorry doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’ve tried to justify everything, told myself I was doing it for my mother, for revenge... but somewhere along the way, it became about me. I lost sight of everything I was fighting for, including her memory. I let it all consume me."
Vi’s face softened slightly, but she looked away, discomfort flashing across her features. "You can’t carry all that weight, Cait," she said quietly, her voice tinged with a mix of weariness and understanding. "I played a part in my own destruction, too. Yeah, you... you were the breaking point, but I was already broken by the time you came into the picture. I lost my family, my purpose... I thought I lost my sister forever. And then, there was you. I couldn’t handle all of it, the crushing weight of everything I’d lost."
Vi’s voice caught, and she exhaled sharply, as if the memory still hurt. "And then Jinx... Vander was back, we were all together again. For a moment, it felt like maybe things could be right again. And then, just like that, it all slipped away. In the blink of an eye, everything I had hoped for... was gone again. I was so stupid to believe things would stay good."
Caitlyn scooted her chair closer, the creak of it against the floor sounding louder in the heavy silence. She reached across the space between them, gently taking both of Vi’s hands in hers. Her touch was soft, but firm, grounding them both in the moment. “Vi, I’m so sorry for Vander’s loss,” Caitlyn said, her voice thick with sympathy. “To have him leave after finally getting him back... I can’t even imagine what that must have felt like.” She squeezed Vi’s hands a little tighter, as if trying to share in her pain.
Vi’s grip tightened in return, her gaze meeting Caitlyn’s with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. “Can I ask you something?” she said, her voice quieter, more vulnerable than before. “Why’d you do it? You risked everything to go behind Ambessa’s back to help me save my father—even when I just told you he was the bloodthirsty monster you were all looking for. Why?”
Caitlyn paused, her fingers running lightly over Vi’s knuckles as she gathered her thoughts. Her mind replayed the moments of doubt and desperation that had led her to make the decision. “At the time, it was just a gut instinct,” she said slowly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “I just felt that it was the right thing to do. You were fighting for something, even when it seemed like there was nothing left to fight for ... and if there was any chance, even the smallest chance, that I could help you get him back, I had to try.”
Caitlyn paused for a moment, her eyes dropping to their entwined hands. “And then there was the way Ambessa was treating your father. Using him as a chem-weapon, like he was nothing more than a tool to further her own twisted plans. That’s when I began to realize how far Ambessa was willing to go for conquest. It didn’t sit right with me."
Her gaze lifted back to Vi’s, searching her eyes for understanding. “I couldn’t stand by and let that happen,” Caitlyn said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “I couldn’t let her use your father as a pawn. Not when I know what it’s like to lose someone you love—to have them ripped away from you.”
Vi’s throat tightened as the words sank in, the familiar sting of unshed tears welling in her eyes. She wanted to speak, to say something, but Caitlyn wasn’t done. Slowly, Caitlyn reached up, her movements hesitant, giving Vi every opportunity to pull away. When Vi stayed still, Caitlyn cupped her cheek, her thumb brushing over the tattoo on her face. The touch was achingly familiar, but it carried a weight it hadn’t before. Caitlyn’s eyes flickered to the tattoo, focusing there as if the directness of Vi’s gaze was too much to bear.
“And…” Caitlyn began again, her voice faltering but her resolve firming as she continued, “I know Jinx is the last family you have left.” Her tone hardened at the mention of Jinx’s name, though she tried to temper it. “So I won’t make you choose. I know my promises haven’t meant much lately, but I swear I won’t stand in the way of you reuniting with her.”
Her hand trembled slightly as she spoke, but her words carried conviction. “I’ve hated her. I’ve hated myself. But in a way, we’re not so different. We’ve both done things we may never be able to atone for. But one thing I know for sure is that neither of us would ever stop fighting to protect you.”
Vi was rendered speechless. She couldn’t reconcile the Caitlyn before her with the one who had once pursued Jinx so ruthlessly, indifferent to the collateral damage left in her wake. Yet here she was, laying bare her empathy, her guilt, and the resilience that Vi had always admired. This was the Caitlyn she’d fallen for—the one who had seen her for more than her scars and mistakes.
