Chapter Text
"Coffee for the lady."
Caitlyn blinks awake, startled, as an extra-large cup is placed on her desk, dangerously close to where her head had been resting on her arms. She narrows her eyes at Vi, who plops herself onto the desk across from her, boots up, casually flipping through a random folder like she owns the place.
“What do you want, Vi?”
Vi raises an eyebrow, all mock innocence, but when Caitlyn fixes her with a pointed look, she clutches her chest dramatically. “How dare you assume I’m trying to bribe you with coffee, Detective Kiramman?”
Caitlyn rolls her eyes. “I’m not touching that bribe until you tell me what you want.”
Vi smirks, leaning back like she’s got all the time in the world. She starts a silent staring contest, her cocky grin daring Caitlyn to break first. But Caitlyn doesn’t. She just glares back, calm and unblinking, until Vi’s shoulders tense ever so slightly.
“Fine,” Vi finally mutters, leaning forward. “I hear your new Enforcer partner’s all business, no fun. Real by-the-book type.”
“And?” Caitlyn tilts her head, unimpressed. “Scared?”
“Please.” Vi waves her hand dismissively. “But I do need her to stop reporting me for every little thing. I’m one strike away from having to sit through another disciplinary lecture, and no one deserves that.”
“Touching sob story,” Caitlyn deadpans. “What do you want from me?”
Vi grins, eyes glinting mischievously. “You’ve already dug up dirt on her, haven’t you? Just let me take a little peek at your notes.”
Caitlyn sits back, her expression smug. “You think a lukewarm coffee is going to cut it?”
Vi narrows her eyes, smirk tugging at her lips. “Alright, Cupcake. What do you want?”
“You know what I want.”
Vi’s grin widens, leaning in conspiratorially. “You know what I want — title of your sex tape,” She quips, her voice dripping with sarcasm. It’s terrible for sure, but the way Caitlyn’s mouth twitches in irritation while fighting a smirk makes it all worth it.
“Are you ready to give me what I want, or are you just here to waste my time?” Caitlyn fires back, arms crossed.
Vi leans in, her face inches from Caitlyn’s, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “If you wanted to spend more time with me, cupcake, all you had to do was ask.”
“Ugh,” Caitlyn groans, shoving Vi away with a flick of her fingers, ignoring the deep chuckle that vibrates from her. “Three of your pending cases are mine. No arguments.”
“No deal,” Vi counters instantly. “You’re already two ahead of me.”
“Then I guess you’ll just have to deal with your new partner's disciplinary reports a little while longer.”
Caitlyn takes a slow, deliberate sip from the coffee, turning back to her screen like she’s completely over the conversation. She doesn’t even have to count the seconds. Sure enough, Vi caves like clockwork.
“Fine. Three cases. But I’m keeping the next big one.”
“As you wish,” Caitlyn replies with the faintest smile, not even bothering to look up from her computer.
Vi groans but can’t help the small grin tugging at her lips. She grabs the now-empty cup and heads for the door, mumbling under her breath, “Why do I even put up with you?”
“Because I’m the only one who can keep you in line,” Caitlyn shoots back without missing a beat.
And, damn it, Vi can’t argue with that.
—
"Not going to lie, I'm kind of excited to meet the new Captain."
"Seriously?" Vi leans back in her chair, propping her boots up on Caitlyn's desk. "You don’t exactly scream ‘yay, authority.’”
Caitlyn gives her an unimpressed look. “And why’s that? Just because I don’t lose my mind every time someone tells me what to do like some people?”
Vi shrugs, smirking. “Nah, I figured because you’re too smart to let someone else boss you around.” She pauses, then raises an eyebrow. “Also, you’ve got that whole ‘posh rebel against expectations’ thing going on.”
Caitlyn rolls her eyes but softens when she sees Vi’s expression — teasing, sure, but lacking the bite that usually comes with her jabs. "Look, I know I have issues with authority sometimes, but this is different. I’ve read about her. She’s incredible — tough, strategic, and she actually cares about people. It’s the kind of leadership I want to learn from."
