The cars rolled to a stop, tyres crunching over the gravel drive that wound through the tall pines. The Kiramman summer house stood ahead, smaller than the family mansion back in Piltover, yet still grand enough to make jaws drop. Its white stone façade caught the soft afternoon light, and wide bay windows overlooked the sweeping grounds.

The air here was fresher, sharper, carrying the scent of pine and the faint chill of water. Just beyond the tree line, a glimmering lake stretched out, its surface rippling beneath the touch of a cold breeze. Birds darted across the sky, their calls echoing faintly through the forest.

The engines fell silent one by one. The sudden quiet felt almost sacred.

Elara’s excited voice broke the stillness. “It’s huge!” she gasped, pressing her face to the window.

Vi chuckled, stretching her arms as she stepped out of the car. “You think this is huge? You should’ve seen the first time I saw Cait’s house. I thought I’d walked into a museum.”

Caitlyn followed, a fond smile tugging at her lips as she looked at the familiar building. “It’s not that big,” she said, though her tone betrayed a trace of pride.

Gearhand climbed out next, taking in the estate with an uncertain whistle. “Not that big, she says.” he laughed

The others laughed as staff began unloading bags and trunks from the cars. The crisp air carried the scent of damp earth and distant smoke from a chimneys that had been lit in advance to warm the rooms.

It was peaceful here, removed from the constant hum of Piltover. For the first time in a long while, it felt like the world might slow down for them.


A tall man in a crisp black suit appeared in the doorway, hands clasped neatly behind his back. His silver hair was slicked back with meticulous care, his posture the kind that came from a lifetime of service.

“Welcome back, Miss Kiramman,” he greeted with a polite bow. His tone was warm but measured, the kind of voice that seemed to soften even the grandest halls. “Miss Vi, nice to see you again” he added with a courteous nod that earned him a grin from Vi.

“Hey, Arthur,” Caitlyn replied, smiling genuinely. “Please just Vi....It’s good to see you too."

“The pleasure is mine, ma’am,” Arthur said.

Vi rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Lunch has been prepared and will be served whenever you’re ready." Arthur said "The dining room is all set Miss.”

“Perfect, thank you.” Caitlyn said grabbing one of the bags from the back, glancing toward Vi, who was helping to unload one of the trunks. "I could do with a hot soup."

Arthur continued smoothly, “As per your instructions, your usual room is ready. The two additional adult bedrooms have been prepared as well, and the smaller one for the young lady is just beside her father’s quarters.”

“Good,” Caitlyn said, nodding approvingly. “I wanted to make sure they were close to each other.”

“Of course,” Arthur replied, as if she’d never needed to ask.

Vi, leaning casually on a a trunk as it hit the ground, gave him a lopsided smile. “You really  do think of everything.”

Arthur’s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. “That is my job, Miss Vi.”

“And you’re damn good at it,” Vi said, earning a soft chuckle from Arthur.

"Thank you Miss." He inclined his head slightly. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll let the kitchen know you’ve arrived.” He turned with his usual quiet grace.

Caitlyn stepped up behind Vi, draping her arms over her shoulders with a long, contented sigh. The tension in her posture eased as she rested her chin lightly against Vi’s shoulder.
“It’s nice being here again,” she murmured, her voice soft, touched with nostalgia.

Vi’s gaze drifted toward the lake, where sunlight shimmered across the still water and spilled through the frost-dusted trees beyond.
“Yeah,” she said quietly. “It always feels kinda like stepping into someone else’s dream.”

Caitlyn smiled at that, pressing a gentle kiss to Vi’s cheek. “It’s your dream now,” she whispered.

Vi’s lips curved in a faint, warm smile, but before she could respond, a small tug on her sleeve made her glance down.

“Can we see the rooms?” Elara asked eagerly, her eyes bright with excitement.

“Oh, I have a very special room prepared just for you,” Caitlyn said, her smile widening.

“Really?” Elara gasped, practically bouncing on her toes as she followed them toward the house.

“Yes,” Caitlyn continued, her tone turning fond and a touch wistful. “It was my room when I was your age.”

Elara blinked up at her, astonished. “You’re letting me sleep in your room?”

“Of course I am,” Caitlyn replied warmly. “My grandmother had it decorated especially for me… and I think she’d be quite happy knowing someone else will love it just as much.”

Vi watched them with a small grin, shaking her head as she followed behind, Elara’s excitement lighting up every step, her eyes growing wider with each word Caitlyn spoke.

Nyx stepped through the doorway and stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes widened as the sunlight poured through the tall windows, spilling golden light across pale wood floors and soft cream furnishings. The air inside smelled faintly of pine, lavender, and polished oak a welcome contrast to the metallic tang of Piltover’s streets.

“By the stars…” she breathed, turning slowly in place. “This is absolutely gorgeous.”

And it was.

