Work Text:
The Edge of Obsession
The sun had long since set over Piltover, casting the city in deep shadows and golden light from streetlamps. Caitlyn Kiramman sat alone in her home office, the room illuminated only by the flickering candlelight on her desk. Before her, a small, frayed photo of Vi lay on the polished wood. The edges were worn smooth from hours—days—of Caitlyn’s fingers tracing the outline.
Vi’s grin in the photo was careless and bright, as if the world’s weight couldn’t touch her. Her pink hair fell over her eyes, and there was a faint scrape on her cheek—a trophy from one of her reckless street brawls. Caitlyn’s lips twitched at the memory. She had been there. She had patched Vi up, pressing just hard enough to make Vi wince and complain. Just enough for Caitlyn to feel the heat of her skin under her fingers.
Vi didn’t even realize how close she was to Caitlyn’s heart.
How could she not see it? Caitlyn wondered. She had given so much, in every way that mattered. Her attention, her protection, her devotion. All of it belonged to Vi. And Vi was blissfully unaware.
Caitlyn’s eyes shifted from the photo to the wall beside her. A corkboard, meticulously arranged, displayed pieces of Vi’s life—newspaper clippings, reports from their missions, scribbled notes in Caitlyn’s precise handwriting. There were small keepsakes, too: a worn-out hand wrap Vi had once forgotten in her office, a receipt from a food stall where they’d eaten after a long day, a single pink strand of hair she’d plucked from her coat.
Vi didn’t even know she was leaving breadcrumbs, leading Caitlyn closer and closer to the inevitable.
“Soon,” Caitlyn whispered to herself. “You’ll understand.”
There was a knock at the door.
Caitlyn’s head snapped up, her heart leaping. She already knew who it was.
When she opened the door, Vi was standing there, arms crossed and grinning. She was wearing her usual rough-and-tumble outfit, the kind that showed off her strength without apology. Her hair was an absolute mess, but somehow, it only made her look better.
“Hey, cupcake,” Vi said, leaning casually against the doorframe. “You busy?”
Caitlyn forced a smile. She didn’t need to ask why Vi was here—because Vi didn’t need a reason. She just came , not understanding the storm she stirred in Caitlyn’s chest with every visit.
“Never too busy for you,” Caitlyn said.
“Good. I’m starving. Let’s grab something to eat. My treat.”
Vi’s grin was easy and relaxed, like this was just another night between friends. She didn’t notice the way Caitlyn’s hand tightened on the doorknob. Didn’t see the way Caitlyn’s eyes darkened with barely-contained need.
“Of course,” Caitlyn said. She stepped aside to let Vi in. “I just need a moment to grab my things.”
Vi wandered into the home office, oblivious to the evidence of Caitlyn’s obsession all around her. Her eyes flicked briefly to the corkboard, but she didn’t think twice about it. Just Cait being Cait, organized and detail-obsessed as always.
“Are you okay?” Vi called over her shoulder. “You’ve been quiet lately.”
Caitlyn froze, halfway to her coat. The question was casual, but there was a flicker of concern behind it.
Vi was worried about her. Worried about her.
The thought sent a shiver down Caitlyn’s spine. Did that mean Vi felt something? Maybe she just didn’t know it yet.
“I’m fine,” Caitlyn said smoothly. “Just thinking.”
“Thinking too much, as usual.” Vi turned back around, flashing a grin. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here before you overanalyze the meaning of life again.”
Caitlyn stepped forward, her coat draped over one arm. She paused just a little too close to Vi, her gaze lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary. She wanted to say something. To grab Vi by the collar and pull her close. To make her understand .
But Vi didn’t notice the intensity in Caitlyn’s eyes. She just turned toward the door, oblivious as ever.
The evening passed in a blur. Vi dragged Caitlyn to one of their favorite food stalls, ordered something spicy, and talked about everything and nothing. Caitlyn nodded along, answering when prompted, but her mind was elsewhere. Her eyes followed Vi’s every movement—the way her hands moved when she talked, the way her lips curved when she laughed.
And Vi never saw.
Later, when they were walking home through the quiet streets, Vi slung an arm over Caitlyn’s shoulder. “Thanks for coming out. I really needed it.”
Caitlyn’s heart stopped. Vi’s arm was warm, her grip firm but casual. But to Caitlyn, it was everything .
“Anytime,” Caitlyn murmured.
They reached the Kiramman mansion far too quickly. Vi dropped her arm and stretched, looking up at the stars. “Alright, I’m heading back to Zaun tomorrow. Got some stuff to take care of.”
The words were like a dagger to Caitlyn’s chest. Zaun. Vi’s freedom. Her independence. The place that Caitlyn could never fully control.
“Be careful,” Caitlyn said, her voice too soft.
“Always am.” Vi flashed another grin. “See you soon, cupcake.”
And then she was gone.
Caitlyn stood there for a long time, watching until Vi disappeared from view. Only then did she step back inside, closing the door with a soft click.
The mansion was cold and empty again. But Caitlyn’s mind was burning with thoughts.
She returned to her desk, to the photo of Vi still lying there. Her fingers traced the edges once more, slower this time. She could still feel the weight of Vi’s arm around her shoulder, could still hear the sound of her voice.
It wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.
Because if she couldn’t have Vi’s love...
She would settle for possession.
And soon, Vi wouldn’t have anywhere to run.
—
The sun barely broke through Piltover’s gray morning clouds, but Caitlyn had been awake for hours. Sleep had become a distant memory, pushed aside by thoughts of Vi. Dreams were no longer enough—Caitlyn needed more. She sat in her home office, meticulously arranging the corkboard again. Each piece of Vi’s life was perfectly placed: clippings, notes, a map of Piltover and Zaun marked with pins where Vi frequently visits. Every detail mattered. Every movement Vi made was accounted for.
And soon, Vi would be hers. Even if Vi didn’t know it yet.
—
Later that afternoon, Vi strolled into Piltover’s station, exuding her usual carelessness. Her gauntlets clanked against her thighs, and she gave a lazy wave to a few officers. When she spotted Caitlyn at her desk, she immediately brightened.
“Hey, Cupcake! You look like you’re ready to bust a whole gang by yourself.” Vi dropped into the chair across from Caitlyn, her grin wide and infectious.
Caitlyn felt her pulse quicken. Every word, every glance from Vi was a treasure, but it was never enough. Not when Vi kept sharing her attention with everyone else. Zaun. Piltover. Random strangers on the street.
“You’ve been busy,” Caitlyn said, her voice measured. She leaned forward, hands clasped tightly on her desk. “Zaun keeping you entertained?”
Vi shrugged. “Same old. You know how it is. A couple of fights, some old debts to settle. It’s not like Piltover’s excitement, though.”
“Well, in that case,” Caitlyn said softly, her eyes narrowing. “You should stay here. Permanently.”
Vi raised an eyebrow. “What, and miss all the fun down there?”
“This city is better with you in it.” Caitlyn’s voice was firm, laced with an edge Vi didn’t notice. “We’re better together.”