“Sounds like a lot of bootlicking to me,” Vi mutters, though there’s no real heat in her tone.
Caitlyn leans forward, shooting her a warning look. “She’s dedicated her career to breaking the cycle of violence in Zaun. Do you know how rare it is for someone from Piltover to actually give a damn? That’s a big deal, Vi.”
Vi gets a little thoughtful after hearing this. “Yeah, well, don’t get your hopes up. You know how Pilties are. Probably the type to report me for not tucking in my shirt.”
Caitlyn opens her mouth to retort but is interrupted by a sharp voice cutting through the room.
"Excuse me?"
Both women freeze and turn to see a tall, commanding woman standing in the doorway. Her crisp uniform is spotless, her dark eyes sharp and calculating. Her short, slicked-back hair frames a face that’s as poised as it is intimidating.
"Which one of you said something about me?" the woman asks, her tone calm but dripping with authority.
Vi clears her throat and sits up, her usual bravado faltering ever so slightly. "That’d be me. Uh, all in good fun?" She flashes her best grin, the one that usually gets her out of trouble.
The Captain’s gaze flicks to Vi’s untucked shirt, then to her boots propped on Caitlyn’s desk. She arches a single, immaculate eyebrow.
“Well, Miss...?"
"Vi."
"Well, Vi," the Captain says, her voice cool but firm, "I don’t have time for childish ‘fun.’ And next time I see you, I expect you to look like an Enforcer, not someone who wandered in off the street."
Vi opens her mouth to protest but Caitlyn nudges her with a subtle elbow.
The Captain’s eyes shift to Caitlyn. “And you must be Officer Kiramman. Your reputation precedes you.”
Caitlyn straightens, almost imperceptibly pleased by the acknowledgment. “Thank you, Captain.”
With a curt nod, the Captain turns on her heel and begins walking toward her office but pauses in the doorway.
“My name is Captain Grayson. Welcome to my station.”
As soon as the door closes behind her, Vi groans, throwing her head back. "Great. We’re doomed."
Caitlyn smirks, grabbing her pen. "You’re doomed. I’m about to get a promotion."
Vi narrows her eyes at her. “Traitor.”
Caitlyn just shrugs, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.
—
"Close the door behind you, Officer Powder."
"Sure thing, Captain!" Powder chirps, skipping into the room and shutting the door with a bit more enthusiasm than necessary. She plops into the chair opposite Grayson’s desk, her legs swinging as she grins up at her new boss.
Grayson clasps her hands on the desk, giving Powder a measured look. "Tell me about the team here."
Powder’s face lights up, her excitement barely contained. "Oh, you’re gonna love them! Okay, so first, there’s Marcus. He’s been here forever — like, forever forever. He doesn’t do much, though. Mostly just grumbles and shuffles papers around, but hey, at least his reports are always neat. Sort of."
Grayson raises an eyebrow but lets Powder continue.
"Then there’s Claggor. He’s pretty great at logistics, but he’s also kinda, you know, lazy. He spends most of his time drinking tea and complaining about his bad back. But hey, he’s funny, and sometimes he brings pastries, so we keep him around."
Grayson leans forward slightly, her gaze sharp. "Pastries aren’t exactly a qualification for employment."
"Yeah, but morale is important, right?" Powder counters with a grin. "Anyway, moving on! There’s Caitlyn — she’s super smart, like scary smart. She’s all about following the rules, but in a cool way, not like a ‘let’s ruin everyone’s fun’ way. She’s basically the golden girl around here. Oh! And she’s really into fancy teas. You should see her desk—it’s like a teashop exploded on it."
Grayson nods thoughtfully. "And the other detective? The one with the pink hair?"
Powder’s grin widens. "That’s Vi. She’s my big sister! She’s the best. Okay, she might be a little rough around the edges and not exactly great with authority—"
"Noted," Grayson interjects dryly.
"—but she gets results! She’s like, unstoppable. And yeah, she might bend the rules sometimes, but only because she knows what it takes to get things done. Plus, she’s got this whole ‘tough badass with a heart of gold’ thing going on. People love her. Except the people she punches."
