Chapter Text
The light of Piltover’s setting sun stretched long across the cobblestone streets, painting the city in hues of gold and deep crimson. The upper districts glowed with the elegance of progress—steam-powered carriages hummed softly past manicured gardens, and ornate street lamps flickered to life in the cool evening air. To most, it was a sight that spoke of security, wealth, and ambition.
But to Caitlyn Kiramman, it felt like a hollow comfort.
She stood on the balcony of her family’s estate, arms folded against the chill breeze that swept through Piltover's Heights. The Kiramman mansion loomed behind her, all polished stone and towering windows, designed to impress even the most critical eyes. For Caitlyn, it was just another reminder of the weight she carried—not just as a Kiramman, but as a commander, a protector.
Her eyes scanned the horizon, lingering on the distant shimmer of Zaun’s lower levels. The tension never really left her shoulders these days, not even here, where she should feel safest.
Inside, the mansion hummed with quiet luxury. The faint scent of lavender polish clung to the air, a sign of the staff’s dedication. The grand hallways stretched long and symmetrical, dotted with paintings of ancestors who stared down in silent judgment. Everything about the place screamed order and precision. Everything was a stark contrast to the chaos Caitlyn had lived through.
She didn’t belong here anymore.
“Hey, Cupcake!” Vi’s voice rang out, breaking the stillness.
Caitlyn startled slightly, turning to see Vi striding through the glass-paned doors from the parlor. Dressed in her usual blend of casual streetwear and rebellion—ripped sleeves, battered boots, and that ever-present confident grin—Vi was a walking contradiction against the pristine backdrop of the Kiramman home.
Vi leaned on the balcony rail, her fingers drumming lightly against the polished wood. “Lost in thought again? If you’re looking for inspiration for your next brooding novel, you could just ask me.”
Caitlyn’s lips twitched upward, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re too much trouble to be a muse,” she replied dryly, brushing past Vi and stepping back inside.
The house felt colder at night, despite its grandeur. The faint tick of the antique clock in the hallway was the only sound as Caitlyn moved toward the study. Vi followed close behind, hands shoved in her pockets.
“You’ve been quiet lately,” Vi said, her tone softening. “More than usual, I mean.”
“I’ve been busy.” Caitlyn’s answer was clipped, practiced. She reached for a stack of papers on the desk—an old case file she didn’t really need to review but served as an excuse to avoid the conversation.
“Busy avoiding me, maybe,” Vi countered, her sharp gaze narrowing.
Caitlyn ignored the comment, flipping through the file without reading a single word. She could feel Vi’s eyes on her, the way she always noticed too much.
Vi sighed, leaning against the doorframe. “Fine. Be mysterious. But you know you don’t have to keep doing this alone, right?”
“I’m fine, Vi,” Caitlyn snapped, sharper than she intended. The words echoed in the quiet room, and she immediately regretted the tone. She glanced at Vi, whose expression had softened into something that looked suspiciously like worry.
Caitlyn turned her back to her partner, her eyes flicking to the dark hallway leading toward her bedroom—and the bathroom she’d avoided for days. Her pulse quickened just thinking about it, the sound of water running playing like a phantom memory in her head.
Vi didn’t push further. She never did, not when Caitlyn put up a wall like this. Instead, Vi gave a soft hum, the kind that meant she wasn’t convinced but wouldn’t press.
“Alright,” Vi said at last, pushing off the doorframe. “But if you keep being all moody, I’m gonna start leaving cupcake wrappers in your shoes again.”
Caitlyn huffed a small laugh despite herself. “That’s petty, even for you.”
“Works for me.” Vi winked and moved to the doorway. “Pretty sure I can whip up something decent with whatever the fancy chefs left us yesterday. If you’re hungry, that is.”
Caitlyn nodded absently, her mind already drifting back to the dark hallway and the door at the end of it. The door she hadn’t opened since the last time Vi wasn’t home.
—
The quiet settled again as Vi’s footsteps faded down the hall, leaving Caitlyn alone with her thoughts. She lingered near the desk, pretending to study the file in her hands. The words blurred together, meaningless shapes on a page she couldn’t focus on.
Her gaze flicked toward the hallway again, unbidden. The door at the end seemed closer now, looming like a shadow that waited to swallow her whole. She could feel her pulse quicken, her palms starting to sweat.
With a sharp exhale, Caitlyn set the file down and forced herself to move—to do anything but stand there frozen in her own home. She paced to the mantle, adjusting a vase that didn’t need adjusting, and then to the window, pulling the curtain an inch tighter against the cool night air.