Vi’s grin softened. “Aw, Cait. You getting all sentimental on me?”
Caitlyn’s fingers curled against her desk. You’re blind. “I just care about your safety.”
“You don’t have to worry about me,” Vi said, standing up. She stretched, muscles flexing under her jacket. “I’m a big girl. Can handle myself.”
Caitlyn stood too, closing the distance between them before Vi could step away. “I don’t just worry. I feel it, Vi. Every time you disappear, I feel it like a knife.”
Vi paused, her easy smile faltering for a fraction of a second. “You don’t have to—”
“Yes, I do,” Caitlyn interrupted. “You’re the most important person in my life. I can’t lose you.”
Vi rubbed the back of her neck, clearly uncomfortable but still oblivious to the depths beneath Caitlyn’s words. “Look, I’m not going anywhere for a while, alright? We’ll grab drinks later or something. You’ll see I’m fine.”
Caitlyn’s eyes followed Vi’s every movement. She wanted to believe that, but Vi’s freedom was a threat. Freedom meant leaving.
“Sure,” Caitlyn said at last. But her mind was already moving faster than Vi could comprehend.
–
Caitlyn followed Vi as they meandered through Piltover’s bustling streets. Vi looked at home there, so comfortable in her skin, stopping at a food stall here, talking to strangers there.
The sight of Vi laughing with another woman—a stranger with vibrant green hair—sent a bolt of fury through Caitlyn’s chest. That laughter belonged to Caitlyn. That smile belonged to Caitlyn.
She didn’t think. She couldn’t . Her feet carried her forward before she realized it, her hand closing around Vi’s wrist.
“Cait?” Vi blinked at her in surprise. “You okay?”
“We need to leave,” Caitlyn said, her grip unyielding.
Vi frowned but didn’t resist. “Uh, alright?”
They walked in silence until they reached the Kiramman mansion. Caitlyn’s thoughts were a whirlwind, her heart pounding too fast. She needed to make Vi understand— needed her to see what was right in front of her.
When they were inside Caitlyn’s room, Caitlyn locked the door behind them.
“What’s going on?” Vi asked, folding her arms. “You’re acting... weird.”
Caitlyn stared at her for a long moment, her gaze hungry and desperate. “You don’t see it, do you?”
Vi tilted her head. “See what?”
“How much I care about you.” Caitlyn stepped closer. “How much I’ve always cared.”
Vi opened her mouth, but Caitlyn didn’t let her speak.
“No one else can care about you like I can. No one else understands you the way I do.” Caitlyn’s eyes burned with an intensity that should have been obvious, but Vi—ever trusting, ever oblivious—just looked confused.
“Caitlyn, we’re friends. You don’t have to—”
“Friends,” Caitlyn repeated, her voice brittle. “Is that all I am to you?”
Vi scratched her head. “I mean, yeah? I guess? What else—”
Caitlyn couldn’t take it anymore. “I’ve given you everything. Every part of me belongs to you.”
Vi rubbed the back of her neck, clearly uncomfortable. “Look, Cait, I appreciate that you care, okay? Really. You’re the best partner I’ve ever had. But maybe we should just... take a breath. This is all a little intense.”
Partner. Caitlyn’s teeth clenched. The word wasn’t enough. It would never be enough. She wanted more. Needed more .
“Why do you always run when things get too close?” Caitlyn’s voice was low, controlled, but the tension beneath it was suffocating.
“I’m not running.” Vi took a step toward the door. “I’m just giving us space. We both need it.”
Caitlyn moved faster than she thought possible, slipping between Vi and the door. “No. You don’t get to disappear into Zaun again. You don’t get to leave me behind.”
Vi blinked. “Cait, you’re scaring me.”
Good. Maybe fear would open her eyes where everything else had failed.
“I can’t lose you,” Caitlyn said, the desperation rising now, bubbling to the surface. “I won’t let anyone else take you.”
Vi stared at her, still not seeing the storm that had been brewing beneath Caitlyn’s calm for so long. “What are you talking about? No one’s taking me. You are my best friend…best partner. No one else!.”
“ No. ” The word came out sharp, cutting through the room. “You don’t understand. You belong to me. Every time you smile at someone else, every time you laugh without me—it’s a betrayal.”
Vi took a slow step backward, but Caitlyn followed, closing the distance between them.
“You don’t mean that,” Vi said, trying to keep her voice light. But there was a nervousness in her eyes now—a flicker of something that Caitlyn seized upon.
“I mean every word,” Caitlyn whispered. Her hand reached out, but instead of touching Vi, she grabbed the doorknob behind her, locking it with a soft, deliberate click.
Vi’s eyes widened. “Cait, come on. This isn’t you.”
Caitlyn smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think.”
The room felt smaller, the air heavier with every passing second. Vi, who had faced down the worst of Zaun’s criminals without a hint of fear, now looked uncertain for the first time.
“This is crazy,” Vi muttered. “You’re just tired. Stressed. We’ll talk tomorrow—”
“There won’t be a tomorrow unless you understand.” Caitlyn’s hands were trembling now, but she didn’t care. Her entire world narrowed to the woman standing in front of her—the woman who was supposed to be hers.
Vi’s gaze darted to the door, then back to Caitlyn. “You’re not thinking straight.”
“I’ve never thought more clearly,” Caitlyn said. “I love you. And you’ll love me too. Eventually.”
Vi laughed nervously. “This is a joke, right? You’re just messing with me?”
Caitlyn didn’t answer. Her silence was louder than any words.
Vi’s smile faded completely. “Cait, let me go. You’re scaring me.”
That should have hurt. Caitlyn should have cared. But all she felt was a cold, consuming need.
“You won’t leave,” Caitlyn said softly. “You’ll stay. With me.”
Vi’s fists clenched at her sides, but she didn’t raise them. She was still too trusting. Still didn’t believe Caitlyn would ever cross that line.
“You’re not yourself,” Vi said, her voice quieter now. “We’ll fix this. Together.”
“We don’t need fixing,” Caitlyn said. “We need each other.”
The silence between them was heavy, charged with emotions Vi couldn’t name. Her hand moved to the doorknob, hesitant but firm.
“Look, I hear everything you are saying. And honestly, I am flattered. Glad even. But this is all too intense. I think we both need space,” Vi said, her voice measured. “I’ll come back tomorrow, and we’ll—”
“No.” Caitlyn’s hand shot out, slamming the door shut before Vi could open it. The click of the lock was sharp and final.
Vi blinked. “Cait. Don’t do this.”
“You always run,” Caitlyn said, her voice eerily calm. “Every time something gets too real, you run. But you’re not leaving me. Not this time.”
“Cait,” Vi said, her tone more serious now. She started to step back, but Caitlyn didn’t move from the door. “This isn’t you.”
“This is exactly who I am,” Caitlyn said. “I’ve spent too long pretending to be the perfect officer. The perfect friend. The perfect partner. But you—” Her eyes were fever-bright. “You make me real.”