Grayson sighs softly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And the dynamic between her and Officer Kiramman?"
Powder’s eyes sparkle mischievously. "Oh, they’re hilarious. Caitlyn’s all proper and by-the-book, and Vi’s like, ‘Rules? Never heard of ’em.’ They bicker all the time, but it’s kinda cute, y’know? They push each other to be better, even if they won’t admit it."
Grayson leans back in her chair, her lips curving into a faint smile. "And you, Officer Powder? Where do you fit into all this?"
Powder shrugs, her grin softening into something more earnest. "I’m still figuring that out. I know I’m not like Vi or Caitlyn — they’re so good at what they do. But I’ve got my own thing. I see details other people miss, and I’m great at making gadgets and figuring out tricky stuff. I just wanna help, y’know? Using the things I know for good."
Grayson studies her for a moment, then nods. "I see. Thank you for the insight, Officer Powder."
Powder hops out of the chair, giving a playful salute. "No problem, Captain! Oh, and one more thing — don’t let Vi fool you. She might act all tough, but she’s totally a softie." With that, she bounces out of the office, leaving Grayson alone with her thoughts.
As the door swings shut, Grayson lets out a small chuckle. "This precinct is going to be... interesting."
—
"Looks like I’m six perps ahead of you now, Kiramman," Vi shouts over her shoulder as she hands off her latest catch to an Enforcer at the holding cells.
Caitlyn raises an eyebrow from her desk, her posture as proper as ever, though the corners of her lips twitch. "Oh, is that so? How’s it feel knowing you had to get your hands dirty while I close my cases with finesse?"
Vi snorts, striding over and ruffling Caitlyn’s perfectly styled hair with a grin. Caitlyn jerks back, glaring up at her with icy precision.
"Touch my hair again, and I’ll make you regret it," Caitlyn deadpans, brushing herself off like Vi had left a layer of grime.
"Keep up, cupcake," Vi shoots back, winking at her before heading toward Captain Grayson’s office.
Caitlyn watches her go, noting the way Vi carries herself — a spring in her step, a confidence she doesn’t always wear so openly. She’s been like this all morning, glowing with satisfaction from cracking her latest big case.
Grayson listens as Vi briefs her, nodding thoughtfully as the detective outlines her arrest. The animated way Vi gestures and the proud smile that doesn’t leave her face... Caitlyn can’t help but feel a pang of something. Annoyance? Admiration?
Or maybe it’s just something else.
When Vi strides back to her desk, her grin even brighter, Caitlyn doesn’t miss the way she winks at her again, that insufferable smirk practically daring her to say something.
Vi’s always been like this — loud, brash, cocky — but Caitlyn remembers a time when those traits were a mask.
When Vi first joined the precinct, she was a ball of unresolved anger and quiet resentment. She didn’t trust anyone, least of all Caitlyn. Vi would ignore protocol, and work solo whenever she could. No matter how hard Caitlyn tried to bridge the gap between them, Vi always pushed her away.
But somewhere along the line, things shifted.
There was the time Vi brought in Silco’s lieutenant, Sevika. Caitlyn had noticed how Vi’s hands shook after the arrest, her usual bravado faltering for just a moment. Caitlyn hadn’t said anything, just handed her a cup of coffee and let her be.
Or the night Vi had unexpectedly shown up at a precinct get-together, much to everyone’s surprise. She’d bought the first round and even challenged Caitlyn to a darts match (and lost, though she still insisted Caitlyn cheated).
Now, Vi’s walls aren’t gone — they’re still there, reinforced with brick and barbed wire — but she’s let Caitlyn slip through them, at least a little. And Caitlyn can’t deny that seeing Vi like this — unapologetically happy, for once — makes her chest feel tight in a way she’s not quite ready to admit.
Vi leans back in her chair, lacing her fingers behind her head as she tilts it toward Caitlyn. "Enjoying the view, cupcake?"
Caitlyn’s eyes narrow, her voice cool and measured. "Only if the view comes with the satisfaction of overtaking you in the bet."
Vi laughs, a warm, carefree sound Caitlyn doesn’t hear nearly enough. "You wish. I’ll be taking your prized rifle for a spin when I win this."