Her rational mind told her she was safe. This was the Kiramman mansion. Thick walls, state-of-the-art security, and Vi always close by. But her body betrayed her, her chest tightening at the faintest memory of water on tile, steam clinging to her skin, and the terrible snap of Jinx’s voice cutting through it all.
Her breath hitched. She pressed her hand against the mantle, grounding herself in the cool marble surface.
You’re not there. You’re here. It’s over.
She repeated the thought like a mantra, squeezing her eyes shut. Slowly, the tension eased. Not enough to leave her entirely, but enough to let her breathe again.
She hated this. Hated how easily her body and mind betrayed her. Hated how Jinx had taken something so ordinary—so necessary—and twisted it into a weapon.
—
Vi’s voice drifted down the hallway, loud enough to be heard but casual enough to pretend she wasn’t prying.
“Cupcake, you sure you don’t want anything? The kitchen’s a whole treasure chest of leftovers. Fancy ones, too. Way too good for me to eat alone.”
The hint of humor in Vi’s tone made Caitlyn’s lips twitch in spite of herself. She straightened, smoothing her hair and letting her fingers rest lightly on the edge of the desk as if it could anchor her. “I’m not hungry,” she called back.
There was a pause before Vi’s voice came again, quieter this time. “Alright. But you should rest soon.”
The warmth in her voice tugged at Caitlyn’s resolve. She turned toward the hallway again, hesitating. She could picture Vi leaning against the kitchen counter, her arms crossed in that casual-but-ready stance she always seemed to carry. Always observant, always waiting.
Caitlyn pressed her lips together and made her decision. She moved to the hallway, her steps soft and measured. The bathroom door waited at the far end, its polished wood gleaming faintly in the dim light.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she stopped a few feet away. She stared at the door, willing herself to reach for the handle. Just open it . Step inside. She didn’t have to turn the water on. She didn’t even have to look at the shower. She just had to be in the room.
Her hand hovered in the air, trembling. The air seemed heavier here, thick and stifling. Her fingers curled into a fist and dropped back to her side.
Not tonight.
She turned sharply and headed back down the hall, retreating to her bedroom before Vi could catch sight of her. The door clicked shut behind her, and she sagged against it, her breath escaping in a shaky sigh.
The room was a sanctuary of sorts—dim and quiet, with soft blue curtains framing the tall windows and a bed neatly made with crisp white sheets. Caitlyn crossed to the window, letting her fingers trace the edge of the sill as she stared out into the night.
The city glittered below, lights twinkling like stars caught between the towering buildings. Somewhere in that vast sprawl, life carried on—people dined, laughed, argued, and dreamed. It felt impossibly distant.
She tried to focus on the lights, on the patterns they made across the cityscape. But the echoes of the bathroom door lingered in her mind.
Her fingers clenched against the windowsill. She could almost hear Jinx’s mocking laughter, taunting her cowardice.
—
Later, Caitlyn slipped beneath the covers of her bed, though sleep felt distant and unkind. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the city beyond the windows, and her body felt heavy with exhaustion. She turned onto her side, tucking her arm beneath the pillow, and let her eyes close.
At first, the stillness was almost comforting. Her breathing slowed, matching the rhythm of the ticking clock on her bedside table. The familiar scent of lavender lingered faintly in the air, grounding her for a moment.
But as sleep crept closer, her mind betrayed her.
The world around her blurred, the edges of her awareness fading into the past. The soft tick of the clock was drowned out by the sound of water—first a drip, then a steady stream, echoing unnaturally loud in her ears. The faint scent of lavender gave way to the sharp tang of rust and gunpowder.
Steam began to curl at the edges of her vision, suffocating and cloying. In the haze, a shadow moved, and then a voice—mocking, sing-song, and full of chaos.
“Oh, Caitlyn… Didn’t think I’d catch you like this, huh?”
Caitlyn’s breath caught, her chest heaving as she tried to move, to run, but her body wouldn’t respond. She felt the cold press of metal against her temple, the chilling weight of helplessness pinning her down.
The nightmare snapped tighter around her.
Her breathing quickened, and then a hand touched her shoulder.
“Cait?” Vi’s voice broke through the haze, soft and steady but laced with concern.
The nightmare dissolved in an instant. Caitlyn bolted upright, her heart hammering in her chest. The room was dark, illuminated only by the faint glow of the streetlights outside, but the solid weight of Vi’s arm around her brought her back to the present.