Slowly, Vi raised her hand to cover Caitlyn’s, her fingers lightly tracing the back of it. Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. “But what about Ambessa?” she asked, guilt creeping into her tone. “She could show up here any second, ready to tear this place apart. I put you in this mess—I made you defect.”
Caitlyn shook her head, her grip firm but gentle as her hand slid to rest under Vi’s chin. She tilted Vi’s face upward, her eyes steady and filled with quiet determination. “None of that is your fault,” she said softly but resolutely. “I shouldn’t have been at her side to begin with. Whatever happens next, it’s on me. You don’t need to fight my battles, Vi. You’re free to go. Free to make your own choices.”
Vi’s brow furrowed, her inner turmoil plain on her face. Caitlyn could see the conflict in her eyes and hated the burden Vi carried. “All I want you to do is focus on getting better,” Caitlyn said, her voice cracking as the emotion finally broke through. “That’s enough. These last two months… not knowing if you’d wake up, if I’d ever get the chance to tell you how sorry I am…”
Tears welled in Caitlyn’s eyes, spilling over despite her best efforts to hold them back. She closed her eyes tightly, her shoulders shaking with the weight of everything she’d carried.
Vi’s heart twisted at the sight. Slowly, she reached up, her rough, calloused hands cupping Caitlyn’s tear-streaked face with a surprising gentleness. Her thumb brushed away the tears, lingering for a moment as though trying to wipe away Caitlyn’s pain along with them.
For a moment, Vi hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She thought of everything Caitlyn had done—the sacrifices she’d made, the risks she’d taken, all for her. She thought of the way Caitlyn had stayed, unwavering, even when Vi was about as useful as a dead weight in her comatose state.
Vi couldn’t hold back anymore—not when the weight in her chest finally felt lighter, not when the freedom she had craved for so long now felt tangible, within reach. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn’t caught between Jinx and Caitlyn, wasn’t torn apart by guilt and grief.
Without a word, Vi leaned forward, her movements slow and deliberate, giving Caitlyn every chance to pull away. But Caitlyn didn’t move, her breath catching as Vi closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a kiss—soft, unhurried, but charged with all the emotions Vi couldn’t put into words. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was an outpouring of gratitude, relief, and love, a way to say everything she had struggled to express.
Caitlyn froze for a heartbeat, startled by the suddenness of it, but then her hands found their way to Vi’s shoulders, steadying herself. Slowly, she melted into the kiss, her initial surprise giving way to something deeper. Her fingers curled against the fabric of Vi’s shirt, holding on like she was afraid to let go.
They could have stayed there, lost in the kiss, as if the world outside didn’t exist. But as Vi shifted, leaning closer to Caitlyn, a sharp pain flared through her side. She gasped, her eyes flying open in surprise, the movement clearly more jarring than she had anticipated.
Caitlyn immediately pulled back, her concern evident as she gave Vi a pointed look. “Easy there, tiger. I’d rather not have you ripping a stitch. It took my father three attempts to get you properly stitched up because you kept moving and undoing the work.”
Vi groaned, her head falling back slightly as frustration flickered across her face. “You know I hate sitting still,” she muttered, clearly annoyed by her own limitations.
Caitlyn stood and moved from her chair to the edge of the bed, sitting beside Vi. Her tone softened as she glanced at her. “I was going to check your wound anyway. I need to see how it’s healing, and it’s probably overdue for a rewrap. Though, to be fair, I didn’t expect you to make it harder on yourself.”
Vi rolled her eyes, groaning again. “Do you have to?”
“Unless you’re aiming for an infection,” Caitlyn quipped, raising an eyebrow, “then yes, I do.” Shifting closer, she knelt beside Vi, her hands already moving toward her shirt.
With practiced ease, Caitlyn unbuttoned the top of Vi’s shirt, slipping it off her shoulders in one fluid motion, leaving Vi sitting in clean chest bindings and neatly wrapped bandages around her abdomen, a testament to the care Caitlyn had been providing for weeks. Vi blinked, momentarily taken aback by Caitlyn’s directness. “Damn, Cait,” she said, a sly grin forming despite the situation. “Didn’t know you were that eager to get me undressed.”
The humor in her voice was clear, but underneath it, Vi couldn’t help feeling a little exposed. Being in such a vulnerable state wasn’t something she was used to, and Caitlyn’s quiet efficiency made it all the more disarming.