Though still undeniably Piltover in its refinement, the summer house carried an entirely different soul. The walls were dressed in delicate wallpaper patterned with watercolour wildflowers, soft yellows, muted lavenders, and green vines climbing delicately toward the ceiling. The furniture was light and elegant, the kind that looked as though it belonged in a countryside far beyond Piltover. Where the Kiramman mansion displayed ancestral portraits and solemn history, this house offered peace,  paintings of rolling meadows, deer at twilight, and foxes slipping between trees.

Even the grand staircase curved gently, sweeping upward to the right in a single graceful line. To the left, an inviting sitting room opened up, its windows overlooking the shimmering lake beyond. Cream and gold sofas framed the space, winter sunlight dancing across the gilt trim.

Nyx turned back to Caitlyn, hand pressed to her chest as if words alone weren’t enough. “This place is a dream.”

Behind her, Jorin chuckled, stepping close and looping an arm casually over her shoulders. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, grinning. “Someone’s not complaining about coming after all.”

Nyx elbowed him lightly in the ribs but couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

Caitlyn laughed softly, the tension of travel melting from her expression. “I’m glad you like it,” she said, warmth in her tone. “You both deserve some peace for a change. I hope you can actually rest here.”

“Oh, I will,” Nyx said with conviction, eyes still drinking in every detail.

“Well,” Caitlyn continued, clasping her hands lightly, “if you’re up for it later, there are horses in the stable. The trails through the woods are beautiful this time of year. You could take a ride with me after lunch if you like.”

Nyx turned to her with a grin, a spark of mischief in her eyes. “Are you serious? I haven’t been on a horse in fifty years.... I’d love that.”

“Then it’s settled,” Caitlyn said, smiling approvingly. “I’ll have them saddled after lunch.”

"Someone's getting spoiled" Jorin added squeezing Nyx closer.

"You can join us?" Cait offered

"Who me? Oh no...You go ahead. I like to keep my feet on the ground. But thanks for the offer."

Vi, passing through with Elara perched on her hip, “You and I can go fishing tomorrow?”

"Yeees!!" Elara squealed excited

"But you need to get up early"

"I will I promise"

"I'm gonna hold you to that."

.....

Vi’s fingers were busy taking out neatly folded clothes out of the bag. When she reached the bottom, she paused, her hand brushing against something solid wrapped in a bit of worn cloth.

She unwrapped it gently, revealing a small, weathered frame. The glass bore a faint crack across one corner, but the photo inside was still clear. She carried it to the nightstand and set it down with quiet care, her thumb brushing the edge.

The picture was old, taken long before everything had fallen apart. Vander stood in the middle, that broad, reassuring grin on his face. Beside him were Powder and herself, Mylo with his lopsided smirk, and Clagger caught mid-laugh. They looked so alive, so full of the world that was yet to come.

It was the only photograph Vi had of them, the only piece of that lost time she’d managed to save. She’d found it half-buried beneath the rubble of the Last Drop, the frame scorched but intact. Since then, it had followed her everywhere, always on the nightstand, always within reach. A tiny, stubborn fragment of a family that once was. With a sigh she returned to unpacking.

Caitlyn had just unbuttoned her blouse, tugging it free from her trousers, and walked over. She wrapped her arms around Vi’s waist, resting her head against her shoulder and pressing a gentle kiss there.

“Four books…?” Caitlyn murmured, nodding toward the small stack on the bed.

Vi smiled, tilting her head just enough to meet her gaze. “Almost finished one your dad gave me,” she admitted softly.

Caitlyn pressed a kiss to the side of her neck, inhaling deeply the familiar warmth and scent of her skin. It made Vi shiver slightly, palming Caitlyn’s hands as she leaned fully into the touch. “It’s so perfect,” Vi whispered, eyes closing. “I always love the smell.”

“The smell?” Caitlyn asked, raising a brow.

Vi nodded, her lips curving in a faint smile. “The pine trees… can’t you smell it?”

"Nooo" Caitlyn nodded with a small frown and let her finger drift lightly over Vi’s stomach. “You up for joining Nyx and me after lunch?”

Vi hesitated, a small sigh escaping. “Uff… not sure yet.”

Caitlyn’s tone was gentle but coaxing, tracing her fingers over Vi’s skin as if guiding her courage. “You’re better now. We’ll take it slow. Please. I want to spend as much time with you here as I can.”

Vi finally nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. How can she say no to those words. "Fine..." Vi huffed turning in her arms "But I'll blame you if I end up splattered or hanging from the branch."

Caitlyn laughed softly into her shoulder then leaned forward just enough to steal a soft kiss, then another, and another, deeper each time. Her fingers found Vi’s cheek, holding her gently as their lips parted, noses brushing in a tender connection.

“We should get ready,” she murmured nuzzling Vi’s cheek

"Okay" Vi groaned as Cait pulled away. “…I was hoping for a longer cuddle.”

As Cait’s hand lingered for a moment, tracing a fond line over Vi’s backside "I'll make it up to you." She winked before she slipped toward the bathroom.

Vi stood there, flushed and grinning, letting herself savor the quiet, perfect moment just a while longer.

....