Caitlyn scoffs but can’t fight the small smile tugging at her lips. "You’ll have to work a lot harder for that."
Vi shrugs, her grin widening. "Guess we’ll see. But hey — don’t get too upset when you lose. It's going to be a party!"
Caitlyn rolls her eyes, pretending the suggestion doesn’t make her pulse quicken.
Vi smirks, watching Caitlyn return to her work with her usual composed demeanor. And though she knows she should be laser-focused on winning the bet, a small part of her wonders if losing might not be so bad — especially if it means getting to spend more time with Vi.
—
Vi crosses her arms, her usual smirk faltering, as Caitlyn strides in with ten perps in tow. Alongside her is Jayce, looking particularly pleased with himself as they deposit the lot into the holding cells after what appears to have been a massive takedown of a supplier and their buyers.
“Oh, aren’t you just a vision of smugness," Vi mutters as Caitlyn steps past her, clearly basking in the glow of her success.
Without missing a beat, Caitlyn turns on her heel, reaches out, and tweaks Vi’s cheek lightly. "Oh, my sweet, sweet brute," she says with a grin, pulling her hand back before Vi can swat it away.
Vi glares at her, half-annoyed and half-amused. "Enjoy it while it lasts, cupcake. You’re not winning this bet."
Caitlyn blows her a mock kiss, turning back toward her desk — only to bump directly into Captain Grayson, who seems as calm and composed as ever but still has that air of authority that makes everyone in the precinct sit up straighter.
Vi immediately straightens, crossing her arms again as the entire room collectively holds its breath. Even the perps in the cells go silent, clearly sensing the tension. It’s no secret that Grayson has been less than pleased with some of Vi’s antics lately, but Caitlyn? Caitlyn has yet to earn even a single word of critique from the Captain.
Grayson looks Caitlyn up and down, her expression unreadable, before placing a firm hand on her shoulder. "Good work, Detective Kiramman."
The silence in the room breaks with an audible "Holy shit" muttered by Powder from her desk, followed by Jayce nodding enthusiastically and one of the perps shouting, "Damn, nice!"
Vi, however, doesn’t notice any of it because she’s too busy scowling at Caitlyn, who, of course, flashes her that impossibly smug, radiant smile. It’s infuriating, but Vi can’t help the corner of her own mouth twitching upward.
"Don’t get too comfortable," Vi mutters as Caitlyn saunters past her again. "I’m not losing this bet, no matter how many shiny little drug busts you pull off."
Caitlyn pauses by her desk, glancing back at Vi with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, I’m quite sure you’ll try, Vi. But don’t worry — I’ll be gentle when I take your precious jacket."
Vi scoffs, though her grin widens despite herself. That damn jacket meant everything to her, and there was no way in hell Caitlyn was taking it.
But as Caitlyn sits down, her usual air of poise and precision on full display, Vi finds herself caught on that stupid, genuine smile of hers. And for a moment — a fleeting, annoying moment — she wonders if maybe losing wouldn’t be so bad. Just to see her so relax.
Not that she’d ever admit it.
—
Caitlyn usually prefers working alone. She’s efficient, precise, and thrives in a structured environment. Partnering with Vi, on the other hand? That’s chaos wrapped in muscle and sarcasm, with a complete disregard for protocol.
It’s not that Vi isn’t good at what she does — she’s sharp, quick on her feet, and fiercely determined. But her gut-instinct-driven methods and tendency to dive headfirst into danger drive Caitlyn mad.
They rarely work together, mostly because they clash on almost everything, but when a high-profile smuggling case involving both Piltover and Zaun landed on their desks, Grayson made it clear: they’d have to team up. Neither was happy about it.
The case dragged on for weeks. Arguments were a constant — Caitlyn demanded thorough analysis; Vi wanted action. Somehow, through sheer grit (and probably a lot of yelling), they cracked it in record time. Grayson called it a major win, praising them both. Vi, as cocky as ever, had smirked and said, “See? You should just listen to me more often, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn had groaned and walked away, muttering about how she’d never partner with her again.