Caitlyn froze, her cheeks immediately turning red as she realized how her actions might have come across. “Oh my god,” she muttered, hiding her face behind one hand. “I’ve done it again. Vi, I’m so sorry! I’ve just gotten so used to taking care of you these past two months, I completely forgot that you’re awake now and not... well, unconscious. I should’ve asked first. That was wrong of me. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable—”
“Cait,” Vi interrupted, her tone soft and reassuring as she reached out, placing her hand over Caitlyn’s to stop her rambling. “It’s fine. Really. You’ve been taking care of me, and I get that. You didn’t do anything wrong, you just caught me off guard for a second, that’s all.”
Caitlyn let out a breath, her shoulders relaxing as her hand fell away from her face. “Okay,” she said softly, her expression tender as she locked eyes with Vi. She raised her hands again, hovering them just above the edge of the bandages. “Permission to proceed this time?”
Vi smirked, nodding. “Permission granted, Sheriff.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but a small smile was creeping on her face as she carefully began unwrapping the bandages. Her movements were precise and tender, her focus unwavering. Vi couldn’t help but notice the way Caitlyn’s fingers worked with such care, as though even the slightest mistake might hurt her. The intimacy of it was almost overwhelming.
As Caitlyn leaned in to inspect the wound, the air between them shifted. The tension from earlier hadn’t faded—it lingered, quiet but potent, threading through every movement. Vi watched her closely, feeling a flicker of gratitude swell in her chest. For all Caitlyn’s concern, all her care, it was clear she had poured everything into making sure Vi got through everything in one piece. And somehow, that meant more than Vi could put into words.
“I don’t think I got a chance to thank you earlier,” Vi said, her voice quieter than usual, the words almost catching in her throat.
Caitlyn paused, her hands momentarily hovering over the bandage she was removing. She tilted her head slightly, an eyebrow arching in curiosity. “For what?”
“For everything,” Vi said, her tone more serious now. “Loris told me what you’ve been doing. That you’ve been running yourself ragged these past couple of months, looking after me, barely leaving my side. You didn’t have to, you know? I mean, it’s great and all that you came back to save my sorry ass, but…” Vi hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. “You could’ve just left me in the hospital. You didn’t have to go above and beyond like this. I mean, I’ve literally been lying in your own bed for months,” she added, her voice dipping into uncertainty.
Caitlyn finished peeling back the last layer of bandage and carefully set it aside. She didn’t respond immediately, instead focusing on inspecting the wound, her brows knitting together in concentration. “The stitches are holding well,” she murmured, mostly to herself. After a beat, she straightened, finally meeting Vi’s gaze.
“You really think I could’ve just left you in some sterile hospital room?” Caitlyn said, her tone gentle but firm. “Vi, after everything you’ve been through, after everything we’ve been through, there was no way I was going to leave you alone in a place like that. You deserve better than that. You deserved to wake up somewhere safe.”
Vi blinked, taken aback by Caitlyn’s conviction. “Still,” she muttered, her voice softer now, “that’s a lot to put on hold for someone like me. I mean, I’ve been out cold for months. You didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to,” Caitlyn interrupted, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “I had to. Vi, you mean so much to me. I don’t think I could’ve rested, not knowing how you were doing, whether you were getting better or getting worse. Just hearing your heartbeat, feeling your breath on my face—those little things were enough to keep me going. It didn’t matter what else happened, nothing else felt as important as knowing you’d wake up and be okay.”
Her words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity. Caitlyn’s hands stilled, her gaze softening as she watched Vi, who was left momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by the depth of Caitlyn’s feelings.
Once again, Vi found herself giving in, unable to resist the pull Caitlyn seemed to have on her. Without a second thought, she pulled Caitlyn into a tight embrace, her heart full but her words lost. She hoped the gesture could convey everything she couldn’t articulate.
“Vi…” Caitlyn chided softly, her concern for Vi’s injuries clear in her tone. She made a half-hearted attempt to pull away, but Vi’s hold only tightened. In that moment, nothing mattered more than holding Caitlyn close.
Slowly, Caitlyn relented, wrapping her arms around Vi’s waist, avoiding the bandages that wrapped her middle.