Vi’s gaze darted around the room. “Cait... you’re scaring me.”
“Good.” The word came out sharper than Caitlyn intended. She stepped closer, closing the distance between them. “Maybe fear is what it takes for you to finally see me.”
Vi’s hands flexed, but she didn’t raise her fists. “We’ll fix this. Together. Just not tonight. You are not yourself tonight. Let’s calm down. We can talk about this later.”
“There is no later,” Caitlyn interrupted. Her hands were trembling, but she grabbed Vi’s wrist, her grip unyielding. “You won’t leave me.”
“Caitlyn…”
“Why?” Caitlyn’s voice cracked. “So you can leave again? Go back to Zaun, to whoever else is waiting for you there?”
“There’s no one else,” Vi said quickly. “But this isn’t the way, Cait.”
“Then stay.” Caitlyn’s grip tightened, her nails digging into Vi’s wrist. “Stay with me. I won’t let you go.”
Vi sighed. “This isn’t love.”
“But it will be.” Caitlyn’s eyes burned with desperation. “You just don’t see it yet.”
The room felt smaller with every passing second. Vi’s heart pounded in her chest, but Caitlyn was relentless—a force Vi hadn’t seen coming.
“Caitlyn,” Vi said again, softer this time. “Please.”
For a moment, Caitlyn’s resolve wavered. But the thought of Vi walking out that door, leaving her behind— again —brought everything crashing back.
“I won’t let you leave,” Caitlyn whispered.
Vi’s eyes darted to the door again, but Caitlyn’s body blocked the exit completely. There was no way out—not without forcing her aside. And something in Caitlyn’s expression told Vi that wouldn’t go well.
“Cait, come on.” Vi’s tone shifted, softer now. She was used to defusing fights with her fists, but this? This was a storm she didn’t know how to weather. “You know I care about you. You’re my partner. You’re my best friend. But this… this isn’t right.”
Caitlyn’s eyes darkened. “Friend?” she repeated, her tone hollow. “This word again! Is that what I am to you? Just a convenient partner? Someone you come to when you need something?”
Vi flinched. “You know that’s not true.”
“Do I?” Caitlyn’s voice cracked. “I’ve given you everything, Vi. My time. My trust. My heart. And every time you walk away, it feels like I’m being torn in two.”
Vi’s expression softened, guilt flickering across her face. “I… I’m sorry.”
“Sorry isn’t enough.” Caitlyn took a step closer. “You keep running, Vi. From me. From us. And I’m the one left behind, wondering if you’re coming back or if this time will be the last.”
Vi’s hands fell to her sides, her usual confidence faltering. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“But you do,” Caitlyn whispered. “Every time you smile at someone else, every time you put yourself in danger without a second thought… you destroy me, Vi. And you don’t even see it.”
Vi opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. For once, she looked truly lost.
“I’m tired of being invisible,” Caitlyn said. “I’m tired of waiting for you to notice me.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her voice remained steady. “If you cared, really cared , you wouldn’t leave. You’d stay. For me.”
Vi swallowed hard. “Cait… I do care. I just didn’t know it was like this.”
“Then prove it,” Caitlyn said, her voice soft but unyielding. “Stay. No more running. No more excuses.”
Vi shifted, her instincts screaming at her to leave—but Caitlyn’s broken, desperate expression kept her rooted in place. The weight of guilt pressed down on her chest, suffocating and relentless.
“If you leave now,” Caitlyn said quietly, “you’ll break me. And there won’t be any fixing it.”
Vi’s breath hitched. Caitlyn’s pain was real—so raw it was almost unbearable.
“I just want you to see me,” Caitlyn whispered. “To choose me. Is that too much to ask?”
Vi stared at her for a long moment, torn between her instincts and the woman standing before her. “Cait…”
“Please,” Caitlyn said, her voice cracking.
And Vi—hesitant, unsure—lowered her hands. “Okay,” she said at last. “I’m not leaving. Not tonight.”
Caitlyn’s shoulders relaxed, but the fire in her eyes didn’t dim. She had won this battle—but there were still so many more to fight.
Vi would stay tonight.
And one day, she would stay forever.
—
—
The air between them was heavy, thick with unspoken words. Vi, once so sure of herself, now stood there uncertain, her usual confidence swallowed by Caitlyn’s intensity. Caitlyn’s gaze never wavered, her eyes locked onto Vi’s with an almost suffocating focus.
“I can’t stand seeing you walk away,” Caitlyn repeated quietly, her voice almost a whisper now. “Every time you leave, it’s like I’m falling apart.”
Vi shifted uncomfortably on her feet, the weight of Caitlyn’s words pressing down on her chest. “Cait, I never meant to hurt you. I really didn’t. But this—this doesn’t feel right. I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re scaring me.”
Caitlyn took a slow step toward her, her breath shallow but controlled. “I’m not trying to scare you, Vi. I’m just trying to make you see how much you mean to me.”
Vi bit her lip, her eyes flicking nervously toward the door, but she didn’t make any move to leave. Caitlyn was right—she had nowhere to go. Not tonight. And, deep down, she knew she wouldn’t feel right walking out anyway, not when Caitlyn looked so vulnerable, so… in need .
“I don’t know how much more I can take, Vi,” Caitlyn continued, her voice trembling slightly. “I’ve been waiting for you to understand. To see how much I love you. How much I need you.” Her hand reached out to touch Vi’s arm, tentative but firm. “I’m always here, but I can’t keep living in your shadow, waiting for you to choose me.”
Vi’s throat tightened, the weight of Caitlyn’s words pressing on her chest. There was so much Caitlyn was holding back—so much she wasn’t saying. But it was all there, in her eyes, in the way she stood so close to Vi, in the trembling of her hand on her arm. Vi’s pulse quickened.
“I do care about you, Cait,” Vi said softly, meeting her eyes. “I always have. But I didn’t know you felt like this. I didn’t know it was this serious.”
“Of course it’s serious,” Caitlyn whispered, stepping even closer now, her face just inches from Vi’s. “I need you, Vi” She let the words hang in the air, letting them sink in. “I need you more than you’ll ever know. And you don’t get to walk away from that. Not anymore.”
Vi’s breath caught in her throat. She had never seen Caitlyn like this—so raw, so desperate. Her hand moved instinctively, reaching up to touch Caitlyn’s cheek, as if grounding herself in the warmth of her skin.
“Cait…” Vi’s voice trailed off, her heart pounding harder now. She didn’t know what to say, what to do. She wanted to fix this, to make everything better, but the more she tried to pull away, the more Caitlyn’s presence seemed to pull her in.
“I’m not asking you to stay out of pity,” Caitlyn said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m asking you to stay because I can’t be without you. Please.”
The last word was almost too soft to hear, but it broke through Vi’s defenses, stripping away the walls she had always kept around herself. She wasn’t used to seeing Caitlyn like this—vulnerable, pleading, desperate. It twisted something inside her, something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge.