Now, the precinct was celebrating at a Piltover bar. Drinks were on Grayson, and the team was in high spirits. Caitlyn was nursing a glass of wine, finally letting herself relax, when she realized Vi wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
“Where’s Vi?” she asked Powder, who was laughing over a dart game with Ekko.
Powder shrugged. “She was here a minute ago. Probably went to brood somewhere.”
Caitlyn frowned. “Brood?”
“She gets like that sometimes,” Powder said casually, tossing another dart. “Especially after a big case.”
Caitlyn sighed. Of course.
After asking the bartender for keys, she headed up to the rooftop. If Vi wasn’t in the bar, there was only one place she’d go.
Sure enough, Vi was there, sitting on the ledge with her arms draped over her knees, staring out at the city. A half-empty bottle of beer sat beside her. Caitlyn hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat down without a word.
“I don't need a babysitter.” Vi said without looking at her, her voice rough but tinged with humor.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “I know. I just didn’t want Grayson to yell at me if you fell off the roof.”
Vi smirked faintly but didn’t respond. Caitlyn studied her out of the corner of her eye. For someone who acted so untouchable, Vi looked uncharacteristically… vulnerable.
After a long silence, Vi spoke, her voice quieter this time. “It’s Vander’s death anniversary today.”
Caitlyn froze, not expecting that. She knew about Vander, of course — everyone in Piltover and Zaun knew his name. Vi had mentioned him once or twice in passing, but Caitlyn had never pried. She knew he was like... a father figure to Vi and Powder.
“He was everything to me,” Vi continued, staring down at the bottle in her hands. “He wasn’t perfect, but he kept us safe. Me, Powder… everyone. And I let him down.”
Caitlyn frowned, unsure of what to say. “Vi, that’s not—”
“Don’t,” Vi interrupted, her tone sharper now. “Don’t tell me it’s not true. I was supposed to protect him, and I didn’t.”
Caitlyn fell silent, her usual confidence faltering. For all their bickering, she hadn’t realized how much Vi carried beneath the surface — how much guilt, how much pain. But there was nothing she could have done to prevent the shooting that took place at Vander's workplace.
She reached out, placing a tentative hand on Vi’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
Vi didn’t respond immediately, but after a moment, she let out a heavy sigh and leaned against Caitlyn, her head resting lightly on her shoulder. Caitlyn tensed at first, caught off guard by the sudden closeness, but then she relaxed, letting Vi stay.
Normally, Caitlyn would’ve made some sarcastic comment about boundaries, or Vi would’ve cracked a joke to deflect the tension. But not this time.
Instead, they sat in silence, the noise of Piltover below fading into the background. For once, there were no arguments, no quips — just an unspoken understanding that, despite everything, they were on the same side.
—
The last day of the bet finally arrives.
Caitlyn strides into the precinct with the kind of confidence she reserves for moments of victory. She’s caught a notorious Zaunite smuggler, one she’s been tracking for weeks, and she’s certain this is enough to win.
She’s halfway through booking the smuggler when she hears a commotion behind her. Turning around, she freezes, her initial smugness fading into horror as she sees Vi standing in the center of the room, grinning like she’s just won the lottery.
And then she does it — pulls out the record-breaking arrest sheet, complete with six gang members from a massive weapons bust.
Caitlyn’s jaw drops.
The precinct erupts into chaos. Powder throws confetti into the air (because of course she had confetti ready for this exact moment), and Ekko has somehow managed to connect his music player to the precinct speakers, blasting Celebration. Grayson is leaning against the doorway of her office, arms crossed, her amused smirk directed at Caitlyn. Even Jayce and Viktor are clapping along, clearly delighted by the spectacle.
Caitlyn stands frozen, still trying to process what just happened, as Vi yells something she doesn’t quite register over the music.
Then Vi drops to one knee, and Caitlyn’s confusion deepens. “Vi, what are you—”
Vi pulls out a cheap, plastic ring — the kind Powder probably dug out of a toy vending machine — and holds it up dramatically. “Caitlyn Kiramman, will you do me the honor of making my life absolutely miserable by going on the worst date ever with me?”