They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, Caitlyn eventually pulling them into a gentle sway, the motion soothing, grounding. Vi leaned into her, breathing in the warmth of Caitlyn’s presence—the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, the subtle scent of her hair, the sheer comfort of her touch.
Caitlyn’s fingers began tracing the edges of Vi’s tattoos, her movements absentminded yet deliberate, tracing their patterns as if committing them to memory. She marveled at the stark contrast between pale freckled skin and dark ink, her fingers trailing until eventually her hand laid rest between Vi’s shoulder blades, fingers idly playing with the chest bindings that covered her. Vi fought the urge to shiver under Caitlyn’s gentle touch.
“You know,” Caitlyn murmured after a long pause, her voice soft, “you should be more careful with how you bind yourself.”
Vi stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the comment, a faint flush creeping up her neck. Caitlyn noticed and pressed on before Vi could retreat. “You wrapped them too tightly. There was swelling, red marks… You could’ve done serious damage. Next time, ask me for help, okay?”
Caitlyn’s tone left no room for argument, but she cut Vi off before the inevitable quip. “And don’t say it,” she added, her voice edged with mock sternness.
Vi grinned despite herself, a sly sparkle in her eyes. “What? I was just wondering exactly what kind of help you’re offering…”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, though her cheeks betrayed her with a faint blush. “Get your head out of the gutter, Vi.”
Vi chuckled lightly, “I’m just saying, it’s too bad I didn’t get to see your reaction when you saw me in all my naked glory.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk forming. “Trust me it wasn’t like that. And sorry, but bleeding out? Definitely not your best look.”
This time, Vi burst into laughter, her voice rich with genuine amusement. “Whatever you say, Cupcake.”
But Caitlyn’s smile softened as she gestured toward Vi’s still-unwrapped wound. “Speaking of bleeding out, let’s finish what we started.” She stood and moved to the desk, where her medical kit lay open, rummaging through its contents. Vi watched as Caitlyn pulled out a syringe, a vial, and a needle. Her body stiffened at the sight of the needle, her heart pounding harder than she wanted to admit. What on earth was the needle for?
Caitlyn noticed immediately where Vi’s gaze had landed. “It’s just some additional pain medication,” she explained, her voice calm and professional. “It’ll help take the edge off when I flush the wound with disinfectant. You also looked a bit painful when you woke up—it seems like the dose from earlier is wearing off.”
Vi’s jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing slightly. “That shit dulls your senses,” she muttered, her voice edged with tension. “Makes you an easy target. Thanks, Cupcake, but I’ll pass. I’ve dealt with worse pain.”
Caitlyn frowned, turning to face her fully. “Vi, this drug isn’t like that. It’s a mild sedative, at most—it’ll make you a bit drowsy, not incapacitated. You’re going to need it. When we dialed back the dose while you were unconscious, you were still groaning in pain. Without it, I can’t imagine how bad it’ll feel.”
As Caitlyn drew up the medication into the syringe, Vi’s tension visibly deepened. Her shoulders were rigid, her jaw clenched tight enough to hurt. Caitlyn paused, setting the syringe and supplies back on the desk before walking over to Vi.
Perching gently on the edge of the bed, Caitlyn reached out but didn’t touch her, giving Vi space. “Vi?” she called softly, her tone laced with concern.
It took a moment, but Vi’s gaze finally flicked up to meet hers. Her usual bravado had crumbled, leaving something raw and unguarded in its place.
“They used drugs like that in Stillwater,” Vi said, her voice low and uneven, barely above a whisper. She wasn’t looking at Caitlyn anymore. Her eyes were fixed on some distant, invisible point, as though staring straight into the past. “The injectable kind that left you paralyzed. Like we were some fucking animals they could tranquilize.” Her voice broke, trembling with a mix of anger and something deeper—something raw and vulnerable. “You’d still be awake, but you couldn’t fight back. All you could do was watch while they beat you bloody.”
Caitlyn couldn’t suppress the small, horrified gasp that escaped her lips. She’d heard Vi’s stories about Stillwater before—fragments of the seven hellish years Vi had endured—but it never got easier to hear. Each tale of cruelty and dehumanization made her stomach twist with revulsion, not just for the enforcers who had betrayed their duty, but for her own inadvertent complicity.