“Okay,” Vi said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her thumb brushed gently over Caitlyn’s cheek, the warmth of the gesture unspoken but deep. “Okay.”
Caitlyn’s face softened, but the intensity in her eyes remained. Slowly, she reached out, pulling Vi toward her with a strength that surprised them both. Caitlyn’s hand slid down to Vi’s wrist, guiding her toward the bed. Vi hesitated for just a moment— this wasn’t normal, not for them. But Caitlyn’s grip on her was gentle yet unrelenting, and it felt… right. Somehow. Vi didn’t know how or why, but it did. She followed Caitlyn to the bed, standing there for a moment, unsure of what would happen next.
Caitlyn sat down first and looked up at Vi with a mix of tenderness and something else—something darker, more possessive. “Lie down with me,” she said, her voice quiet, almost soothing. “Please.”
Vi hesitated, her heart thudding in her chest, but Caitlyn’s eyes—the way she looked at her—left her with no choice. With a deep breath, she sat beside Caitlyn, the space between them small but electric. Caitlyn immediately shifted, her body pressing closer to Vi’s. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The room was filled with the heavy silence of unspoken emotions, of needs that neither of them was ready to fully confront.
“You don’t understand what you mean to me,” Caitlyn murmured, her voice shaky. “Every part of me belongs to you, Vi. And I just… I can’t live without you.”
Vi felt her breath catch in her throat, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she let Caitlyn’s words wash over her, each one deeper than the last. She didn’t know what to say to that—she couldn’t find the words to reassure Caitlyn, not when the weight of her feelings was so raw, so unfiltered.
“Cait,” Vi said quietly, turning her head toward her. “I don’t know if I can be what you want me to be…”
“I’m not asking you to be anything you’re not,” Caitlyn whispered. She was close now, her breath warm against Vi’s skin. “I just need you to stay. Just tonight. Please. ”
Vi closed her eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of Caitlyn’s presence seep into her. Her heart beat faster, faster than it ever had before. She was here, in Caitlyn’s bed, in Caitlyn’s world. And for the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel like running.
And Caitlyn? She didn’t feel like letting her go.
—
Vi’s chest tightened, and she blinked rapidly as Caitlyn’s warmth pressed against her. The bed soft under them, a reminder that they were close—closer than Vi had ever been to anyone, and certainly closer than she’d been to Caitlyn. She felt Caitlyn’s heartbeat against her side, a steady, rhythmic pulse, and for a moment, she wanted to pull away.
But Caitlyn’s hand was already on hers, gentle yet insistent, fingers weaving between hers like they were meant to fit together. And when Caitlyn looked at her, eyes soft but filled with something deep, something desperate, Vi couldn’t make herself pull away. Vi swallowed hard, trying to ignore the discomfort rising in her chest. She had never been one to allow someone to control her, but here she was, on Caitlyn’s bed, letting her draw her closer with nothing more than a few words.
Caitlyn smiled faintly, her thumb brushing across Vi’s hand in a slow, deliberate motion. The small gesture did things to Vi that she couldn’t explain. It made her heart ache. It made her feel like she was drowning in Caitlyn’s presence, and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to care.
Caitlyn’s hand slid up Vi’s arm, over her shoulder, and then gently cupped the back of her neck. The touch was possessive, but somehow, it felt so tender—so needy—that Vi couldn’t bring herself to pull away.
Vi shifted slightly, trying to keep some distance between them, but Caitlyn only followed, her body pressing even closer. “Cait,” Vi said, voice strained. “You’re… you’re pushing too hard. I don’t know if this is healthy.”
Caitlyn’s expression faltered for a moment, but then she leaned in closer, her breath warm against Vi’s ear. “It’s only unhealthy if you leave. If you go back to Zaun. If you walk away from me.”
Vi’s pulse quickened. “I’m not gonna leave,” she repeated, but it felt like an empty promise. Caitlyn was pulling her into something she didn’t fully understand, something wrong, and she knew it. But every time she looked at Caitlyn, every time she saw the raw desperation in her eyes, she couldn’t help herself. Caitlyn had a way of making her feel like she was the only thing that mattered.
“I know you don’t get it,” Caitlyn said quietly, her voice soft and insistent. “I’m not asking you to love me the way I love you. I’m just asking for you to stay. For you to be here. With me. That’s enough for me.”
Vi’s breath caught. “Cait, I—” She couldn’t find the words. She was suddenly so aware of how close they were, of the way Caitlyn’s fingers were still holding hers, still so sure that they were meant to be together.
“I just need you,” Caitlyn repeated, and this time there was a tremor in her voice, a vulnerability Vi hadn’t heard before. “Please.”
Vi’s mind screamed at her to stop, to take a step back, but her heart… her heart was tangled in Caitlyn’s hands. How could she leave when Caitlyn was looking at her like that? She couldn’t.
“I’m here,” Vi whispered, her voice barely audible. “You have me.”
The relief on Caitlyn’s face was immediate and overwhelming. It was as if Vi had given her permission to breathe again, and it settled in Caitlyn’s eyes, that dark, possessive gleam that Vi had begun to notice. But it was always hidden behind that perfect mask of tenderness. Every action Caitlyn took was laced with softness, with vulnerability. She made sure that Vi wanted to stay. That Vi wanted to stay.
And Vi did.
Vi closed her eyes, her heart beating so loudly that it seemed to fill the room. She had fought this feeling for so long, the growing affection she felt for Caitlyn, the guilt for what she knew was a complicated bond between them. There were always moments—flashes—where she felt like Caitlyn’s neediness was too much. Where she felt manipulated by the constant pull, the desperation in Caitlyn’s gaze, her voice, the way Caitlyn always seemed to put herself in a position where Vi had no choice but to care.
But then there were these moments—when Caitlyn’s hand touched hers, when Caitlyn smiled at her with that little glimmer in her eye—and Vi couldn’t deny that she wanted to be there. She couldn’t stop herself from feeling like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Vi pulled the covers over them both, turning on her side, careful not to push Caitlyn away but not quite sure what to make of the intimacy that was growing between them. She felt Caitlyn’s body curl against hers, and despite the tension still lingering in the pit of her stomach, she allowed herself to relax, if only for a moment.
“I don’t want you to be scared,” Caitlyn whispered after a long silence, her lips grazing Vi’s ear. “I want you to know that I’ll never hurt you.”
Vi’s breath stilled in her throat. The words were soft, so gentle, so sincere. And for a moment, Vi believed them.
“I don’t want to hurt you either,” Vi murmured back. “I just... I don’t know what’s happening between us. Or maybe I do. But it’s all too much.” Her voice trailed off. The words didn’t even feel right in her mouth.
“I know,” Caitlyn said softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on Vi’s arm. “But you’ll see. In time, you’ll see that this— us —it’s not wrong. I just need you. I need you, Vi. So much.”