Vi was sitting on the edge of the bed, still in her tank top and loose sleep pants, her hair a tousled mess like she’d just flopped down a few minutes earlier. She didn’t seem tired—her sharp eyes were focused entirely on Caitlyn, scanning her face for any sign of what had happened.
“Nightmare?” Vi asked softly, her voice steady but tinged with worry.
Caitlyn nodded, unable to speak right away. Her throat felt tight, the echoes of the dream still clinging to her.
Without hesitation, Vi shifted closer, settling beside her on the bed. “C’mere,” she murmured, opening her arms.
Caitlyn hesitated, the remnants of her nightmare still clinging to her. But when Vi reached for her, tugging her gently into her chest, the last of Caitlyn’s resistance melted away. She let herself be pulled in, her head resting against Vi’s shoulder as strong arms wrapped securely around her.
“I’m sorry,” Caitlyn whispered, her voice barely audible.
“For what?” Vi asked, the hint of a smile in her tone. “Having a shitty dream? Pretty sure that’s not your fault, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn managed a weak huff of laughter, the sound muffled against Vi’s shoulder.
“You want to talk about it?” Vi asked, stroking slow, comforting circles along Caitlyn’s back.
Caitlyn shook her head, her cheek brushing against the soft fabric of Vi’s tank top. “Not tonight,” she murmured.
“Okay,” Vi said simply. She didn’t press. She just leaned back, pulling Caitlyn with her, until they were both lying down. Vi shifted the covers up over them, tucking them in around Caitlyn’s shoulders.
Caitlyn felt herself relax bit by bit, her body settling into Vi’s warmth. Vi’s hand continued its steady rhythm on her back, her other arm cradling Caitlyn close.
“Try to sleep,” Vi murmured, her voice soft against Caitlyn’s hair. “I’ve got you.”
Caitlyn didn’t respond right away, her fingers curling loosely against Vi’s chest. The nightmare still lingered on the edges of her consciousness, threatening to pull her back under. But Vi was here, solid and steady and warm, her presence an anchor Caitlyn could cling to.
Vi gently tilted Caitlyn’s chin upward with the tip of her finger. Caitlyn’s eyes fluttered open, still heavy with exhaustion, and before she could protest, Vi leaned in, pressing a soft, familiar kiss to her forehead. It was tender, a simple gesture, but it felt like home to Caitlyn.
"Goodnight, Cait," Vi whispered, her breath warm against her skin.
Caitlyn closed her eyes again, her body melting into the comfort of Vi’s embrace. The weight of her thoughts began to lift as she let the warmth and security of Vi’s presence settle her mind.
Eventually, Caitlyn’s breathing slowed, her body melting into Vi’s as her exhaustion finally caught up with her.
Vi stayed awake for a while longer, her hand never stopping its gentle motion. She pressed a soft kiss to Caitlyn’s temple, her own eyes growing heavy as the minutes passed.
When Caitlyn finally slipped into a deeper, dreamless sleep, Vi held her just a little tighter.
—
The next day had been long. Between meetings with the council and tracking down leads for another case that had gone cold, Caitlyn felt mentally and physically drained. The streets of Piltover had quieted down as the night settled in, and the mansion, usually full of bustling servants and constant movement, felt peaceful.
Caitlyn sunk into the couch, her eyes heavy, her body aching for rest. Vi, already lounging on the armrest, grinned at her, giving Caitlyn a once-over.
"Well, well, look who’s finally slowing down," Vi teased, her eyes landing on Caitlyn who had sunken into the couch.
Caitlyn smiled weakly, stretching her arms above her head, letting out a long sigh. "A long day," she said, her voice carrying the weariness of hours spent with her mind constantly on edge. "I’m just... tired."
"Yeah, me too." Vi's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But you know, the best way to really shake off a long day is a nice hot shower."
Caitlyn glanced over at the bathroom door, the soft hum of water running in the distance as Vi stood, stretching. "You should probably get to it," Caitlyn said, trying to hide the subtle tension creeping into her voice.
Vi raised an eyebrow, looking back at her. "You ain’t planning on joining me? It’s the perfect way to unwind."
Caitlyn hesitated. “No. Not tonight.”
Vi stopped mid-step, glancing at Caitlyn over her shoulder with a playful smirk. “You’re not trying to get soft on me, are you?”
Caitlyn let out a nervous laugh, her eyes darting toward the bathroom again. "I’m fine. It’s just... not a priority right now."