Caitlyn’s mouth opens, then closes. She glances around the room, half-expecting someone to explain what’s happening, but everyone is either cheering, laughing, or filming. Powder yells, “Say yes, Cupcake!”
Vi winks, the grin never leaving her face. “You have to say yes, rules are rules.”
Caitlyn glares at her, her pride screaming at her to storm out. But the sheer absurdity of the moment —and maybe the tiniest hint of amusement tugging at her lips — wins out.
“Yes,” she says with an exasperated sigh.
"She said yes!" The precinct erupts into cheers, Powder whistles loudly, and Vi’s grin somehow gets even bigger. “Guess I’ll have to wear something fancy for you, Cupcake,” she says, standing up and slipping the toy ring onto Caitlyn’s finger.
Caitlyn shakes her head, already regretting every life choice that led her to this moment. But as she catches Vi’s smug, triumphant look, she can’t help but roll her eyes and mutter, “You’re impossible.”
Vi laughs, slinging an arm around her shoulder. “You love it.”
Caitlyn doesn’t bother denying it. Maybe, just maybe, she does.
—
Caitlyn drowns a shot of whiskey as soon as she hears Vi calling from outside the apartment. With a final, reluctant glance in the mirror at the dress Vi chose for her — part of the bet, of course — Caitlyn grimaces. It’s a deep purple, fitted dress, the kind of thing she’d never willingly wear, with too much sparkle around the neckline. She heads out, feeling like she’s stepping into the lion’s den.
Vi’s waiting outside, casually leaning against the wall. Caitlyn sees the tuxedo from a distance, but when Vi steps forward to open the door, Caitlyn can't hold back a groan. Vi is wearing the tux — but, of course, with cargo shorts underneath.
"Are you kidding me?" Caitlyn laughs in disbelief. “Tuxedo with cargo shorts, really?”
Vi grins, unfazed, her signature smirk in place. “You look like you’re going to prom," she teases, and Caitlyn can’t help but smile, despite herself.
Caitlyn’s pretty sure it’s the first time she’s seen Vi dress down, but the contrast is kind of charming, in a ridiculous way. Vi’s usually the tough, gritty type —dark leathers, practical boots, and a no-nonsense attitude. Now, here she is, in a tux and shorts, just for her.
"First stop's the bar," Vi announces, once Caitlyn gets in. "They're celebrating something ridiculous, like Mel catching a case that’s been dead for years. But don’t get too comfortable; we’ve got plenty of embarrassing stuff to do after that."
Caitlyn sighs, looking out the window, silently reminding herself that she can survive a night out with Vi. No big deal. “Whatever.”
Vi glances over, her tone suddenly playful. “Oh, and one more thing, sweetheart.”
Caitlyn turns, raising an eyebrow, ready for the teasing.
“Don’t fall in love with me, Caitlyn,” Vi says with a wink.
Caitlyn, struggling to suppress a smirk, rolls her eyes. “Won’t be a problem.”
—
“After the choir, we’re hitting up that fancy When Harry Met Sally restaurant replica, and I’m totally going to do the orgasm scene just to make Caitlyn squirm,” Vi grins mischievously, already imagining the chaos. “Then I’ll have her change into this—”
“Vi, how much money have you spent on tonight?” Ekko cuts in, raising an eyebrow from his spot across the room.
Vi shrugs with a playful grin. “I don’t know, man. Why?”
Ekko, still holding his drink, leans forward, his gaze unwavering. “Don’t you think, Vi, that all this teasing, this fake date, and the whole setup — it’s all just because, deep down, you actually like Caitlyn? Like, like her like her. Romantically?”
“What? That’s crazy.” Vi picks up Ekko’s beer and takes a swig, her face scrunching slightly as she tries to pretend it doesn’t bother her.
“How much did you spend?” Ekko presses, unrelenting.
Vi exhales sharply, setting the beer down with a sigh. “I dunno, like, $1400 or something. But I do not like Caitlyn. That’s ridiculous.”