Vi turned toward her slightly, her face inches from Caitlyn’s. There was a tenderness in Caitlyn’s expression that melted Vi’s resolve. And despite the nagging feeling in the back of her mind, despite the questions she didn’t have the answers to, she found herself leaning in.
For a moment, they were still—just breathing in each other’s presence. And then, almost without thinking, Vi’s lips found Caitlyn’s in a slow, tentative kiss.
It wasn’t anything grand. It wasn’t some dramatic confession. It was just a soft touch—a moment of vulnerability shared between them, one that spoke louder than anything either of them could say.
And for that moment, Vi chose to ignore the darkness curling around the edges of Caitlyn’s gaze, the quiet control Caitlyn always had over her. She closed her eyes and let herself feel .
The guilt, the unease—it could wait. For now, Caitlyn was right here.
And that was enough.
—
The days blurred together after that night, as Caitlyn kept her hold on Vi, subtle but undeniable. It was an unspoken agreement, this fragile balance between them. Vi wasn’t sure what to make of it—Caitlyn's touch, her constant presence, the quiet desperation that lingered in her every word, every glance. Yet, the longer she stayed, the more she found herself believing Caitlyn when she said things would be okay. That they would be okay.
Each night, they slept close, sometimes tangled up in each other like they were two halves of the same whole. Caitlyn had a way of holding onto Vi that felt as though she were both claiming and protecting her, blending affection with something darker, more possessive. Vi, for all her attempts to fight it, couldn’t seem to push her away.
Vi had always been someone who kept her distance—kept her walls high. But Caitlyn had a way of breaking them down, one small, subtle crack at a time. And the truth was, Vi wasn’t sure she even wanted to fight it anymore.
She would never admit it aloud, but the truth was that Caitlyn made her feel needed. Wanted. Desired. The way Caitlyn would look at her, the way her hands always seemed to be on her, as though she couldn’t get close enough, as though Vi might slip away from her at any moment. It was intoxicating, but also a little suffocating. Vi felt herself becoming more and more absorbed by Caitlyn’s world.
But even as Caitlyn’s quiet obsession grew, Vi would lie to herself and say it didn’t bother her. Or, at least, she could ignore the darker undercurrents long enough to enjoy the peace they shared, the moments where Caitlyn wasn’t pushing.
“Vi,” Caitlyn’s voice broke through her thoughts one afternoon. “Can you come here for a second?”
Vi was sitting by the window, looking out at the bustling streets below. Caitlyn’s voice always had a way of drawing her in. The sound of it—a mix of need, tenderness, and something possessive—reached into her and gripped her heart. She stood up and moved toward Caitlyn, who was leaning over her desk, papers scattered in front of her.
“I need your help with something,” Caitlyn continued, her gaze shifting from the papers to Vi, her lips curling in a slight, knowing smile.
Vi raised an eyebrow. “Help with what?”
Caitlyn slowly stood up, stepping around the desk. There was something in the way she moved—something deliberate and measured. She reached out, fingers brushing lightly over Vi’s arm as she circled behind her, pressing into her back just enough to make Vi feel a shiver run down her spine.
“Just… hold me,” Caitlyn said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vi’s heart beat faster at the words. She glanced over her shoulder, Caitlyn’s eyes met hers, her gaze soft, needy, and full of something that was so much deeper than just affection. Vi didn’t have to think long before her own hands moved instinctively, gently reaching out to pull Caitlyn closer, the sensation of her warmth sinking into Vi’s skin.
They were pressed together in an instant, Caitlyn’s body fitting against hers with a kind of unspoken familiarity. It was easy to fall into this rhythm, easy to let Caitlyn take the lead and bury herself in Vi’s arms. She could never quite put her finger on what drew her in—whether it was Caitlyn’s gentle caresses, the way she always seemed to know exactly what Vi needed, or the fact that Caitlyn’s presence made her feel like she was the most important person in the world.
“You’re mine,” Caitlyn whispered into Vi’s ear as her arms slid around her waist, holding her tight. “You know that, right?”
Vi’s breath caught in her throat at the possessive tone in Caitlyn’s voice. It sent a shiver down her spine, but even as it made her uneasy, it also made her heart race with a forbidden thrill. It was wrong, wasn’t it? She should pull away. She should recognize that this was too much, that Caitlyn was holding on too tightly. But in that moment, Vi couldn’t bring herself to move.
“I… I know,” Vi whispered back, unsure of whether it was a lie or the truth, but it felt like something she needed to say. It felt like the only thing that mattered in that moment.
The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken truths, and Caitlyn tightened her grip, pulling Vi closer, pressing herself into Vi’s body as if to leave no space between them. Vi didn’t resist. She didn’t want to.
“I need you to stay with me,” Caitlyn said again, her voice quieter this time, but the weight of the words lingered. “Don’t leave me, Vi. Please.”
Vi’s heart fluttered uncomfortably in her chest. She knew what Caitlyn was really asking. It wasn’t just about staying physically in the room—it was about staying in Caitlyn’s life, her world, for as long as Caitlyn would have her. She could feel Caitlyn’s fingers tracing patterns along her back, slow and deliberate, grounding her in the moment. It was almost as if Caitlyn were marking her, reminding her that she was the one who was in control of this relationship.
Vi swallowed the knot in her throat. She was so close to pulling away, to stopping this before it went any further, but she couldn't. Not when Caitlyn was looking at her like that—needy, desperate, and so utterly trusting. Caitlyn made her feel like she was the answer to something. Like she was the only person who could make everything better for Caitlyn.
And maybe she could be. Maybe she wanted to be.
“I’m here, cupcake” Vi said softly, her voice barely audible.
Caitlyn let out a soft sigh, a sound that mixed relief with something else—something possessive and triumphant. She held Vi tighter, her hands slipping under Vi’s shirt, her touch reverent but demanding, as if she needed to feel Vi belong to her. The words they had shared moments earlier echoed in Vi’s mind, but there was no room for doubt now. In Caitlyn’s embrace, everything else melted away. There was only Caitlyn. Only the way she clung to Vi like she was the only thing that mattered.
“I don’t ever want to lose you,” Caitlyn said, her voice full of quiet desperation, and Vi couldn’t help but believe her.
For all the red flags flashing in her mind, for all the pieces of herself she had begun to lose in Caitlyn’s orbit, she couldn’t bring herself to walk away. Not now.
Maybe, just maybe, she wanted to stay.
And Caitlyn’s soft, satisfied smile told her everything she needed to know.
Caitlyn was winning.
And Vi? Vi would let her until the very end.
—
—
Caitlyn stood at the edge of the bed, watching Vi pack. Her fingers clenched the hem of her nightgown so tightly that her knuckles had gone white, but her face was the picture of calm. Or so she hoped. Vi moved around the room with her usual confidence—her heavy boots thudding on the floorboards, the muscles in her arms flexing as she folded a shirt and shoved it into her bag. She was radiant.
Perfect. Hers.
But Vi was leaving.