Vi's gaze softened, but there was a knowing glint in her eyes as she leaned against the doorframe. "Sure. Whatever you say, Cupcake." Her teasing tone returned, but there was an undercurrent of something else—something gentle, something Caitlyn couldn’t quite place.
Caitlyn could feel the warmth of Vi’s gaze, the way her hand lingered at the door frame, but she quickly focused on her hands, which were nervously twisting a stray thread of fabric from her sleeve.
Vi’s voice broke the silence again. “You know, it’s not that bad. The water’s nice, it’ll help you feel better. And hey, you’ve been working your ass off all day. You deserve a little pampering.” She stepped forward, moving to Caitlyn’s side, and gently nudged her with her hand.
Caitlyn chuckled, though the sound was light and lacking in its usual warmth. “Maybe tomorrow.” She shifted uneasily, still avoiding Vi’s gaze, the familiar tightness in her chest creeping back.
Vi, noticing the way Caitlyn's shoulders stiffened, let out a quiet sigh but didn’t press further. Instead, she gave Caitlyn another playful nudge. “Well, if you’re going to keep dodging the shower, you better at least help me pick something to eat after I’m done. I’m starving.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Caitlyn murmured, though her eyes remained focused on the ground.
Vi wasn’t fooled. She watched Caitlyn for a moment longer, her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t push. Not yet.
Instead, she flashed Caitlyn a mischievous grin and dropped a kiss to her forehead. “If you change your mind, I’ll be waiting,” she said softly before heading toward the shower.
Caitlyn sat there for a moment, still feeling the weight of Vi’s gentle attention on her. She should have gone with Vi. The thought lingered in her mind, but she shook it off, choosing to distract herself with the thought of dinner instead.
Still, her heart beat a little faster than usual, a mix of gratitude and something else—something she wasn’t quite ready to confront yet.
—
The sound of water running in the bathroom was almost soothing. Almost. But Caitlyn’s mind wouldn’t let her rest.
Vi had disappeared into the bathroom a few minutes ago, leaving Caitlyn alone in the living room, the familiar comfort of her presence now replaced by the quiet hum of the mansion’s plumbing. Caitlyn pulled her knees up to her chest, her fingers tracing the edge of her sleeve absentmindedly. Her gaze wandered to the door of the bathroom, where the faint shadows of the lights flickered beneath the crack of the doorframe.
The sound of the water pipes groaning under pressure suddenly reached her ears, a low, metallic groan that vibrated through the walls. Caitlyn’s shoulders tensed instinctively, and she clenched her fists around the fabric of her pants. She swallowed hard, trying to focus on the soft hum of the distant city, but her mind kept replaying the sounds she hated—the distant rush of water, the constant drip from leaky pipes, the smell of steam that would fill the air.
Her breath quickened, and she tore her eyes away from the bathroom door, forcing herself to look anywhere else. She tried to focus on the worn wood of the coffee table, the books stacked neatly beside her, but her thoughts wouldn’t cooperate. The sound of running water was too close, too loud, and her mind betrayed her by remembering too much.
She swallowed again, her heart thudding as if it were trying to break free from her chest.
Just relax, she told herself. It’s just Vi. She’s fine.
Her gaze returned to the bathroom door, and she tried to look away again, but her eyes lingered. The shadow of Vi’s figure moved behind the frosted glass of the shower, her silhouette still visible despite the mist in the air. Caitlyn could see the way the water streamed down, hear the soft splashing noises as Vi shifted in the shower. Each small sound felt magnified, too sharp, too clear.
Her hands curled into tight fists on her lap. Her legs pressed harder against her chest, as if she could physically shut out the anxiety crawling under her skin. But it didn’t go away.
She knew it was irrational. Vi was there, safe, and Caitlyn had no reason to fear the moment. But the tightness in her chest wouldn’t ease. The sound of water, the faint hiss of steam curling around the edges of the bathroom, was too familiar, too dangerous .
With an effort, Caitlyn closed her eyes, inhaling deeply through her nose. Her chest tightened at the sound of Vi humming softly under her breath as the shower sprayed, almost as though Vi were oblivious to the rising tension in the room. Caitlyn’s heart thudded harder, and she felt the familiar prickling sensation on the back of her neck—the strange feeling that something could go wrong at any moment, that the walls could close in, that the world could turn against her in an instant.
She tried to push the thoughts away. She wanted to push them away. It wasn’t rational. Vi was just showering. Everything was fine.