Ekko just stares at her, waiting. Vi shifts uncomfortably, her tough exterior faltering for a split second. Finally, she throws her hands up, admitting defeat. “Fine. Maybe I... like her a little. But that doesn’t mean anything, alright?"
Vi turns her head to look at Caitlyn talking to Mel across the room. She can hear the sound of her laughter from here. It's warm.
Ekko smirks, shaking his head. “Yeah, sure, Vi. Whatever you say.”
Vi stands, trying to walk it off, but deep down, even she knows that’s one big lie she’s telling herself.
—
Vi bet Caitlyn is thanking the heavens right now.
Grayson had sent them both out to work the case in the middle of the magnificent date they were having; Caitlyn had been the one who received the intel about the supplier and his meeting with a buyer. And of course, Caitlyn had insisted that they follow through, dragging Vi along for the ride.
That's how they end up in Caitlyn’s car, Vi in the passenger seat wearing her usual leather and tank top, tapping her fingers on the dashboard, while Caitlyn focuses on the road, looking more serious than Vi’s ever seen her.
"Guess your worst date ever is officially over now," Vi says, breaking the silence.
"Not the worst. Not by a long shot," Caitlyn replies, raising an eyebrow at Vi.
Vi turns to her, grinning. “Do tell."
"When I was younger, and still figuring things out," Caitlyn begins, her voice quieter than usual, "I went on a date with this girl I met at a charity event. It was supposed to be a simple coffee date, right? But turns out, she had a girlfriend. And when her girlfriend found out, her cornered me in the parking lot, yelling at me for being the ‘other woman.’"
Vi can’t help but chuckle at Caitlyn’s story, even though she knows it must’ve been terrible. “Real cool first date.”
"Yeah, tell me about it," Caitlyn says dryly.
"Alright, your turn. Worst date?"
Vi shrugs, stretching her arms across the seat. “Had a few. Nothing like a stolen car or cops showing up or anything, but there was this one time this girl I was dating took me to an ‘art gallery,’ which turned out to be her friend’s place where they were hosting this weird underground fighting event. Had to knock out some asshole just to get out of there.”
Caitlyn laughs softly, shaking her head. “You? Getting into fights? Shocking.”
“Hey, I just have my moments,” Vi winks at her. “And I’m sure you have your fair share of wild stories, Miss ‘I-Can’t-Stop-Saving-The-Day.’”
“Well, you’re right there,” Caitlyn smirks, turning to her. "but you ever have someone try to steal your heart?"
Vi raises an eyebrow, noticing the playful tone in Caitlyn’s voice. “Are you asking me if I've been on a date where things actually went right?”
Caitlyn shrugs, giving her a sly smile. “Could happen.”
Vi shakes her head, a laugh escaping her lips. "We’ll see. Maybe we can have a real date after this case is closed.”
Caitlyn’s eyes widen, and she’s about to say something when suddenly, she jerks her head towards the rearview mirror.
"Vi, they left the door open! Maybe we can get to the roof and get a better vantage point."
Vi’s could be just a little disappointed. "Let’s go then."
—
“Cait, your stakeout bag is just a bag full of candy.” Vi holds the bag up, an expression of mock disbelief on her face.
Caitlyn doesn’t even glance up, already fishing around in the bag. “I get snacky,” she says simply, pulling out a handful of chocolate-covered almonds and popping them into her mouth. She settles back, leaning against the cold concrete of the rooftop, trying to stay focused on the street below.
Vi smirks, folding her arms. “What’s in your real stakeout bag?”
Caitlyn lifts a brow but answers anyway, taking another handful of candy. “Two water bottles, a couple of protein bars, some mixed nuts, a flashlight, my journal, and a chocolate bar. Gotta curb those cravings, y’know?”
Vi chuckles, leaning back next to her. “You must be so fun at parties, Cait.”
Caitlyn gives her a side-eye, smirking in response. “You have no idea.”
Vi glances over at Caitlyn, watching her carefully. “You never really let loose, though. Even when we’re off-duty, you’re all business. Doesn’t get boring?”
Caitlyn sighs, her eyes never leaving the street below. “I have a job to do, Vi. I can’t just—” She stops herself, catching Vi’s teasing grin.