It wasn’t permanent. It wasn’t even for long—just a few days, a week at best, Vi had said, with that reassuring smile Caitlyn had grown so weak for. But it was Zaun. The undercity. A place that took and never gave back.
Caitlyn’s mind raced with possibilities, each darker than the last. What if Vi didn’t come back? What if something happened? What if one of the Firelights turned on her, or she got caught in a gang skirmish, or—
No. Caitlyn forced the thought down, her breath coming out shakier than she intended. She wouldn’t ruin this. She couldn’t. She had finally made Vi hers—finally drawn Vi into her world, her arms, her bed. The past few days had been a dream she never wanted to wake from, and she wasn’t about to let her fear destroy it all.
Vi must have sensed her tension because she stopped packing, turning to face Caitlyn with a soft, almost amused smile. “You’re really wound up about this, huh?”
“I’m fine,” Caitlyn lied. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Vi’s brow furrowed, and she crossed the room in two easy strides, stopping just inches from Caitlyn. Her hands settled on Caitlyn’s waist, thumbs brushing lazy circles against her hips. “Cait, it’s just a few days. I’ll be back before you know it.”
No. Don’t go. Stay here. Stay with me.
The words burned on Caitlyn’s tongue, but she didn’t say them. She couldn’t. Not after all the work she’d done to build this relationship—to make Vi see her not as a desperate, obsessive partner, but as someone Vi wanted to love. Someone Vi chose. If she let her desperation show now, if she clung too tightly, Vi might see the truth Caitlyn had kept buried.
So instead, Caitlyn forced herself to lean into Vi’s touch, resting her hands on Vi’s shoulders. “I just… worry,” she admitted, her voice softer now, more measured. “Zaun isn’t safe. Especially now. And you’ve got a habit of throwing yourself into danger.”
Vi chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. “Yeah, well, it’s still home. Besides, Ekko wouldn’t call fo me if it wasn’t something important. And I’ll be careful. I promise. No reckless heroics this time.”
Caitlyn tried to believe her. She tried to let the words settle in her heart, to calm the storm raging inside her. But it wasn’t enough. It’s never enough.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Caitlyn said before she could stop herself. The words came out sharper than intended—more desperate.
Vi’s smile faltered. She looked at Caitlyn with something soft and sad in her eyes, as if she understood more than Caitlyn had ever wanted to reveal. “You won’t,” she said. “I’m coming back to you. Always.”
That was the reassurance Caitlyn needed. But it still didn’t quiet the storm inside her.
—
The morning of Vi’s departure came too soon. Caitlyn had spent the entire night lying awake, her mind conjuring every possible scenario. She’d thought about waking Vi, about begging her not to go. But the rational part of her—the small, shrinking part—had kept her still.
Now, as they stood at the bridge of Piltover, Caitlyn felt her composure slipping. Vi’s bag was slung over her shoulder, her pink hair glowing in the early morning sunlight. She looked so free, so untethered. Caitlyn hated it.
“Don’t look so miserable,” Vi teased, brushing a hand over Caitlyn’s cheek. “I’ll be back before you know it. And then maybe we can… you know, pick up where we left off.” She smirked, the teasing glint in her eyes impossible to ignore.
Caitlyn should have laughed. She should have leaned into Vi’s flirtation, played the part of the easygoing, understanding partner. But instead, she reached for Vi’s wrist, holding on just a little too tightly.
“Be careful,” Caitlyn said, her voice low but fierce. “Please. Don’t take risks.”
Vi’s expression softened. She stepped closer, her free hand cupping Caitlyn’s face with a tenderness that made Caitlyn’s heart ache. “I won’t, Cait. When I get back, we’ll have all the time in the world, yeah?”
Caitlyn’s throat tightened, but she nodded. She couldn’t say the words she really wanted to. She couldn’t tell Vi that the thought of her leaving felt like a knife in her chest, or that she would spend every second counting the minutes until Vi returned. That kind of need would be too much—too suffocating. And Vi couldn’t know how deep Caitlyn’s obsession went.
So instead, Caitlyn kissed her. It wasn’t gentle or sweet—it was desperate, almost bruising. A kiss meant to leave a mark, to remind Vi of what she was leaving behind. Vi responded just as fiercely, her arms wrapping around Caitlyn’s waist and pulling her close. For a moment, Caitlyn could almost believe that this would be enough. That her love would be enough to keep Vi safe, to bring her back.
When they finally broke apart, Vi’s eyes were dark with emotion. She rested her forehead against Caitlyn’s, breathing heavily. “I love you, you know.”
Caitlyn’s heart skipped a beat. The words filled her, wrapped around her like a lifeline. I love you. Vi loved her.
“I love you too,” Caitlyn whispered.
Vi gave her one last lingering kiss before stepping back. “I’ll be back before you know it,” she promised again, and then she turned and walked away.
Caitlyn stood there, watching until Vi disappeared into the horizon. Her hands clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms. The storm inside her was louder than ever now, but she didn’t let it show. Not yet.
Because if she couldn’t stop Vi from leaving… she would just have to make sure Vi had no reason to ever leave again.
No reason at all.
—-
Caitlyn Kiramman stood at the edge of Piltover’s highest tower, the wind sweeping through her hair as she gazed out over the city. The skyline was pristine, its spires rising high above the clouds. But her eyes weren’t on Piltover.
They were on Zaun.
Far below, the dark maze of the undercity stretched endlessly, a patchwork of factories and slums belching smoke into the air. The chaos and grime of Zaun were a far cry from Piltover’s gleaming streets. It was a city that took without mercy, swallowed lives whole, and spat them out broken.
And it was the place Vi had gone to once again. The place that kept calling her back.
Caitlyn’s hands gripped the stone railing so tightly that her knuckles ached. She had told herself she would trust Vi. She had told herself that Vi’s love was enough, that Vi would come back to her. But love was never enough, was it? Not in the face of what Zaun demanded.
No, Caitlyn couldn’t rely on love alone. She needed to act. She needed to make Zaun better—not for some abstract sense of justice, not for the good of the people, but for one reason and one reason only: to keep Vi with her.
If Zaun no longer needed saving, then Vi wouldn’t need to leave.
And if Zaun didn’t need Vi, then Vi would be hers. Completely.
Caitlyn’s eyes burned with determination. It was time to take control. And she knew exactly where to start.
—
The Council chamber was as imposing as ever, a circular room filled with marble and stained glass, its high ceilings echoing with every footstep. Caitlyn moved through the space like a storm, her heels striking the floor with a fury that turned heads. The Councilors, seated at their towering desks, looked up from their discussions as she entered.
Jayce Talis, the golden boy of Piltover, was the first to stand. “Caitlyn? This is unexpected. We weren’t—”
“Hello, Jayce,” Caitlyn cut him off, her voice sharp and commanding. “We don’t have time for pleasantries.”
Jayce blinked, clearly taken aback by her tone. The other Councilors—Mel, Shoola, and the rest—exchanged uneasy glances. Caitlyn was known for her poise, her calculated precision. This, however, was something else entirely.