Her mind flashed back to the ventilation shafts, the hard thump of her rifle butt against Vi’s side. The look of stunned betrayal on Vi’s face haunted Caitlyn even now, months later. In a way it was worse than the cruelty of the enforcers, of all people, Vi hadn’t expected her to strike. That memory, sharper than she wanted to admit, filled Caitlyn with a familiar wave of guilt.
Yet here Vi was, placing an immense amount of trust in her despite everything.
Caitlyn swallowed hard, forcing herself to push aside the creeping self-pity. This wasn’t about her—not now, not when Vi sat before her looking so small, trembling with a mix of cold and fear. Caitlyn’s gaze flicked to Vi’s exposed torso, her skin goose-pimpled in the chill of the room as the only thing covering her were the thin chest bindings.
Without a word, Caitlyn reached for one of the plush blankets folded at the edge of the bed. Gently, she draped it over Vi’s shoulders, tucking it around her like a protective cocoon. Vi stiffened for a moment, then clung to the blanket tightly, her fingers gripping the soft fabric as though it were a lifeline. Caitlyn hated how much that small gesture of comfort seemed to mean to her.
She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Vi,” Caitlyn began softly, her tone earnest, “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. And I know saying that doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t make it better.” She exhaled slowly, her fingers brushing against her own palm, grounding herself. “But right now, I’m at a loss. The oral painkillers we have aren’t strong enough to stop you from feeling a tremendous amount of pain, and I—”
Her voice caught, but she pushed through, her gaze steady on Vi’s. Reaching out, Caitlyn gently took Vi’s hand, her thumb brushing over the calloused knuckles that had finally begun to heal during her forced recovery. “Please, Vi,” Caitlyn said, her voice quiet yet firm. “I know I haven’t earned your trust—not fully, not yet—but I need you to believe me when I say this. The drug won’t do to you what they did. It might make you a little drowsy, but that’s it. You’re safe here. You’re not in Stillwater anymore.”
Vi’s fingers twitched in Caitlyn’s grasp, but she didn’t pull away. Encouraged by the small sign, Caitlyn continued, her voice steady but softer now. “Think about it. Maybe not under the best of circumstances, but I’ve already taken care of you while you were unconscious, haven’t I? And I would never let anyone hurt you—not now, not ever. I wouldn’t even let them get close enough to try.”
She leaned in slightly, her tone earnest. “You won’t even feel the needle. I’ll push the meds straight into your IV line. They’ll act fast—just a minute or two, and the worst of the pain will be dulled. But…”
Caitlyn hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around Vi’s hand as if to emphasize her next words. “It’s your decision, Vi. I won’t force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You’re the one in control here. You call the shots.”
For a long moment, silence settled over the room, heavy and fraught. Caitlyn could see the internal struggle playing out in the tight set of Vi’s jaw, the way her gaze flickered between Caitlyn and some unseen memory that lingered just out of reach. Then, finally, Vi let out a shaky exhale, her shoulders slumping under the weight of the blanket Caitlyn had wrapped around her.
“Okay,” Vi murmured, her voice quiet but steady as she lifted her eyes to meet Caitlyn’s. “I trust you.”
The words hit Caitlyn like a bolt to the chest. Her heart swelled with emotion—gratitude, determination, and a fierce need to prove that Vi’s trust wasn’t misplaced. She nodded, her expression soft but resolute.
Caitlyn stood, crossing to the desk where the syringe sat, already drawn with the medication. Kneeling beside the bed, she paused, giving Vi one last moment to back out. Vi drew a deep breath and nodded, her eyes never leaving Caitlyn’s. Taking her cue, Caitlyn gently inserted the syringe into the IV line and pushed the medication in, following it with a flush of saline to ensure the full dose made its way into Vi’s bloodstream.
“Okay it's in,” Caitlyn said softly, her voice reassuring. “It should start working in about a minute. Let me know when you feel it kicking in.”
While waiting, Caitlyn moved methodically, gathering what she needed: syringes filled with disinfectant, clean bandages, gauze pads, a drip collection pan, and a fresh towel. She set everything down on the dressing table nearby, glancing back at Vi as she worked.
The tension in Vi’s frame had eased noticeably. Her breathing was slower, her shoulders less rigid, and there was a softness in her expression that hadn’t been there before. The meds were starting to take effect.
