Chapter Text
Caitlyn opened her eyes to the dim light and silence of the room. She tried to move, hoping to ease the ache in her neck, but the warm weight resting against her chest held her in place. Her vision adjusted, and Vi’s soft, steady breaths told her they had fallen asleep on the couch, still partially in uniform, wrapped in the same blanket, arms around each other.
The memories of the night rushed back— their conversation and... the kiss. Caitlyn bit her lower lip gently, trying not to dwell on the intensity of the memory. Perhaps it had been a spur-of-the-moment thing, something Vi would forget by the time she woke up. Yet, deep down, Caitlyn hoped it meant more.
She sighed softly, turning her attention to the woman lying against her. Vi’s face, relaxed in sleep, still bore traces of tension, a faint crease on her brow. Slowly, as if afraid to shatter the peace, Caitlyn leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She watched as that simple gesture seemed to melt away some of the strain, even if only for a moment. Caitlyn nestled back, adjusting herself carefully against Vi, trying not to wake her. After a few moments, she closed her eyes again.
The scent of food wafting through the air grew stronger. Caitlyn stirred and opened her eyes slowly. It was already daylight, and the warmth of Vi’s presence was no longer against her chest. The spot beside her was empty, though Caitlyn could still feel a faint trace of her on the blanket.
She rose quietly, careful not to make too much noise, and went to her room to change out of her uniform into something more comfortable. After freshening up, she headed toward the kitchen, passing through the living room.
The sounds of clinking utensils and pans greeted her, making her smile as she imagined what was happening. She stopped at the doorway, leaning against the frame to watch. Vi stood at the stove, dressed in a tank top and shorts, completely focused on her cooking. Caitlyn observed her with a smile, warmth blooming in her chest at the ordinary yet endearing sight.
Vi broke from her concentration when she turned to grab something from the fridge and caught sight of Caitlyn in the doorway. Setting everything down, she walked over with a soft smile and pulled Caitlyn into a warm hug. Caitlyn returned it, resting her head against Vi’s neck.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," murmured Vi, her voice husky but tender.
"Good morning to you too," Caitlyn replied in the same tone, stepping away from the doorway. "What are you cooking? It smells amazing."
"Something simple. Beef stew with cheese and some vegetables," Vi said, nodding toward the pan.
"Let’s hope it tastes as good as it sounds," Caitlyn teased, grabbing plates and cutlery from a cabinet.
The two of them set the table, exchanging lighthearted comments about the arrangement of the dishes and utensils. Finally, Vi placed the pan in the centre.
"This smells incredible," Caitlyn said as Vi sat down across from her.
"Well, I hope you like it," Vi replied with a smile, serving Caitlyn a generous portion.
"Are you kidding?" Caitlyn murmured after her first bite. "This is delicious. I didn’t know you could cook like this."
"Didn’t always have someone to cook for me, so... had to learn," Vi said with a shrug before taking a bite herself.
A comfortable silence settled between them, but Caitlyn noticed the lingering weight of the previous day in Vi’s slow, distracted movements. After a few moments of playing with her fork, Vi set it down and glanced at Caitlyn.
Caitlyn could see the tension and wanted to say something to ease it. “Vi…” she began softly, drawing her attention. “Yesterday was hard. I know. Everything we talked about... your sister…” She paused, sighing lightly as she measured her words. “I just want you to know you don’t have to carry it alone.”
Vi looked at her warmly, gratitude and softness in her eyes. “I know,” she said, nodding slowly. “It’s just... Some things are hard to talk about, but thank you for saying that. I appreciate you being here.”
Despite her reassuring tone, a faint hint of disappointment lingered in Vi’s voice. She had hoped Caitlyn might bring up the kiss, but there was nothing.
A firm, steady hand on her forearm brought her back to the moment. Caitlyn smiled gently, sensing it wasn’t the right time to press further. She decided to shift the conversation to something lighter, knowing Vi needed the relief.
“How about this?” Caitlyn said, leaning forward slightly. “Let’s go out and do something today. It’s such a beautiful day, don’t you think?”
“Go out?” Vi asked, looking up in a clear effort not to overthink. “Yeah, that sounds good, Cupcake.” She scratched the back of her neck, glancing away briefly to hide the slight blush creeping up her cheeks. “What do you have in mind?”
Caitlyn took a moment to consider something that would truly take them away from the overwhelming stress of the previous day. “We could take a walk through the gardens and see what else catches our interest. I think it’d be a good way to clear our heads. What do you think?”
Vi thought for a moment, then nodded. “Sounds great, Cupcake!”