“Zaun is on the verge of collapse,” Caitlyn continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. “The Firelights are doing what they can, but it’s not enough. Every day, people die. Every day, chaos spreads. And every day, we sit here doing nothing. ”
“Caitlyn,” Mel Medarda said, leaning forward with a practiced smile, “we’ve discussed Zaun’s situation at length. We’re already providing aid. And as you know, these matters are delicate—”
“Delicate?” Caitlyn’s laugh was bitter, cutting through the chamber like a knife. “Delicate doesn’t save lives. Delicate doesn’t stop the gangs from taking over the streets. Delicate doesn’t stop people from having to throw themselves into danger just to keep Zaun from falling apart.”
Jayce stood then, “Caitlyn, this is not how we conduct diplomacy.”
“This isn’t about diplomacy,” Caitlyn snapped. “It’s about survival. Zaun doesn’t need bandages. It needs infrastructure. It needs clean air, clean water. It needs protection from the chembarons that rule its streets. And it needs it now. ”
The chamber fell into an uneasy silence. Caitlyn could feel the weight of their gazes, the judgment and skepticism that hung in the air. But she didn’t care. She hadn’t come here to ask for their approval.
“I propose an immediate emergency initiative,” Caitlyn said, her tone unyielding. “We allocate Piltover’s resources to rebuilding Zaun’s infrastructure—proper housing, sanitation, and clean energy. We establish a permanent peacekeeping force to protect Zaun’s citizens from gang violence. And we do it all under Piltover’s direct oversight.”
“That’s outrageous,” one of the older Councilors muttered.
“Zaun won’t stand for Piltover interference,” another added.
“Then let them come to the table,” Caitlyn shot back. “They can negotiate once we’ve shown them we’re serious about change. But if we wait for permission, more lives will be lost. And I will not stand by and let that happen.”
Shoola hesitated. “Caitlyn, even if we agreed to this—and I’m not saying we will—the logistics alone would take months. You can’t fix Zaun overnight.”
“Then we start now.” Caitlyn’s eyes burned with intensity. “Every day we wait is another day Zaun spirals further into chaos.”
Mel’s gaze sharpened, as if she understood far more than Caitlyn wanted her to. “This isn’t just about Zaun for you, is it?”
“No,” Caitlyn admitted. “It’s not.”
Jayce sighed, running a hand through his hair. “This is madness. But… maybe madness is what we need right now.”
One by one, the Councilors murmured their agreement—grudging, hesitant, but agreement nonetheless. Even Salo, though his lips were pressed into a thin line, gave a small nod.
“It’s settled, then,” Mel said. “Piltover will begin immediate intervention in Zaun.”
Relief and triumph surged through Caitlyn in equal measure. But there was no satisfaction—only the gnawing, restless ache that had driven her here in the first place.
—
That night, Caitlyn sat alone in her home office, the city lights casting long shadows across the walls. The Council’s decision had set things in motion, but it wasn’t fast enough.
Zaun was still a danger. And Vi was still out there.
Her hands trembled as she traced the edge of a worn photograph—one of the few she had of Vi, taken during a rare moment of peace. Vi’s smile in the picture was carefree, her eyes bright with life. It was a smile Caitlyn would do anything to protect.
“I’ll fix this,” Caitlyn whispered to the empty room. “I’ll fix everything. And when you come back… you won’t ever have to leave again.”
—-
Even though it was a slow process, the effort to heal Zaun had begun in earnest. Piltover’s resources—money, engineers, architects, and peacekeepers—had flooded into the undercity like never before.
Caitlyn had thrown herself into the effort with obsessive precision. Every plan, every blueprint, and every tactical decision passed through her hands. She was relentless, ensuring there were no delays, no mistakes. After all, it wasn’t just about saving Zaun—it was about securing Vi’s safety. Making sure she never had to put herself in danger again.
But then the message came.
Vi had been injured.
The courier’s breathless explanation barely registered with Caitlyn. There had been an altercation with one of the chembarons—Smeech, a particularly violent tyrant. Vi had confronted him and his crew head-on, and though the Firelights had backed her up, she’d taken the brunt of the fight. A blade to her side. Too much blood.
“She’s alive, but she’s not stable,” the courier had said.
Caitlyn’s world tilted.
—
Caitlyn paced outside the bedroom door, her footsteps sharp against the marble floor. The Kiramman estate was sprawling and cold, but she had turned its east wing into a hospital wing within minutes.
Five of Piltover’s highest-ranking doctors were inside the room now, working to stabilize Vi. Caitlyn had summoned them the moment Vi arrived, barking orders with such fury that even the most arrogant of the medics hadn’t dared to protest. Every tool, every medicine, every ounce of knowledge Piltover had to offer was being thrown at the problem.
And it still didn’t feel like enough.
Caitlyn’s mind churned with worst-case scenarios. What if the wound had been deeper than they realized? What if the infection set in? What if—
“Miss Kiramman,” a voice interrupted her spiral.
One of the doctors stepped out of the room, her face lined with exhaustion. “We’ve done all we can. The wound has been cleaned and stitched, and the internal bleeding has stopped. She’s stable for now.”
“For now?” Caitlyn demanded, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.
“She’s still weak. Her body needs time to heal. But she’ll wake soon.”
The doctor’s words should have brought relief. But the storm inside Caitlyn didn’t quiet. Not until she saw Vi with her own eyes.
Without another word, Caitlyn pushed past the doctor and into the room.
—
Vi lay on the bed, her skin pale and her breathing shallow. The bandage wrapped around her torso was stark against her bare skin, a harsh reminder of just how close she had come to death.
Caitlyn moved to her side, sinking into the chair beside the bed. Her hands trembled as she reached out, brushing a stray lock of pink hair from Vi’s forehead.
She hated this. Hated seeing Vi like this—vulnerable, hurt, broken. Vi was supposed to be indestructible. She was supposed to be the one thing in Caitlyn’s life that couldn’t be taken from her.
And yet…
Caitlyn’s mind spiraled into dark places. She had done everything to make Zaun better, to make Vi safe. But it hadn’t been enough. What if it never was? What if Vi always found a reason to throw herself into danger? What if Caitlyn could never keep her safe?
The thought was unbearable.
“You’re a fool,” Caitlyn whispered, her voice cracking. “You’re reckless and stubborn and impossible, and I hate that I can’t stop you.”
Her fingers tightened around Vi’s hand, as if sheer willpower could tether Vi to the bed, to her. “I can’t lose you, Vi. I won’t.”
For hours, Caitlyn sat there, watching every rise and fall of Vi’s chest, listening to every soft breath. The doctors came and went, checking vitals and administering medicine, but Caitlyn barely registered them. Her entire world had narrowed to the fragile life lying in that bed.
Then, just as dawn began to break through the windows, Vi stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open—bleary, confused, but alive.
“Cait?” Vi’s voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.
Caitlyn’s breath caught in her throat. Relief flooded her so powerfully that she felt lightheaded.