The dining room was bathed in golden midday light spilling threw the tall conservatory walls of glass letting the sun fall across the room. Towering plants lined the perimeter, some creeping up in elegant spirals, their leaves brushing against the ceiling. Beyond the glass, the forest stretched endlessly, the trees swaying gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows across the polished floor. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat spilled from the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Caitlyn and Vi stepped inside, finding everyone already gathered around the table, laughing and chatting easily. The clinking of glasses and bursts of laughter filled the space.

Nyx, however, was distracted by gilded stand in the corner where a strikingly beautiful bird preened its feathers.

“Oh, I see you met Charlie,” Caitlyn said, a smile tugging at her lips.

Nyx looked up, eyes shining. “He’s gorgeous! So friendly!”j

Vi snorted. “Yes… until he’s had enough cuddles and tries to amputate your finger.”

“Oh!” Nyx laughed, pulling her hand back.

Caitlyn walked over with a fond shake of her head, extending her hand toward the bird. “He can be a grumpy boy sometimes,” she said as the bird hopped onto her fingers without hesitation, ruffling its feathers as she gently stroked its head.

“My nan brought him back from one of her travels. Smuggled him out of some marketplace, he was in terrible shape. She nursed him back to health. This was her house, so he’s always been used to living here. The staff spoil him rotten.”

Nyx’s eyes lit up. “I adore birds. Not many in Zaun though … I’d love to wake up every morning hearing them chirp.”

Caitlyn glanced at Vi with a small smile. “Maybe you will. You never know. Vi and I have big plans for Zaun. If all goes well and we get the air filtration system working properly again, there’s no reason birds shouldn’t come back.”

Vi leaned against the trunk of a massive plant. “We are working with one of my friends on improvin the system. He's pretty smart guy, I'm sure he'll crack it. A year from now and hopefully kids won't be coughing up their lungs”

Nyx’s mouth fell open in surprise, clearly impressed by the ambition.

Before the conversation could deepen further, the staff entered, carrying steaming platters and freshly baked bread. The women exchanged glances, and Caitlyn led the way toward the table. The chatter resumed as everyone began taking their seats, and the aroma of the meal filled the conservatory.

.....


Caitlyn leaned against Vi as they started up the grand staircase, her arms lazily draping over Vi’s shoulders. “Ugh,” she sighed dramatically, her voice warm with contentment. “I think I ate half the dessert table. Now I feel like I could fall asleep right here.”

Vi chuckled, reaching back to steady her. “You’re the one who went back for seconds.”

“I couldn’t resist,” Caitlyn murmured, resting her chin on Vi’s shoulder. “It was your fault...you said I should try the lemon tart. I need to lie down.” she huffed

“Well you owe me a cuddle anyway,” Vi teased.

“Is that so?” Caitlyn’s lips brushed the side of Vi’s neck, her voice dipping into playful mischief.

Before she could say another word, Vi bent slightly and hoisted her onto her back with a laugh.

Cait yelped in surprise, wrapping her arms around Vi’s neck. “Vi! You’re going to drop me!”

“Not a chance,” she grinned, carrying her up the stairs

Cait playfully blew into Vi’s ear making her stumble.

"Fuck you" Vi laughed

"Yes please" she whispered in her ear

"Classy bird"

"Never claimed I was" she giggled kissing her earlobe making her stumble even more.

As they rounded the corner and nearly collided with one of the maids stepping out of their room, a stack of fresh towels in her hands.

The girl froze mid-step, her eyes going wide. 

Caitlyn quickly slid down from Vi’s back, smoothing her blouse and trying unsuccessfully not to laugh.

“Oh! I’m so sorry ma'am!” the maid stammered, cheeks turning bright red. “I just came to make sure you had fresh towels.”

“Thank you,” Caitlyn said graciously, her composure mostly recovered when she felt Vi’s finger jab lightly at her side. She flinched, stifling a laugh and trying to keep her composure. “Yes, thank you, I appreciate you making sure everything’s ready....” she fumbled, but another poke landed just above her hip. Her voice hitched mid-sentence.

The poor maid blinked, clearly unsure what to say as her face went even redder. “Uh yes ma'am. I mean if you need anything else?"

Another poke

"No, that would be all for now" Cait bearley managed elbowing Vi in the ribs.

The maid bobbed her head quickly and nearly tripped over herself escaping down the hall.

"That was mean" Cait shot her a look

"You started it"

“Oh, shut up,” Caitlyn said fondly, catching Vi by the collar and pulling her into a kiss, soft, lingering, and full of laughter between their lips as they stumbled through the door.

.....


Vi had fallen asleep draped over Caitlyn’s chest, her breath slow and steady, face tucked into the crook of her neck. The warmth of her skin pressed close, her hair spilling across Cait’s shoulder in soft, tangled strands. Outside, the sky had dulled to a pale grey, the kind that blurred the trees and lake beyond the window. Droplets of condensation gathered on the glass, slipping down in thin, trembling trails that caught what little light there was.

Caitlyn lay still, her fingers absentmindedly brushing through Vi’s hair, tracing gentle lines along her scalp. Every rise and fall of Vi’s chest was slow, even, so peaceful.