Caitlyn smiled, feeling a small sense of relief at seeing Vi a bit more animated. “Perfect. I’ll wash up the dishes, and we can head out.”
“You were right, Cupcake. It really is a beautiful day,” Vi said softly, breaking the silence as they strolled side by side. A light breeze tousled their hair, and the early morning sun cast long shadows on the cobblestone streets.
“I told you, Piltover has its charms,” Caitlyn replied with a serene smile, gesturing toward a nearby building. “See those windows? The gold-plated arches? They’re not just for show—they serve a structural purpose. It’s something that’s always fascinated me about the city’s architecture.”
Vi chuckled lightly, appreciating Caitlyn’s technical tone. “You make it sound way more interesting than it looks. Never really noticed before. Everything here… it all seems so perfect compared to Zaun. There, what stands out are the pipes and rust.”
“That’s true. They’re completely different,” Caitlyn reflected, her gaze drifting over the facades surrounding them. “But I have to admit, there’s something endearing about Zaun’s diversity. I remember the first time we went there… I was struck by how every home seemed to have its own story.”
Vi’s expression softened as she glanced at Caitlyn. “Never thought of it that way. I know every alley in Zaun like the back of my hand, but I never stopped to admire the differences. Guess I was too busy surviving to notice the scenery.”
The change in atmosphere was immediate as they passed under the arch marking the entrance to Piltover’s Central Park. The sound of their boots on cobblestones gave way to the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. The city’s hustle faded into the background, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and distant birdsong. Vi paused for a moment, taking in her surroundings as if seeing them for the first time.
“Even within Piltover, this place feels completely different,” Caitlyn observed, noticing the awe in Vi’s expression. “Come, let me show you my favourite spot.”
Vi followed quietly, her eyes scanning every corner of the park as if it were an entirely new world. The air smelled of fresh earth and flowers, and the whisper of wind through the trees created a soothing calm. After a few minutes of walking, Caitlyn broke the silence.
“When I was six, I got my first dog,” she said suddenly, as though the memory had struck her out of nowhere.
Vi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A dog? What kind?”
“He was a massive German shepherd, short-haired. I named him Captain. My parents weren’t thrilled about me having such a big dog, but I managed to convince them. He used to run all over this park, right where we’re walking now,” Caitlyn said with a soft laugh, her eyes shining with nostalgia.
“Sounds adorable. I never had any pets. I wonder what it’s like,” Vi replied gently.
“It’s an experience, that’s for sure. I’ve been considering adopting one recently, but it wouldn’t be fair with how much I work,” Caitlyn admitted, sighing.
Vi imagined the scenario, a warm smile forming on her lips. “That does sound special.”
Caitlyn glanced at her sideways. “What about you, Vi? Tell me something about your childhood.”
Vi lowered her gaze briefly, as if searching through her memories for something worth sharing. Suddenly, she let out a small laugh. “There was this one time... Claggor, Mylo, and I tried to build a boat so we wouldn’t have to cross the bridge over the river. We thought we were geniuses. Ended up sinking in the sludge and coming home drenched. Vander couldn’t stop laughing and scolding us at the same time.”
Her smile turned wistful, and Caitlyn noticed the faint glimmer in her eyes. She wanted to know more but chose to respect the moment. Instead, she chuckled softly along with Vi, letting the silence linger between them.
"Here, this is it," Caitlyn murmured after a moment of silence.
Vi followed her, smiling, crossing the threshold adorned with flowers and vines behind her companion. What greeted them was a greenhouse brimming with exotic flowers. Vi looked around, amazed at the immense variety of species, and began exploring the place alongside Caitlyn. As they walked among the various flower beds, a cluster of small purple flowers timidly peeking out caught Vi's attention. She stopped in front of them, studying them closely.
"Look at these," Vi murmured, leaning toward the flowers.
Caitlyn smiled softly behind her. "They're violets. Like you."
Vi chuckled but didn’t take her eyes off the flowers. "Are you saying I’m delicate and pretty?"
"You said it. Although you're also very resilient and tenacious, just like those flowers," Caitlyn replied in a tone so soft it could almost be mistaken for a whisper.
Vi flushed at the comment, her eyes shimmering. Compliments had a special hold over her, something that made her feel cherished and valued.
As they exited toward the path, Vi glanced back one last time at the garden behind them. "I've never seen so many kinds of flowers in one place. I get why it's your favourite spot here," she murmured.
"Yes, it's one of my favourite places in Piltover. I always find something new every time I come here. However, this isn't the place I meant," Caitlyn replied with a faint smile, savouring the relaxed atmosphere. Then, with a playful tone, she asked, "Ready to see it?"