"You doing okay?” Caitlyn asked gently, stepping closer. Her voice was soft, laced with concern as she reached out, brushing a few stray strands of hair from Vi’s forehead.
Vi leaned into the touch almost instinctively, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment before opening again. “Yeah,” she murmured, her voice low but steady. After a pause, her brows knit together, and a skeptical glint lit her eyes. “But, seriously… where’d you even learn to do all this? Aren’t those painkillers the kind of thing you need a prescription for? Controlled substances and all that?”
Caitlyn straightened, lifting her hands in mock surrender, her lips twitching with a hint of amusement. “Alright, it’s not as shady as it looks. My father’s the one who determined the dosages and prescribed the meds. But, seeing as I’ve been glued to your side through all of this, he figured he could save himself the trips and teach me how to administer them instead.”
Vi arched a brow, her skepticism lingering but tinged with curiosity.
Caitlyn shrugged, a playful lilt creeping into her voice. “And, last I checked, you’re neither dead nor writhing in agony, so I’d say my success rate is holding up pretty well.”
A short laugh escaped Vi, dry but genuine. Her lips quirked into something resembling a smile. “Not exactly the glowing reassurance I was looking for, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned slightly closer. “Well, if you’d prefer, I can always call him in to take over. Just know, he doesn’t do the special treatment I’ve been giving you—no hugs, no kisses, none of that extra tender loving care.”
Vi rolled her eyes, but the faint smile tugging at her lips softened the gesture. She shook her head, a low chuckle rumbling in her throat. “Alright, alright. You’ve convinced me. Please, continue, Dr. Cupcake. I think the meds are kicking in anyway.”
“Good,” Caitlyn said, her voice tinged with relief as her teasing demeanor melted into something gentler. She knelt beside Vi, assessing the situation with a practiced calm. “I’m going to start flushing the wound with disinfectant now, okay?”
Vi’s lips pressed into a thin line, her shoulders stiffening at the thought, but she gave a begrudging nod. “Just do it. I can handle it.”
Caitlyn reached out, gently helping Vi shift into a more comfortable position. “Here, lean forward a bit. This’ll make it easier for both of us,” she said, her voice low and steady. She guided Vi into place, sliding a drip pan beneath her torso to catch the runoff. With a deft hand, she adjusted the blanket draped over Vi’s shoulders, moving it just enough to access the wound without leaving her completely exposed.
Once everything was ready, Caitlyn grabbed a syringe filled with disinfectant, holding it just above the jagged edges of the injury. She paused, her eyes flicking to Vi’s, silently asking for one last nod of approval before proceeding.
“This shouldn’t hurt too much with the pain meds,” Caitlyn reassured, her tone firm yet soothing as she began to flush the wound.
Vi winced as the disinfectant hit, the sharp sting drawing a hiss from between her teeth. Still, it wasn’t as bad as she expected. The meds dulled the edge of the pain, leaving her with only a faint, bearable burn. It could be worse , Vi thought to herself. She wasn't doubled over in pain so there was that.
Once the wound was clean, Caitlyn grabbed a fresh towel, dabbing around the area with careful precision. She worked methodically, her movements gentle but deliberate, before pressing a gauze pad against the wound. The pressure made Vi wince, her muscles tensing involuntarily. Caitlyn’s gaze flicked to her face, an apologetic glint in her eyes.
“Sorry,” Caitlyn murmured, easing up slightly before securing the gauze in place. She reached for the bandages, unwinding a length of soft material as she leaned closer to wrap them around Vi’s torso. Her fingers brushed lightly against Vi’s skin as she worked, the warmth of her touch sending an unexpected shiver down Vi’s spine.
Vi swallowed hard, trying to focus on something—anything—other than how dizzying it felt to have Caitlyn so close. The gentle pull of the bandages, the soft cadence of Caitlyn’s breath as she concentrated, it was… distracting.
“All done,” Caitlyn whispered, tying off the bandage with a neat, practiced knot. She glanced up, her gaze meeting Vi’s.
Vi’s eyes were half-lidded, her exhaustion palpable as she leaned heavily against the makeshift support. Still, in true Vi fashion, she fought against it, her stubborn resolve shining through despite her sagging shoulders and the slight tremor in her arms.