“Yeah, yeah. We all know how hard you work. But you’ve gotta have something you do for fun,” Vi prods.
Caitlyn pauses, her fingers drumming on the side of her journal. “I guess... but if I’m not keeping everything under control, it all falls apart. So no, not much room for ‘fun.’”
Vi snorts, throwing a quick glance at her. “Come on, Cait. Who says you can’t keep things together and enjoy yourself? Maybe we should take a break, do something crazy.”
Caitlyn shoots her a sidelong glance, her usual serious demeanor softening. “Like what?”
Vi grins mischievously, bumping her shoulder against Caitlyn’s. “Like this,” she says, casually stealing the bag of candy from Caitlyn’s lap and popping a handful of M&M’s into her mouth. “You’re gonna have to show me what else you’ve got in here.”
Caitlyn watches her for a beat, then smirks. “You really are impossible.”
“I know,” Vi says, flashing her a wink, “but you love me for it.”
Vi leans back, relaxing into the stillness of the night. She watches Caitlyn, her heart giving a little squeeze at the sight of Caitlyn so in control, so determined. But there’s a part of her — just a small part — that wants Caitlyn to let go, just for a moment, and enjoy the simpler things in life.
Just then, Vi’s phone buzzes in her pocket, interrupting the moment. She picks it up, glancing at the screen. “It’s Grayson,” she mutters, answering the call. “Detective Violet.”
“Yes, Detective Vi, the night shift is ready to take over the surveillance. Should I send them to relieve you and Detective Kiramman?”
Vi glances at Caitlyn, who is adjusting her gloves, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlamp. A faint breeze blows through the night, causing Caitlyn's hair to stir just slightly, her pale cheeks flushed from the cool air. The rare, soft smile that graces her lips makes Vi pause for a moment. Even though they could head back now and still catch the last train, all Vi wants is to stay right here with Caitlyn for just a little longer.
“That’s fine, Captain. We’ll stay a little longer.”
Vi hangs up the call and turns back to Caitlyn, who is still watching the street, her posture rigid but relaxed.
Vi leans against the alley wall beside Caitlyn, glancing down at the small stack of papers in Caitlyn’s hands. “So, are you planning to take that promotion exam anytime soon?” Vi asks, a playful smirk crossing her face as she snatches one of Caitlyn’s snacks, taking a bite.
“I’m not sure. Probably not.”
“Why not?”
Caitlyn exhales a little, her eyes scanning the papers in her hands. “I don’t know... I guess I’m just scared that if I take it, everything will change. I like where I am right now, working with you, and I don’t want to risk it.”
Vi raises an eyebrow, looking at her curiously. “What do you mean? Things aren’t perfect, but they’re working, right?”
Caitlyn hesitates for a moment, wondering why she’s telling Vi of all people this. Normally, she’d keep these worries to herself, or maybe confide in someone like her father. But the way Vi’s gray eyes are looking at her — tender and full of care — makes the words slip out before she even realizes.
“I just... I’m scared that if I move up, I’ll get stuck behind a desk somewhere, or worse, I’ll end up bossing you and the whole team around,” Caitlyn admits, her voice quieter, though still laced with vulnerability.
Vi chuckles, her expression softening. “Cait, I’ve always known that you will be my boss someday.” Without thinking, Vi places a hand on Caitlyn’s arm, squeezing gently. “You’re too good not to aim higher. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
Caitlyn looks at Vi, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She smiles back, a strand of hair escaping from her usual neat bun. Without thinking, Vi reaches up to tuck it behind Caitlyn’s ear, her fingers brushing Caitlyn's cheek softly.
For a moment, the space between them feels charged. Caitlyn’s gaze flickers to Vi’s lips, but before either of them can move, a loud noise from across the street snaps them both back to reality.
“The guy’s here,” Caitlyn says, her breath catching slightly.
“Oh. Let’s catch him,” Vi mutters, stepping away from Caitlyn with a grin, both of them pulling their focus back to the task at hand. Vi’s thoughts, however, remain on Caitlyn — seemed like a constant now.