Her pulse was quick, but she forced herself to relax, leaning back against the couch, closing her eyes for a brief moment. She tried to listen to the calm, steady beat of her heart, trying to ground herself.
The sound of the water shutting off finally broke through the thick fog of Caitlyn’s thoughts. Her heart, still fluttering a bit too fast, calmed slightly with the silence that followed. She opened her eyes and glanced at the bathroom door once more, waiting for Vi to emerge.
The shower had ended, but Caitlyn’s mind was still rattling with the sound of water. She fidgeted with her sleeves again, her fingers tracing along the fabric in an absentminded motion. Her legs were still pressed tightly together, and her posture was stiff, as if she were trying to physically ward off the rising anxiety she couldn’t seem to escape.
A few moments later, the bathroom door creaked open, and Vi stepped out, wearing a comfortable shirt and sweatpants, her damp hair still dripping down her back. She didn’t seem to notice the tension that still clung to Caitlyn like an invisible shroud.
Vi flashed a grin, wiping her face with the towel as she walked back to Caitlyn in the living room. “You still alive in there?” Her voice was playful, light, but Caitlyn caught the glint of concern in her eyes, the way Vi studied her for a split second.
Caitlyn’s lips twitched, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah,” she murmured. “I’m here.” She tried to make her voice sound casual, but there was a subtle crack in it, a tightness that she wasn’t able to hide.
Vi tilted her head, stepping closer to Caitlyn. “You sure you’re alright?” she asked, voice softer now, the teasing edge replaced by something more tender. She leaned in, brushing a lock of hair out of Caitlyn’s face, her touch gentle, but Caitlyn stiffened slightly at the closeness.
“Yeah, just... tired,” Caitlyn replied, forcing herself to relax, to meet Vi’s eyes with a small, reassuring smile. "I think I just need some food. Can we grab something to eat?"
Vi raised an eyebrow, but didn’t press further. She seemed to understand that Caitlyn wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. “I was just about to suggest that,” she said, winking before heading toward the door. “Let’s go raid your kitchen. You pick—what’s your craving?”
Caitlyn followed her out of the room, her steps still a little hesitant, as if her mind was racing a few steps ahead of her body. The house was quiet, save for the soft hum of the kitchen lights and the faint clink of utensils coming from the direction of the fridge.
Caitlyn leaned against the doorway, trying to shake off the nervous energy still swirling in her chest. She let her gaze wander over to Vi, watching as she pulled out various ingredients to make something quick and easy.
“Pasta?” Vi asked, glancing over her shoulder. “Or are you feeling something heavier?”
Caitlyn chewed her lip for a moment, pretending to consider. “Pasta sounds good,” she said with a shrug, though her voice lacked its usual conviction.
Vi gave a quick nod and started pulling out the necessary ingredients. “Pasta it is, then. You’re in for a real treat, Cait.” She added a wink, her voice laced with affection.
Caitlyn smiled weakly, but her mind was still elsewhere. As Vi moved around the kitchen, Caitlyn’s gaze lingered on her for a few moments—Vi’s easy confidence, her natural energy filling the room as she hummed while cooking. Caitlyn wanted to feel grounded in this moment, to let herself be swept up in the comfort of their usual routine. But the tension still clung to her.
It’s just the shower, she reminded herself. Vi’s here. Everything’s fine.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment, focusing on the sound of Vi’s voice as she hummed along to some half-remembered tune. The familiarity of it was grounding, and Caitlyn breathed out slowly, letting the warmth of the room fill her lungs.
When she opened her eyes again, she found Vi glancing over at her, a soft smile on her face. “Hey,” she said softly, her voice laced with an understanding Caitlyn hadn’t expected. “You’re doing great, you know?”
Caitlyn blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the sudden shift in Vi’s tone. “What?”
Vi leaned against the counter, giving Caitlyn a reassuring look. “Just... wanted you to know that. You don’t have to rush through this. Whatever it is... you’ll be alright. I’m not going anywhere.”
Caitlyn’s chest tightened at the sincerity in Vi’s voice. She had expected the usual teasing, the jokes, maybe even a little bit of awkwardness. But this—this was something different. This was real.
"Thanks," Caitlyn said softly, her voice almost a whisper. She wasn’t sure what else to say, but the lump in her throat told her that, for once, she didn’t need to say more.
Vi smiled again, her eyes filled with warmth. “I’ve got your back. Always will.”