Caitlyn shook her head, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she helped Vi back into her gray tank top. She tugged the blanket up around Vi’s shoulders, tucking it snugly but gently. “Do you want to maybe go to sleep for a bit?” she asked, her voice quiet but firm. “You look like you could use the rest.”
Vi shook her head vehemently, a spark of defiance flaring in her weary eyes. “I’ve been in a coma for two months,” she shot back. “I should’ve gotten enough rest by now.”
Caitlyn stifled a chuckle, more out of exasperation than amusement. “Vi,” she said, her tone shifting to one of calm insistence, “You look like you’re about to pass out any second. You’re still recovering, and pushing yourself isn’t going to help.”
Vi hesitated, her gaze darting away. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter, tinged with an edge of vulnerability Caitlyn rarely heard from her. “What if…” She swallowed hard, her fingers tightening slightly around the edge of the blanket.
“What if I go into a coma again? What if I don’t wake up for another couple of months? I can’t… I can’t be dead weight again.”
Caitlyn’s heart clenched at the raw fear in Vi’s voice. She moved closer, her hand finding Vi’s arm and rubbing it gently in soothing strokes. “That’s not going to happen,” Caitlyn said firmly, her voice a steady anchor against Vi’s rising doubt. “You’re well past that point now. Your body’s healing. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
She hesitated for a moment, her lips pressing together before she ventured, “Would it… would it help if I stayed with you? Lay down beside you while you slept?”
Caitlyn braced herself for the inevitable quip, the snarky deflection she’d grown used to from Vi. But instead, Vi’s gaze softened, her usual bravado melting into something far more open, far more vulnerable. “Could you stay the whole time?” she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Caitlyn’s chest tightened, warmth blooming in its place. A small, reassuring smile curved her lips as she leaned forward, closing the distance between them. She kissed Vi softly, letting the gesture speak the words Vi seemed to need. When she pulled back, her hand lingered on Vi’s cheek, thumb brushing gently over her skin.
“Of course,” Caitlyn said, her voice barely above a murmur. “I’ve stayed with you for the past two months, haven’t I? There’s no way I’m leaving your side now. You’re stuck with me.”
A faint laugh escaped Vi’s lips, light and unguarded, as though the weight on her chest had eased, if only slightly. “That’s more than fine with me, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly, her hand pushing lightly on Vi’s chest so that she fell back to lay flat on the bed. “Good,” she said, her tone light but her movements deliberate. Before Vi could summon any protest, Caitlyn slipped onto the bed beside her, pulling the blanket up over them both in one fluid motion.
Settling in, Caitlyn shifted closer, resting her head carefully on Vi’s chest. The steady rhythm of Vi’s heartbeat beneath her ear and the gentle rise and fall of her breathing were grounding, reassuring. For Caitlyn, it was a reminder that Vi was here, alive, and healing.
Vi blinked down at her, caught off guard by the intimacy of the gesture but finding unexpected comfort in it. Caitlyn’s navy-blue hair fanned out slightly against her, soft strands tickling her skin. Without thinking, Vi let her fingers stray to the loose strands, absently twirling them between her fingertips. The sensation of Caitlyn resting on her, so close, felt oddly familiar—though it didn’t make sense.
This was the first time Vi had been conscious for it, yet her body seemed to recognize it.
It was as though her unconscious self remembered something her waking mind had yet to catch up to. She couldn’t explain it, but her body recalled warm hands smoothing over her skin, a soothing voice murmuring softly in her ear, and even the occasional dampness of tears soaking into her shoulder.
“You’ve done this before, haven’t you?” Vi said softly. It wasn’t an accusation, just a statement laced with quiet curiosity.
Caitlyn’s head lifted sharply from its place on Vi’s chest, her expression startled. Vi instantly missed the warmth and weight. “How did you…?” Caitlyn began, but her words trailed off as she caught the knowing look on Vi’s face.
“You remember, don’t you?” Caitlyn asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve heard stories of comatose patients being able to feel and hear their loved ones, even if they couldn’t respond.”
Vi nodded slowly, her brows furrowing as she searched for the right words. “It’s… strange. It’s like my body already knows you—knows your touch—because you’ve been taking care of me all this time. It feels familiar, like I’ve known it forever. But at the same time…” She paused, exhaling in mild frustration. “My head hasn’t caught up yet, so it’s all new and familiar at once. It’s throwing me for a loop.”