“I’m here,” Caitlyn said, leaning forward. “I’m right here.”
Vi blinked, trying to focus. Her gaze eventually settled on Caitlyn, and a small, tired smile tugged at her lips. “Guess I made a mess, huh?”
“Don’t,” Caitlyn said sharply. “Don’t you dare make light of this.”
Vi’s smile faded at the edge of Caitlyn’s tone. “I didn’t mean to worry you. Things just… got out of hand.”
“They always do with you,” Caitlyn shot back. She hated how harsh she sounded, but the fear and frustration were too much to contain. “Why can’t you just let someone else handle things for once?”
Vi winced—not from the wound, but from Caitlyn’s words. “I thought I was helping. I heard what you did. You’ve been working so hard on this Zaun project, and I didn’t want you to worry about me. Those chembarons needed to be dealt with. I just… wanted to make things easier for you.”
Caitlyn’s heart twisted painfully. “Easier? Watching you bleed out isn’t easier.”
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, Vi sighed. “I’m sorry.”
It wasn’t enough. It would never be enough. But Caitlyn didn’t have the strength to argue anymore.
“I’m just glad you’re alive,” Caitlyn whispered, her anger giving way to exhaustion.
Vi’s hand tightened around hers. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Caitlyn wanted to believe her. Wanted to believe that those words were enough to keep Vi safe. But the fear still lingered.
“You need to rest,” Caitlyn said, her voice softer now. “No more heroics. No more leaving this bed until you’re fully healed.”
“Bossy,” Vi muttered, but there was affection in her tone.
“Someone has to be,” Caitlyn replied, brushing her fingers against Vi’s cheek.
Vi’s eyes fluttered shut again, but this time it was with peace rather than pain.
And for the first time in hours, Caitlyn felt the storm inside her begin to calm.
—
—
The transformation of Zaun was slow, painful, and messy. But it had happened.
Factories had been fitted with new safety systems, air filters had been installed to combat the toxic fumes that once choked the streets, and clean water flowed through every home and market. The gang wars had quieted, and the once-dominant chembarons had been driven underground—or arrested altogether.
For the first time in its history, Zaun had hope.
And Vi had never been prouder.
The Firelights had helped, of course. This would never be as smooth as it was without them. They had negotiated with gang leaders, patrolled the streets, and protected the workers as Piltover engineers rebuilt Zaun’s infrastructure. But it was Caitlyn who had made it all possible. Her relentless push for change had forced the Council’s hand. She had spent months coordinating resources, overseeing construction, and negotiating compromises between Piltover and Zaun.
All for her.
Vi knew that Caitlyn’s motivation had been anything but selfless. Every brick laid, every policy changed—Caitlyn had done it for her.
And though Vi wasn’t entirely comfortable with that fact, she couldn’t deny the results. Zaun was better. And Caitlyn… Caitlyn had given everything to make it happen.
—
The Kiramman estate was quiet now. It was well past midnight, and the city outside was still and peaceful.
Vi leaned against the balcony railing, the cool night breeze brushing against her skin. If she closed her eyes, she could see the faint glow of Zaun’s night lights, a patchwork of new streetlamps and renovated buildings that dotted the once-dark skyline.
The door behind her opened with a soft creak, and Vi didn’t have to turn around to know who it was.
Caitlyn stepped onto the balcony, her presence a quiet but undeniable force. She was dressed in one of her usual silk nightgowns, the pale fabric catching the moonlight. There were dark circles under her eyes—remnants of the exhaustion that had plagued her for months—but her gaze was as sharp as ever.
“You’re still awake,” Caitlyn said softly, moving to stand beside Vi.
“Couldn’t sleep,” Vi replied. “Too much on my mind.”
Caitlyn’s eyes flicked toward her. “Zaun?”
Vi shook her head. “No. You.”
The admission hung between them, heavy and raw.
Caitlyn tensed slightly, and Vi immediately regretted the way she’d phrased it. She reached out, brushing her fingers against Caitlyn’s arm. “I don’t mean that in a bad way, Cait. I’ve just… been thinking.”
Caitlyn’s gaze softened, though there was still a flicker of apprehension in her eyes. “About what?”
Vi took a deep breath. “About how much you’ve done. For Zaun. For me.”
Caitlyn’s lips twitched into a self-deprecating smile. “I’m sure I was a little… intense.”
Vi chuckled. “A little?”
“Fine. A lot.” Caitlyn sighed, turning to face Vi fully. “I know I haven’t always handled things well. I’ve been… obsessive. Controlling, even. I just—” She broke off, her hands clenching at her sides. “I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you. And sometimes I let that fear get the better of me.”
Vi reached out, taking Caitlyn’s hands in her own. “I get it, Cait. I really do. But you don’t have to hold on so tight anymore.”
Caitlyn’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m trying. I’m learning to trust that you’ll stay. That you won’t leave.”
“I won’t,” Vi said firmly. “I’m here. I’ll always be here.”
Caitlyn’s grip tightened around Vi’s hands. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that. You’re so… free. So strong. And I’ve always been afraid that one day you’ll wake up and realize you don’t need me.”
Vi felt her heart twist. Caitlyn’s strength had always been in her determination, her intelligence, her fierce sense of justice. But beneath all of that was a vulnerability that Caitlyn rarely showed to anyone.
“I do need you,” Vi said quietly. “Not because of what you’ve done for Zaun. Not because of what you’ve given me. I need you. The stubborn, bossy, unshakable Caitlyn who fights for what she believes in.”
A single tear slipped down Caitlyn’s cheek. Vi reached up, brushing it away with her thumb.
“I love you, Caitlyn,” Vi said, her voice steady and sure. “And nothing’s going to change that.”
Caitlyn exhaled shakily. “I love you too. More than anything.”
—
—
For a moment, they just stood there—two souls bound by love, fear, and an unyielding need for each other.
Vi turned to face her fully, one hand resting lightly on Caitlyn’s cheek. “So no more worrying, okay? No more doubting.”
Caitlyn leaned into the touch. “You always make it sound so simple.”
“Because it is,” Vi said with a grin. “We’re together. That’s all that matters.”
Caitlyn’s heart swelled. All the darkness, the obsession, the fear—it didn’t disappear. But it no longer controlled her. Because Vi was here. And she wasn’t leaving.
They stood there for another moment, the city quiet around them. Then Vi leaned in, her lips brushing against Caitlyn’s in a kiss that was soft, slow, and filled with every unspoken promise between them.
Caitlyn melted into it, letting go of everything but this—this moment, this love, this future they had fought so hard to build.
When they finally pulled apart, Vi’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “You’re still a little intense sometimes, you know.”
Caitlyn laughed, the sound light and free. “And you’re still reckless.”
“Guess we’re stuck with each other.”
“Guess so.”
They stood together as the sun dipped below the horizon, the city of Zaun glowing beneath them like a beacon of hope. And for the first time in a long, long time, Caitlyn felt at peace.
No more cages. No more fear.
Just love.