—
Vi turned, humming as she stirred the pasta sauce, effortlessly moving around the kitchen. It was clear she knew her way around the space. Cooking wasn’t just something she did out of necessity; it was a skill passed down to her by her dad and Vander. Both had been tough, practical men, but they’d taken the time to teach her how to make a meal out of whatever they had, turning simple ingredients into something comforting.
After moving in with Caitlyn, though, cooking had become more than just survival. It was something she enjoyed, a way to unwind and show Caitlyn she cared. There was something about putting love into a meal that made it feel like home, and lately, that was exactly what she wanted to create for the two of them.
Vi leaned against the counter, casually stirring the sauce more, but her eyes kept flicking over to Caitlyn who was still in her work clothes, looking tired and a little distant. Vi’s smile softened. She knew Caitlyn all too well—always working herself to the bone, always burying herself in her responsibilities.
“Hey,” Vi said, pushing herself off the counter. “Come here for a sec.”
Caitlyn glanced up, a little surprised by the tone of Vi’s voice. But without a word, she stood and took a couple of steps toward her. Vi reached out, gently placing a hand on Caitlyn’s waist and then grazing her neck, pulling her a bit closer.
“Still in your work clothes?” Vi teased with a smirk, her fingers brushing a stray lock of Caitlyn’s hair behind her ear. “What’s the deal, don’t you know how to take care of yourself?”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but there was a playful gleam in her eyes. “Says the woman who can’t seem to function without a leather jacket half the time,” she shot back. “Maybe I’m just waiting for the perfect moment to change. Or maybe I’ve forgotten how to relax.”
Vi chuckled, shaking her head. “You’ve got it all wrong. The perfect moment is right now ,” she said with a teasing grin, pulling Caitlyn in a little closer. "You’re just avoiding it."
Caitlyn’s lips twitched as she met Vi’s eyes, the corners of her mouth lifting into a tired but affectionate smile. It felt like the teasing was slowly starting to pull her out of the fog, just a little.
Vi didn’t wait for Caitlyn to respond; instead, she leaned in, brushing her lips gently against Caitlyn’s. The kiss was soft, warm, and grounding—a small, familiar gesture that helped Caitlyn feel anchored in the moment.
When Vi pulled away, Caitlyn blinked, a little dazed by the unexpected tenderness. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a half-smile. “And to what did I owe that?” she asked, her voice light but laced with curiosity.
Vi smirked, her hand still resting lightly on Caitlyn’s waist. “I can’t kiss my girlfriend after she’s had a long day at work?” she teased, her tone playful but genuine. “Seems only fair to me.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, the sound warm and real, as the weight of the day seemed to lift just a little. “I suppose I’ll allow it,” she said, her voice softening as she gave Vi a little nudge.
Vi grinned. “Now go change into something comfortable,” she said, giving Caitlyn a gentle push toward their bedroom. “I’ll finish up dinner, and we can actually relax tonight, alright?”
Caitlyn hesitated, then nodded, her smile a little brighter than before. “Alright,” she said, stepping out of the kitchen. As she walked away, she glanced over her shoulder at Vi, who was already back at the stove, a contented look on her face. Caitlyn felt a small, comforting peace settle into her chest.
—
Caitlyn returned to the kitchen, now dressed in something more comfortable—a loose-knit sweater and soft pants that hinted at just how much she’d needed to shed the weight of her workday. She paused in the doorway, watching Vi move around the stove with an ease and confidence that made Caitlyn smile. Vi’s presence always had a way of grounding her, and in this moment, Caitlyn felt herself drawn to her without hesitation.
Quietly, she stepped up behind Vi, her movements light but deliberate. Without saying a word, Caitlyn slipped one arm around Vi’s front, her hand resting gently on Vi’s stomach as she leaned in. Her head came to rest against Vi’s, the difference in their heights showing.
Vi froze for a second in surprise before a soft chuckle escaped her lips. “Well, hello there,” she said, her tone warm and amused.
Caitlyn hummed softly in response, letting her eyes flutter closed for a moment. “Smells good,” she murmured, her voice still carrying the faint traces of exhaustion, though there was something lighter in her tone now.
“You sure you’re talking about the food?” Vi teased, her hand reaching up to rest over Caitlyn’s where it lingered on her stomach.
Caitlyn smirked against Vi’s head, her breath brushing softly against the back of her ear. “Don’t flatter yourself too much,” she replied with her usual dry humor, though her hold around Vi tightened just slightly in quiet affection.