"I'm right behind you, Cupcake," the pink-haired woman responded in the same playful tone, turning to her companion.
The tree leaves swayed gently in the wind, casting shifting shadows across the path. The fresh scent of earth and greenery still lingered around them, while the gravel path crunched softly under their boots.
They arrived at a small lake in the heart of the park. The water sparkled under the sunlight as swans swam peacefully alongside ducks. Walking along the cobblestone path by the shore, they enjoyed the serene ambiance and the sound of the lapping water. The ringing bell and wheels of an approaching ice cream cart drew their attention.
"Want some ice cream?" Caitlyn asked, motioning to the cart.
Vi nodded, a small but genuine smile forming. "Sure, why not?"
After receiving their cones, they walked to a quiet corner by a pair of trees. They sat side by side on a bench, gazing at the lake in silence as they began eating their ice cream. The aura of the place enveloped them in tranquillity. Gradually, their conversation softened and shortened until only the sound of water and wind chimes remained.
An unintentional meeting of their eyes broke the stillness between them. Caitlyn, letting out a light laugh, leaned slightly toward Vi. "Can I try yours?" she asked suddenly, her tone casual but with a playful smile.
Vi blinked, a little nervous, and extended her cone toward Caitlyn. "Sure, just don’t finish it, Cupcake."
The blue-haired woman leaned forward and tasted Vi's ice cream, nodding approvingly as she savored the chocolate cream. "It's good," she remarked with a smile, handing the cone back.
"And yours?" Vi asked, more relaxed this time.
Caitlyn offered her cone, from which Vi took a small bite. A bit of almond-vanilla cream ended up on the tip of her nose.
Caitlyn giggled at the sight. "Let me fix that," she said between laughs.
The Sheriff leaned in close, mere inches away, and wiped the smudge away with her thumb, bringing it to her lips in a gentle yet provocative gesture. Their eyes met for a moment, the air between them thick with unspoken words—a connection that seemed to hum in the silence.
Vi swallowed hard, her gaze locked onto Caitlyn’s deep blue eyes. Caitlyn’s smile began to shift, becoming something softer, filled with tenderness. The tension between them grew with each passing second, urging them toward the next step.
"Want to check out the fair?" Caitlyn’s low voice broke the spell, almost as if trying to escape the moment.
Vi blinked, returning to a somewhat disappointing reality. "The fair?" she repeated, but her face quickly lit up with excitement. "Sure, I’d love to."
They stood and began walking together along the park path, finishing their ice creams with laughter. As they neared the main entrance, the distant echo of music and the bustle of people enjoying the evening grew louder. Together, they passed through the entrance, greeted by the smell of popcorn, fried food, and cotton candy. Vi looked up, genuinely amazed at the bright lights and towering machines.
"It’s huge!" Vi exclaimed with a whistle.
"Well, it’s a permanent fair, unlike the Progress Day one, so it’s bigger and has more attractions," Caitlyn said before pausing and adding, "So, what do you want to do first?"
"Hmm… How about a ride? Something exciting would be nice," the pink-haired woman suggested with a childlike grin.
The Sheriff nodded, amused. "Sounds good. Let’s see what’s available." Vi simply smiled and followed closely behind Caitlyn. They strolled through the fairgrounds, pausing at a few stalls that caught their attention.
"What do you think about this? Is this the kind of excitement you had in mind?" Caitlyn asked, pointing to the roller coaster line.
"That works. Let’s do it—just don’t chicken out before it starts," Vi teased, getting in line.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Let’s get on then. I want to see how long that smug smile of yours lasts."
Vi stepped out of line, keeping pace with Caitlyn. "Why aren’t we waiting in line?"
"I paid for the express pass. Or are you already regretting this?" Caitlyn said with a smirk as they reached the platform.
"Pfft, of course not, Cupcake," Vi muttered, climbing into the cart beside her.
The restraints lowered, and the ride began to move, slowly at first as it climbed the incline. The two shared a mischievous look when they reached the top, a moment that didn’t last long as the cart plummeted into a steep descent. Caitlyn, her loose hair whipping in the wind, turned to look at her companion, who was gripping the metal bar tightly as the cart sped downward.
They jerked sharply around a corner, sliding toward the opposite side and bumping shoulders, bursting into laughter amidst the screams and adrenaline. Another sudden turn threw them to the other side, and in the chaos, Vi’s fingers instinctively sought Caitlyn’s. It was a brief touch, almost unconscious, but Caitlyn intertwined her fingers with Vi’s without hesitation. Vi squeezed her hand in response, feeling a warmth that was different from the thrill of the ride.