Caitlyn offered a small, understanding smile, her hand instinctively reaching out to brush against Vi’s arm. “I know how you feel,” she said softly, lowering her head back onto Vi’s chest. Her fingers began to absently trace the collar edge of Vi’s tank top, the gesture unthinking but gentle.
“I keep having to remind myself that you’re awake now. I got so used to taking care of you and just being close to you, that sometimes I forget you weren’t aware of any of it. Now that you’re awake, it’s been hard to adjust. I keep catching myself… touching you in ways I would have before—brushing through your hair, holding your hand, tracing circles on your arm—and then I stop, because I remember you didn’t know I was doing it before.”
Vi’s lips curved into a faint, crooked smile, her eyes softening as she looked down at Caitlyn. “
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I don’t mind any of it,” she said, her voice sincere. “It’s just…” She let out a short breath, searching for the right words. “It’s weird, you know? I’m not exactly used to someone touching me unless it’s with a sucker punch or an uppercut to the jaw.” She gave a dry chuckle, though her tone lacked its usual bite. “But with you… it’s different. You treat me like I’m made of china, and I can’t tell if I hate it or not.”
Caitlyn’s head lifted slightly, her eyes meeting Vi’s with a mix of tenderness and determination. “If you think I touch you like you’re made of china, it’s not because I see you as fragile, Vi,” she said, her voice firm yet warm. “You’re the furthest thing from fragile. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. You’ve been through hell and back, endured so much, and still, you always get back up.”
Her hand shifted, resting lightly over Vi’s heart as though grounding her words in the steady rhythm beneath her fingers. “I treat you the way I do because you deserve to be treated with gentleness, with caution—not because you can’t handle the weight, but because you’ve carried it alone for so long.” Caitlyn’s gaze didn’t waver, her blue eyes steady and resolute. “And I’m not going to stop until you believe you’re deserving of that care, even if it takes a lifetime.”
Vi’s breath hitched, her throat tightening as she processed Caitlyn’s words. She’d never thought of herself in those terms—deserving of care, of softness—but hearing it now, spoken with such unwavering conviction, something deep within her shifted.
Her voice, when she finally spoke, was quieter, almost shy. “You’re really stubborn, you know that?”
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a playful smile, her head settling back against Vi’s chest. “Takes one to know one,” she quipped, her fingers resuming their absent tracing.
Vi let out a low laugh, lighter than before, as though Caitlyn’s words had lifted a weight she didn’t realize she was carrying. The quiet between them shifted, no longer heavy with unspoken fears but warm, holding the fragile beginnings of something deeper. It was in the way their bodies and souls seemed to collide, finding solace in each other amid the chaos.
For once, Vi allowed herself to let go of the fight—the fight to stay awake, the fight to push through the exhaustion. She sank into the moment, the safety Caitlyn offered, letting her body relax as her eyelids grew heavier. Slowly but surely, she began to drift into a much-needed rest.
Caitlyn tilted her head slightly, her gaze softening as she studied Vi’s now-relaxed expression. It was almost surreal, seeing the woman who had always seemed larger than life—unshakable, fierce, a fighter through and through—now so small, so unguarded in her arms. A pang of tenderness and fierce protectiveness bloomed in Caitlyn’s chest, a feeling so powerful it almost overwhelmed her.
Vi had endured so much, yet somehow her heart remained untainted, steadfast in its warmth and loyalty. Caitlyn couldn’t fathom how someone so strong, someone who had faced such brutality, still held onto a kindness that refused to wither.
She deserved care, softness, and love—things Caitlyn was determined to give her, unconditionally.
Careful not to disturb her, Caitlyn shifted slightly, resting her cheek against Vi’s chest. The steady, rhythmic beat of Vi’s heart beneath her ear was a quiet reassurance, anchoring her in the present. The warmth of Vi’s body against hers was more than comforting—it felt like home.
Caitlyn closed her eyes, her resolve unwavering: Vi fought tirelessly for those she loved, and I’ll fight just as fiercely for you , Caitlyn thought to herself. For you and I .
As sleep began to pull her under, Caitlyn let herself relax fully into Vi’s embrace. And as the world faded into darkness, she held onto that promise, certain that it was one she would never break.