Vi grinned, feeling the warmth of Caitlyn’s gesture seep into her. “Yeah, yeah,” she muttered playfully. “Now don’t distract the chef, or dinner’s gonna burn.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly but didn’t move away, staying tucked against Vi as the pink haired girl continued cooking. It was a simple moment, but for Caitlyn, it was one of those small, grounding touches that reminded her why she felt so at home with Vi.
“Almost done,” Vi said after a moment, leaning her head slightly into Caitlyn’s as if to savor the contact. “You good over there? Or am I gonna have to carry you to the table too?”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Caitlyn replied, finally straightening but leaving a gentle kiss on the side of Vi’s head before she pulled away. “Though I wouldn’t mind the royal treatment if you’re offering.”
Vi turned her head to smirk at Caitlyn. “One step at a time, Cupcake. Let me feed you first, then we’ll see about the royal treatment.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade as she grabbed a couple of plates from the cupboard, falling into their easy rhythm.
—
Dinner had been simple, but it hit all the right notes. Vi’s cooking wasn’t just good—it carried a kind of comfort that Caitlyn never quite realized she needed until they’d started living together. The pasta Vi had made was a warm and hearty treat, and Vi’s teasing commentary throughout the meal had been the perfect seasoning.
Now, the city outside their window was settling into the quiet hum of the evening. Piltover’s skyline glowed faintly against the darkening sky, the streetlights casting a soft orange glow that peeked through the edges of the curtains. Somewhere in the distance, the steady rumble of an airship echoed faintly, blending into the ambient noise of the night.
Caitlyn set the book down in her lap, letting out a soft sigh as she leaned her head back against the headboard. Her body ached faintly from the long day, and while the bed’s comfort should have been enough to ease the tension, the faint sound of running water drifted in from the kitchen.
Her shoulders stiffened instinctively, a flicker of unease tightening in her chest before she could push it away. She closed her eyes for a moment, forcing herself to take a slow breath, but her grip on the book in her lap tightened slightly. The gentle clink of dishes being placed on the drying rack followed, and the noise sent a ripple of something colder down her spine—unexpected, unwelcome.
She exhaled shakily, her gaze flicking toward the bedroom door as though she could confirm that it was still safely closed. It took another beat before she reminded herself where she was: her home, safe and familiar, with Vi just in the next room. The logical part of her mind knew there was nothing to fear, but the weight of memory refused to let go so easily.
Caitlyn shook her head lightly, pulling herself out of the spiral and leaning back against the headboard again. The sound of Vi humming faintly from the kitchen, a familiar and grounding melody, helped draw her focus back. Slowly, she loosened her grip on the book, settling it back into her lap.
A small smile tugged at Caitlyn’s lips, though it didn’t completely erase the lingering tension in her shoulders. Vi never let her lift a finger when it came to cleaning up after dinner—something Caitlyn had protested at first, citing how unnecessary it was in a house full of staff ready to take care of every detail. But Vi had just shrugged and told her it didn’t matter.
“I don’t need fancy titles or someone else doing the dishes for me,” Vi had said once, her voice casual but firm.
“You’ve got enough going on, and I like doing it anyway. Keeps my hands busy.”
It was one of those little ways Vi showed she cared, her insistence on handling the small, ordinary things that often went overlooked. Caitlyn had come to realize it wasn’t just about practicality—it was about Vi grounding herself in the simplicity of domesticity, carving out a piece of normalcy in their often-chaotic lives.
Tonight, the sound of running water and the faint clink of dishes wasn’t just Vi cleaning up; it was her quiet way of caring for Caitlyn, of keeping the space safe and steady. And while Caitlyn couldn’t completely ignore the unease that crept in with the sound, she found a strange comfort in knowing Vi was out there, handling it all as naturally as she always did.
Moments later, the sound of footsteps approached, and Caitlyn’s smile grew. She closed her book and set it aside, watching as Vi appeared in the doorway, her hair slightly damp from where she’d splashed water on her face.
Vi grinned when she saw Caitlyn waiting for her. “You look cozy already,” she said, her voice low and warm as she stepped into the room. “Didn’t wait up too long, did you?”
Caitlyn shook her head, the corners of her mouth lifting into a soft smile. “Not at all. I figured you’d take your time playing house in the kitchen.”
Vi didn’t hesitate. She crossed the room with her usual swagger, flopping onto the bed beside Caitlyn with an exaggerated groan. “Hey, someone’s gotta make sure you eat and relax,” she teased, rolling onto her back to glance up at her.