Her gaze shifted toward the window again, watching the condensation bead roll down the glass. The sound of faint ticking from the old clock on the mantel mixed with the muffled wind outside. It should have been the kind of silence that soothed her, soft, steady, perfect, but her mind wouldn’t follow.

The thoughts came back, uninvited, like they always did. The uneasy feeling that something crucial still hid between the lines. She told herself to stop, to let it go for just few days, to let herself rest. But the gears in her mind refused to still.

She let out a slow sigh, brushing her thumb over Vi’s shoulder desperate to ground herself in the steady rhythm of her breathing. This was supposed to be a break, a moment away from the chaos. Yet even here, surrounded by quiet, she couldn’t stop dissecting the puzzle in her head.

Her hand stilled in Vi’s hair. She pressed a soft kiss against her forehead, whispering almost soundlessly, “Love you.”

Vi stirred, her lashes fluttering as she blinked awake.

“Sorry,” Cait whispered, her voice small. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Vi’s voice came low and husky from sleep. “Don’t worry about it.” She shifted, brushing her thumb lazily over Cait’s arm.

“Go back to sleep darling? We’ve got another forty minutes before we have to move.”

Vi's eyes finally focused, they met Caitlyn’s gaze, deep blue glinting faintly in the dim light, glossy from unshed tears. "What’s wrong? You look you're about to cry."

Caitlyn tried to smile, but it faltered halfway. “I’m fine, Vi. Go back to sleep.”

Vi frowned softly, studying her face. “You got that look, Cupcake. You can’t fool me.”

At that, Caitlyn’s lips pressed together, trembling. Her eyes glistened, and she turned her head away, but Vi saw it anyway. The tears welling, breaking free, sliding down before she could stop them.

“Hey…” Vi pushed herself upright, now fully alert. “Hey, what’s going on?”

Caitlyn shook her head, her gaze returning back to Vi, voice cracking. “Just… just hold me, please.”

“C’mere,” Vi murmured, gently pulling her close, wrapping her arms around her and tucking her back into the bed. She half-caged her with her body, warm and steady, and peppered soft kisses along Cait’s temple and her cheek, “Talk to me” she whispered between each one. “Please.”

Caitlyn’s hand came up, finding Vi’s cheek, her thumb brushing the edge by her ear. Her eyes closed, the tears spilling freely now, darkening the pillow beneath her head.

“I’m scared,” she admitted finally, her voice shaking. “I feel like… like I’m walking blindfolded. Like I keep reaching for something solid and it’s never there. And one day I’m going to step too far and fall right off the edge.”

Vi’s chest tightened. She pressed her forehead to Cait’s. Her breath came in the small, shaky breaths between them. “Hey… hey, you’re not falling anywhere, yeah? Not while I’m here.”

"And what if I do?"

"Then I'll catch you...Okay?"

"It’s not that easy ....I..."

"It is for me. You're not alone in this. You do realise that, right?"

Caitlyn nodded letting out a weak sound, half sob, half a small smile as Vi’s hand slid through her hair, rubbing gentle circles against her scalp.

She kissed the tears on her cheeks, her nose, her lips, one after another until the trembling started to slow.

“Breathe, Cupcake,” Vi whispered, her voice low and warm as Cait’s breathing calmed down. “That’s it. You’re safe. You hear me? You’re right here with me.”

Caitlyn nodded faintly, her fingers curling into Vi’s shirt. “I just… don’t know how to turn it off sometimes.”

“I know,” Vi said softly, pressing one last kiss to her brow.

Caitlyn finally began to settle, her body softening against Vi’s, their legs tangled under the sheets. Their faces so close that their breaths mingled, warm and slow. The storm in Cait’s chest was quiet now, replaced by the steady rhythm of Vi’s heart under her palm.

Vi’s fingers brushed gently along her jaw before tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “There you are,” she whispered, voice barely more than a breath.

Caitlyn’s thumb traced a slow, loving path over Vi’s cheekbone, her gaze lingering.

“Tell you what,” Vi murmured, brushing her thumb under Cait’s eye to catch the last tear before it could fall. “Tomorrow, we head into town. That place you told me about, the one with bad coffee but the view you can’t shut up about.”

A soft laugh escaped Cait, watery but real. “You remember?”

Vi smiled. “Of course I do. I remember everything about you.”

Another tear slipped, tracing the bridge of Caitlyn’s nose, and she nodded, whispering, “I’d love that.”

“Then it’s a date,” Vi said gently, her grin widening.

Caitlyn’s lips curved, that spark finally returning to her eyes. “A date,” she confirmed.

And before Vi could reply, Caitlyn’s hand curled around Vi's neck pulling her close until their lips met. Soft at first, then deeper, needier. Vi followed willingly, letting Cait guide her until she rolled Vi onto top of her, their kiss deepening.

......

The air was crisp and sharp enough to sting, but the winter sun had finally decided to grace Piltover’s countryside with its light. Frost glittered across the fields like crushed glass, and their breaths came out in pale puffs as they stood by the stables.