Gradually, the cart slowed to a complete stop. Both women smiled at each other as their breathing steadied, waiting for the restraints to release.
"That was amazing," Vi said with a grin, letting go of Caitlyn’s hand slowly and gently.
"I agree. It’s been a while since I had this much fun," Caitlyn replied with a laugh. "Let’s get off—there’s still plenty to explore," she added as the restraints lifted.
"Sounds like a plan," Vi grunted, standing up awkwardly. "Got anything in mind, Cupcake?" she added, softening her tone.
"Nothing specific, really. But I suppose we could wander around until something catches our eye," Caitlyn said, walking alongside Vi, who merely hummed in agreement. Spotting a shooting gallery, an idea crossed her mind, and without a word, she gently tugged her companion along. The Sheriff approached the booth and picked up one of the air rifles.
Vi followed with curiosity, arms crossed in amusement as she watched Caitlyn aim and shoot at each target. When the last figure fell, Caitlyn, wearing a small triumphant smile, picked up a pink plush rabbit from the prize bin.
"Here. For you," she said casually, extending it to Vi.
"Oh, thanks…" Vi’s face shifted from surprise to one filled with warmth. Looking Caitlyn in the eyes, she added, "Really, thank you."
"Don’t mention it," Caitlyn sighed, then asked, "Want to grab something to eat?"
"Yeah, Cait. I’m starving," Vi replied with a warm smile.
The Sheriff gazed at her fondly for a few moments longer. "Alright, let’s go then," she said with a gesture to follow, starting to walk.
"Why… why did you give it to me, Cait?" Vi asked suddenly, breaking the silence after they ordered their food.
Caitlyn turned to her with a puzzled expression, clearly confused by the nature of the question. "I just wanted to do something nice for you. Why, don't you like it?"
"No, it’s not that!" Vi said hastily. "It’s just… being cared for like this still feels strange to me." Caitlyn opened her mouth to respond, but Vi’s softened expression indicated she wasn’t finished. "Actually… it reminds me a lot of the one that was my favourite toy when I was a kid."
"I’m glad I made a good choice then," Caitlyn replied, gently stroking Vi’s cheek.
"Caitlyn! Order for Caitlyn!" the vendor suddenly called out.
Both women turned toward the shout. "Be right back.”
After a few moments, the blue-haired woman returned holding two disposable plates.
"Here," she said, extending one to her companion.
Vi thanked her with a smile, taking the plate and poking at its contents before starting to eat.
“Damn… I don’t know if they really… make sausages this good here… or if it’s just that I’m starving…” Vi managed to say between bites.
Caitlyn smirked before starting to eat, amused by the mess her companion was making.
“What do we do now?” Vi asked, tossing her now-empty plate into a trash can and joining Caitlyn as they resumed their walk.
Caitlyn thought for a few seconds before an idea crossed her mind. “I was thinking we could ride the Ferris wheel. What do you think?”
“Sounds like a great idea, Cupcake,” Vi said with a grin.
“Say no more. Follow me,” Caitlyn replied, grabbing Vi’s hand and leading her through the paths toward the boarding area.
The cabin began to rise slowly. The flickering lights, the moonlight, the stars, and the blue glow of the Hexgates soon took over the view. As they climbed higher, the cool night wind became more noticeable.
“It’s amazing,” Vi sighed.
Caitlyn nodded. “It is. But it’s also a reminder of everything I… we have to protect.”
“I’m glad… I’m glad I get to share this with you, Cait,” the pink-haired woman replied, taking Caitlyn’s hand.
“I’m glad too, Vi. Very much,” Caitlyn finished with a tender smile.
The ride came to an end. They both stepped off and began walking through the fairgrounds. The atmosphere radiated peace, and the smiles on their faces were proof of it. A photo booth caught Vi’s attention.
“Come on,” Vi said, tugging Caitlyn’s arm before she could process what was happening, pulling her inside the booth amidst laughter and shared glances. They stumbled in their rush, barely having time to position themselves.
Click!
This time, more composed, the two women embraced and smiled at the camera. Vi held her new stuffed animal, placing it between them.
Click!
The hug grew tighter. Caitlyn noticed Vi tilting her head slightly toward her shoulder, prompting her to mimic the gesture with a smile.
Click! The shutter clicked one last time.
“It’s nice,” Vi commented after a few seconds.
“It is,” Caitlyn replied, her calm voice tinged with nostalgia. “It’s a good memory.” Her companion nodded with a small smile. “Shall we head back?”
Vi smiled. “Sure, why not?” she added with a nod.