Caitlyn smirked, leaning over slightly to brush her fingers across Vi’s arm. “You make it sound like I’m incapable of taking care of myself,” she quipped, her tone playful.
Vi grinned and turned her head to look at her properly. “You’re plenty capable, Cupcake. You’re a badass. But even you need someone to remind you to slow down sometimes.” She leaned up and placed a quick, feather-light kiss right above Caitlyn’s eyebrow.
Caitlyn blinked, caught slightly off guard, before letting out a small laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Yeah, but you love me anyway.” Vi smirked as she reached up, her hand brushing Caitlyn’s cheek, pulling her close, just enough to kiss her forehead this time.
The gesture was tender, and Caitlyn lingered, letting the warmth of the moment settle between them. “And here I thought you were just trying to score points tonight,” she murmured dryly, though the subtle softness in her voice betrayed her amusement.
Vi chuckled and tugged Caitlyn closer, her other hand coming to rest on Caitlyn’s waist. “Nah, points are for when I screw up. This is just ‘cause I love you.” She tilted her head up, catching Caitlyn’s lips in another kiss, this one lingering just long enough to make Caitlyn’s cheeks flush.
Caitlyn sighed softly as she pulled back, her fingers brushing against Vi’s collarbone. “You really are incorrigible,” she muttered, though the faint smile tugging at her lips softened the words.
Vi grinned, giving her a quick peck on the cheek this time, then the corner of her mouth. “And yet, here you are. Still putting up with me.”
Caitlyn couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her, and she rested her forehead against Vi’s. “That’s debatable,” she teased, though the way she shifted even closer gave her away.
Vi pulled her fully into an embrace now, her arms wrapping snugly around Caitlyn as she kissed the top of her head. “I’d say you’re stuck with me,” she murmured, her voice dropping slightly as her fingers rubbed small circles into Caitlyn’s back.
For a while, neither of them spoke, the weight of the day easing into the quiet comfort of the moment. Vi’s lips found Caitlyn’s temple again, another soft kiss that felt like second nature now, a part of their rhythm.
“You’ve been distracted today,” Vi eventually said, her voice light but probing. “Everything okay?”
Caitlyn hesitated, her hand stilling on Vi’s chest. The sound of Vi’s heartbeat beneath her palm was steady, grounding. “It’s just been a long day,” she replied softly, her tone careful.
Vi tilted her head slightly, placing another peck on Caitlyn’s forehead. “Yeah, I can see that. You know you don’t have to carry it all on your own, right?”
Caitlyn didn’t reply right away, but her lips brushed against Vi’s collarbone in a faint, almost absent-minded kiss before she finally murmured, “I know.”
Vi hummed, squeezing her gently. “Whenever you’re ready,” she said, her voice low and reassuring.
Caitlyn closed her eyes, her body relaxing fully into Vi’s hold. For now, she let herself focus on the warmth of Vi’s arms around her, the press of soft kisses against her skin, and the quiet safety of the moment.
As the warmth of their cuddling began to lull Caitlyn into a state of near-sleep, Vi shifted slightly beneath her, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.
“So… incorrigible,” Vi said, her tone exaggeratedly thoughtful. “What does that even mean, anyway? Is that just some posh way of saying I’m awesome, or…?”
Caitlyn opened one eye, groaning softly as she lifted her head to look at her. “Vi, please.”
“No, seriously,” Vi continued, grinning up at her. “You throw these big fancy words around, and I’m just supposed to roll with it? I mean, I’m not saying I’m not incorrigible—sounds cool—but what if it’s secretly an insult? What if you’re out here calling me a—”
“Shut up,” Caitlyn interrupted, her voice tinged with laughter as she pressed a quick, silencing kiss to Vi’s lips. “It means you’re impossible. Now go to sleep.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, her grin widening as she muttered, “Impossible? Cupcake, if I were impossible, you wouldn’t be cuddled up to me right now.”
Caitlyn huffed, though her attempt to sound exasperated was ruined by the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re this close to sleeping on the couch tonight,” she teased, holding up her fingers barely an inch apart.
Vi laughed, wrapping her arms more snugly around Caitlyn to pull her closer. “Yeah, yeah. Love you too, Cupcake. Sweet dreams.”
“Goodnight, Vi,” Caitlyn murmured, her voice soft despite the teasing edge.
The room fell quiet again, save for the faint hum of the city outside. And even though Vi’s grin lingered long after her eyes closed, Caitlyn couldn’t help but feel that impossibly incorrigible was exactly what she needed.