Caitlyn was busy strapping a dark-blue helmet—trimmed with gold, onto Vi’s head. Vi frowned, squirming as Caitlyn adjusted the buckle under her chin.

“I look like a fucking idiot,” Vi grumbled, glaring at her reflection in a polished brass plate hanging nearby.

Caitlyn smiled sweetly and squished Vi’s cheeks between her palms, making her lips pout like a fish. “You look adorable,” she said in that teasingly gentle tone that made Vi’s eye twitch.

“Yeah, that one eye definitely needs checking,” Vi muttered, wriggling free.

Caitlyn laughed softly and leaned in to plant a quick kiss on her lips. “Cheer up, darling, it’s just a helmet, not a declaration of war.”

Vi twisted her face as she was fighting with the strap. "It’s too tight. I swear I'm gonna swallow my larings"

"That’s not where you larings are darling." Cait replied still laughing as she adjusted her gloves.

Nyx was already on her horse, laughing so hard she nearly dropped the reins. “You look charming.’”

“If you say another word I swear...” Vi said dryly, giving Nyx a look but Nyx just laughed turning her horse around and ignoring her completely.

Vi gave up with a huf and grabbed the reins, planted one boot into the stirrup, and hurled herself onto the saddle in one fluid, if slightly wobbly, motion. The horse gave a restless snort and stomped its hooves, tossing its head.

“Whoa, whoa...easy, big guy,” Vi said, eyes wide. “We could just… y’know… walk.”

Caitlyn stepped forward, graceful and calm, her gloved hands moving with practiced ease as she took hold of the harness and gently stroked the horse’s nose. “Good boy,” she murmured, her voice soft but firm. The horse quieted almost immediately.

Then, with elegance Vi could never quite compete with, Caitlyn placed one boot on the stirrup and swung herself up onto her horse in one effortless motion. She gathered the reins, and shot Vi a playful wink, “Walking is overrated. This is much more fun.”

Vi raised a brow, muttering, “Oh yeah. Top-tier fun,” as her horse snorted again, almost in agreement.

Caitlyn clicked her tongue, guiding her horse forward down the sunlit path.

Nyx followed easily, her laughter ringing through the cold air. "Honestly, you two need get married."

Vi gave her own reins a skeptical glance. “Alright, big guy,” she murmured under her breath. “Try not to kill me.”

"Says a woman who's singlehandedly taking down chem tanks" Caitlyn laughed

"That’s totally different" Vi said as she was trying to control her horse "I'm not sitting on top of them waiting to be at their mercy"

Then, gritting her teeth, she went after them, earning another round of laughter from Nyx echoing down the frosted trail.


.....


Slowly there were making a circle through  the forest and around the lake then after about an hour of slow ride turned back twards the stables.

Caitlyn turned her head every so often, checking on Vi with that watchful concern she could never quite switch off. Vi pretended not to notice, her pride was too stubborn for that but it was hard to look dignified when her horse was doing everything except what she wanted.

"Wooow, easy there buddy,” Vi muttered, tugging on the reins as a low branch smacked her shoulder. “You’re doin’ this on purpose, aren’t ya? Yeah, you heard me. Don’t give me that look.”

Nyx laughed ahead, her breath puffing white in the air. “He’s just testing if you’re the boss or the passenger!”

“Oh, I’m the passenger, alright,” Vi grumbled, squinting as another bush caught her boot. “He’s the fucking chauffeur.”

Caitlyn giggled, utterly radiant under the pale winter sun. Her horse, calm and graceful, moved as though it knew it was being ridden by royalty. “You’re doing fine, love,” she called back teasingly.

“Yeah, says the one not about to get eaten by a shrub!” Vi huffed giving  her horse  another  dirty look.

As the trees began to thin, the group rode into a wide clearing close to the stables. The ground glittered faintly with frost, and the air was fresh and bright. Nyx slowed her horse beside Cait’s, mischief sparkling in her eyes.

“Race me?” she challenged.

Cait’s lips curved into that competitive smirk Vi knew all too well what's coming.

“Alright....You're on,” she said smoothly, adjusting her gloves. Then she looked back. “You alright if we...?”

Vi waved a hand. “Oh yeah, knock yourselves out. I’ll be back here not dying.”

“Perfect,” Cait replied with a wink, lining up beside Nyx. "Count for us love"

"Alright...ready?" Vi raised her hand dramatically. “Three… two… one...GO!”

And they were off.

Cait and Nyx shot forward like arrows loosed from a bow. Their horses thundered over the frozen ground, manes streaming, hooves pounding rhythmically. Cait leaned low over her horse’s neck, her braid whipping behind her, while Nyx whooped with exhilaration.

They tore down the open plain, the icy wind biting at their faces, then veered sharply toward the forest’s edge. The trees swallowed them again, branches whipping past, snow scattering beneath their hooves as they darted between trunks and leapt over gnarled roots.

Cait’s focus was razor-sharp, every muscle in sync with her horse as they surged forward. Nyx was right beside her, laughing breathlessly. The thrill of the chase lit both their faces, pure and wild.

Then came the hedge, a tall, thorny wall that loomed ahead like a dare.

Nyx didn’t even hesitate, clicking her tongue and urging her horse forward. Cait blinked once, gauging the distance, then grinned. “Oh, not a chance,” she muttered, and gave chase.

Both horses galloped full speed, one, two, three strides, and leapt.

Snow exploded beneath their hooves as they soared over the hedge almost side by side, landing hard but clean on the other side.

“Ha!” Nyx cried, triumph in her voice as she sped the last few yards. Caitlyn was only half a length behind, her laughter echoing through the trees.

When they finally slowed, both were flushed, grinning, and exhilarated.

Nyx lifted a hand. “By a nose!” she shouted, laughing breathlessly.

Cait shook her head with mock defeat. “Enjoy it while it lasts, Nyx. Next round, I’m not going easy on you.”

The two riders burst out laughing, turning their horses back toward Vi. Cait’s cheeks were pink from the cold and the thrill, her smile brighter than the winter sun.

Vi couldn’t help it, she grinned back. “Alright, fine,” she called as they approached. “That was actually pretty badass.”

Nyx shot her a playful salute. “Told you it’s more fun than walking!”

“Yeah,” Vi muttered, eyeing her own horse suspiciously. “Not for some of us.”

Caitlyn and Nyx slowed their horses as they rode back, still grinning like children who’d just gotten away with something. The excitement clung to them, the kind that made the cold sting less and laughter come easy. Vi, still sitting rigidly on her own mount, watched them with a mock glare that couldn’t hide her amusement.

Caitlyn’s cheeks were flushed pink from the cold and the ride, her braid loose and messy, her gaze glowing with adrenaline. She looked so alive that Vi felt her heart skip. “You should’ve joined us,” Cait said, her voice warm, teasing.

“Yeah, sure,” Vi said. “Right after I take out insurance and make a will.”

Nyx laughed, sliding off her horse in one easy motion. “You’d have loved it!”

“Oh yeah, I could see how much I’d love flying into a hedge.” Vi chuckled, then added under her breath, “Or the hedge flying into me.”

Caitlyn dismounted with her usual elegance, all fluid grace and precision before turning to Vi, who was still sitting stiffly in the saddle like someone being held hostage by a very large animal.

“Alright, come on,” Cait said softly, stepping close and reaching for the reins. “You did brilliantly.”

Vi shot her a skeptical look. “You mean for someone who nearly got eaten by a bush?”

Cait smiled up at her, “Exactly. Now, let’s get you down before you freeze to the saddle.”

“It’s okay, I got this,” Vi insisted, fumbling to swing her leg over. But the horse shifted its weight, and she froze. “Okay, maybe I don’t got this.”

Cait chuckled quietly, placing her hand on Vi’s boot for balance. “Easy. I’ve got you.”

“You better,” Vi muttered and with a less than graceful slide, she came down, her boots crunching into the frost.

“Woah there,” Cait laughed, steadying her.

Vi blinked, face inches from Cait’s. “That was a tactical landing,” she said, voice dead serious.

“Of course it was,” Cait replied, a small smile tugging her lips as she reached up to fix Vi’s helmet strap. “And this tactical landing puts you right here.”

Vi’s eyes softened. “Not complainin’.”

Nyx rolled her eyes from a few steps away, chuckling. “You two are hopeless.” She turned toward the stables. “I’ll go untack the horses before you start making out in the snow.”

Cait turned pink, but Vi only grinned wider fixed on to her lover.

As Nyx disappeared into the barn, Cait removed Vi’s helmet, smoothing down her messy pink hair with gentle fingers. “See? Not so bad,” she murmured.

Vi leaned closer, her breath mingling with Cait’s in the cold air. “Next time,” she said softly, “we walk.”

Cait giggled, pressing her forehead against Vi’s. “We’ll see.”

“Yeah, we will,” Vi said, and before Cait could reply, she stole a quick kiss, both of them laughing against each other as their horses snorted behind them like impatient spectators.

"Come on...let's get you inside before you catch a cold." Cait smiled lacing their fingers together

"I'm not made out of sugar"

"You are for me" she giggled kissing her temple.

.....


Caitlyn sat in her study, the rhythmic scratch of her pen the only sound breaking the late evening quiet. One last signature, then another, the final letter sealed and slipped neatly into a brass tube. She exhaled, shoulders relaxing as she stacked the tubes inside the drawer and closed it with a soft click.

“That’s enough bureaucracy for one night,” she murmured to herself, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face before heading for the door.

Her footsteps echoed down the polished corridor, the distant thrum of music growing louder with every step.

When she reached the grand double doors of the salon, she hesitated, blinking as the sound hit her full force. When Caitlyn pushed open the doors, she froze.

The grand Kiramman salon, once the very definition of elegance and restraint,  had undergone a full-scale Zaunian takeover.

The soft flicker of the chandelier lights clashed with the deep, pulsing beat of some bass-heavy Zaun track that made the floorboards vibrate. The air was a mix of laughter, faint perfume, and something suspiciously citrusy that Nyx was splashing into glass after glass behind what used to be Caitlyn’s grandmother’s priceless chest of drawers.

For a long, silent second, she simply stared, her gaze wide, lips parting in disbelief. “...What in the name of Piltover’s council is this?”

Vi stood behind the “bar,” her sleeves rolled up, mixing drinks like she’d worked at The Last Drop her whole life. Nyx was beside her, shaking a cocktail with so much enthusiasm that droplets of glowing liquid spattered across the floor.

Across the room, Jorin and Gearhand were hunched over a small round table, deep in a very dramatic card game. But instead of chips or coin, they had piles of trinkets and completely random objects in front of them, a gear sprocket, a pocket watch, lighter, a cigarette case and something that looked suspiciously like something illegal.

Elara, perched behind her father, was peering over his shoulder with her serious face on, clearly acting as his spy.

Cait blinked, pressing a hand to her temple as she stepped into the chaos.

Vi turned around at that, grinning wide. “Hey, Cupcake! You made it! Grab a seat, we’ve got drinks!”

Nyx laughed, pouring a clear liquid into three small glasses.

“Drinks?” Cait repeated, horrified but also slightly amused. “You’re serving drinks out of my grandmother’s dresser?”

Vi shrugged flicked her lighter with a grin and tilted it toward the drinks. “Well, it’s a sturdy piece of furniture.”

Blue flame whooshed across the surface, licking the rims.

“It’s an heirloom!”

Nyx snorted, sliding a glass down the polished surface toward her. “Then it’s doing the family proud.”

Cait caught the glass, barely, and sighed looking  at it cautiously “What on earth is that?”

Vi’s grin widened. “Fires of Zaun,” she said proudly.

Nyx gave a sly smirk, “Don’t worry, it only burns a little.”

Cait sighed and held it up as the other two clinked theirs together.

“To poor decisions,” Vi grinned.

They downed their shots in one go. Cait followed suit, then immediately coughed, eyes watering, face twisting in agony.

“Oh...oh, good heavens!” she wheezed, voice breaking as the burn hit. “It’s molten!”

"You alright there Cupcake?" Vi giggled tapping her hand on Caitlyn’s back as the poor woman tried catching her breath.

Nyx thumped her glass down and gasped, “If it doesn’t hurt, it’s not real liquor!”

Cait grabbed the nearest glass of water, chugging half of it while glaring at them both through teary eyes. “You two are criminals.”

Vi smirked. “Formerly, yeah.”

She put the glass down stilk trying to recover. “Oh my stars, my ears are bleeding. What is this music?”

“Culture,” Nyx replied smugly.

“Noise,” Cait countered.

Vi grinned, shooting Cait a sideways look. “Hey, don’t look at me. My ears were bleeding at that Seraphine concert you dragged me to. But I do it for love.”

Caitlyn gasped. “Excuse me, Seraphine is an icon.”

Nyx’s head whipped around, eyes wide with mock horror. “Wait, wait, wait, that’s your favourite artist?!”

Cait perched on one of the improvised bar stools, shaking her head. “For the record, my music taste is perfectly fine, thank you very much.”

Nyx cackled. “You’re one concerto away from retirement, Cait.”

"Oh you're having a death wish Nyx" Vi leaned her elbows on the counter, smirking.

Cait crossed her arms, “I’ll have you know, Seraphine’s work is sophisticated. She blends orchestral elements with...”

“...with lullabies that could put an enforcer patrol to sleep,” Nyx cut in.

“...with feelings!” Cait finished sharply and sipped her drink with mock dignity. “At least it’s not Zaunian street metal that sounds like someone dropped a spanner in a blender.”

Vi raised her glass. “Hey, that’s art, sweetheart.”

“Yeah,” Nyx chimed in, “and at least our music doesn’t come with a wine recommendation.”

Vi choked on her drink laughing.

Nyx burst out laughing. “I bet you got her limited-edition crystal vinyl collection under lock and key!”

"Of course" Cait threw a napkin at Nyx, laughing too hard to keep her offended act up. “You two are impossible!”

“Don’t worry,” Vi said between chuckles, “we’ll teach you what real music sounds like someday.”

Cait smirked back, tilting her head. “When it doesn’t make my ears file for early retirement, maybe.”

......


One hour later, Caitlyn Kiramman, Sheriff of Piltover, model of grace, dignity, and precision, daughter of the city’s most distinguished family was absolutely plastered.

She sat half-slumped on the sofa, a half-empty glass of Nyx’s Fires of Zaun clutched in her hand, and was mid-way through what could generously be described as an enthusiastic lecture.

“I’m jus’ sayin’… if you increase the lift capacity by fifty percent,” she slurred, waving her glass dangerously close to Gearhand’s face, “then you could have… like… three whole airships carrying one big one. Like a mama ship.”

Gearhand nodded solemnly, as if she’d just solved all of Piltover’s engineering challenges.

Vi, sitting at the bar, was doubled over trying not to die of laughter. Nyx was wiping tears from her eyes, muttering, “Oh, this is going in the history books.”

Caitlyn suddenly hiccuped, then let out a burp that echoed off the chandelier. She froze, eyes wide, hand flying over her mouth. “Oh my word!” she gasped, looking horrified.

Vi lost it. She nearly fell off her stool, laughing so hard she almost asphixiated. Elara, bless her, started patting Caitlyn’s back like she’d just survived a near-death experience.

“You alright there, Cupcake?” Vi wheezed between giggles. “I think it’s bedtime before you start drafting blueprints.”

Caitlyn blinked solemnly, her head wobbling slightly. “Mhm. Yes. Bedtime. For science.”

Vi grinned and stood, offering her a hand. “Come on, genius.”

As soon as Cait took it, she leaned heavily into her, nearly sending them both toppling.

“You’re heavy when you’re not noble,” Vi teased, half-carrying her toward the stairs.

As they passed the grand portrait of Caitlyn’s grandmother, Cait squinted up at it, swaying. “Why… why is she frowning at me?” she mumbled.

“Cause you’re a hot mess,” Vi said, trying not to laugh again.

“I AM NOT!,” Cait declared proudly, attempting to poke Vi’s chest and missing entirely. “Just a little bit tipsy.”

“Sure you are,” Vi snorted.

By the time they stumbled into their room, quite literally crashing into the doorframe, Caitlyn was halfway through trying to kiss her. The result was a sloppy miss that landed somewhere near Vi’s chin.

She pouted, undeterred, and started kissing her ear instead as Vi guided her toward the bed.

“Oh boy, you really are waisted,” Vi chuckled, gently laying her down and starting to unbutton her shirt.

Cait, meanwhile, was still at it, kissing Vi’s jaw, and neck, fumbling with buttons of her shirt with all the grace of a concussed pigeon.

Vi snorted, catching her wrists. “Yeah, I don’t think this is happening tonight, sweetheart.”

Cait dropped her arms around her neck, her lips in a dramatic pout. “But you’re so yummy…” she slurred, fingers tangling in Vi’s hair. “My Vi Pie,” she purred, attempting another kiss between fits of hiccups. Her legs wrapped around Vi’s waist like an octopus, while the other woman tried and failed to free herself without laughing.

After a brief struggle and a lot of giggling, Vi finally got her down to her underwear, tucked her under the blanket, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “There. Sleep, my hot disaster.”

Cait blinked up at her dreamily. “Violet…”

“Yes, my mess?”

“I think I’m gonna be sick.”

“Oh, fuck!” she spun around, spotting the nearest thing. She sprinted for it just in time.

“Not my grandmother’s Ionian vase!” Cait managed weakly, right before it became… no longer a vase of cultural significance.

“Too late…” Vi muttered, holding her hair back as Cait made sounds that would haunt the vase’s lineage forever. "That’s it love....get it all out."

A few minutes later, Cait was slumped back against the pillow, eyes half-shut, as Vi wiped her face with a damp cloth.

“M’sorry…” she mumbled.

Vi chuckled, brushing hair off her forehead. “Don’t worry about it. Happens to the best of us. Even the ones with family crests.” she smiled kissing her forehead

There was a long pause. Then, in the smallest, most pitiful voice imaginable she whispered, “Vi… "

"Mmmm?" Vi mumbled wiping her temple

"I think I need to pee… and I don’t think I can aim the bathroom.”

"Oh, shit,”

A few minutes later, Caitlyn was sitting on the toilet, her forehead resting on Vi’s shoulder while she crouched beside her, one hand absently rubbing her thigh in comfort.

“You okay?”

“Mmmm…” Cait mumbled into her shoulder

“You done?” Vi asked after a beat

Cait lifted her head, gaze unfocused but full of warmth. “I think so,” she whispered.

Back in bed, Vi slid in behind her, draping an arm over her waist and pressing a kiss to the back of her head.

"Vi Pie" Cait murmured half-buried in the pillow. She laced her fingers  with Vi’s and drifted off to sleep.

Vi just smiled against her hair. "My beautiful disaster" she whispered.


.....


The night in Zaun was thick with fog and fumes, the kind that clung to the back of your throat. A flicker of firelight painted the small room in dull amber hues, the air heavy with the scent of whiskey and old smoke. Outside, some drunk staggered down the cobblestone street, mumbling half a song to himself before kicking an empty can that clattered off into the dark.

Sevika shifted in her sleep, face buried deeper into the pillow, trying to drown out the noise. For a moment, all was still again, until the faint creak of the downstairs door broke through the quiet.

The sound of slow, deliberate footsteps followed.
The floorboards groaned softly beneath the man’s weight as he moved through the dark, muttering something under his breath. Then, thunk. A muffled curse. He’d stumbled over the cat, which hissed and bolted down the hall, nails scratching the wood.

Upstairs, Sevika’s eyes snapped open instantly alert. The haze of sleep evaporated as her body tensed, instincts kicking in like a blade drawn from its sheath.

She didn’t breathe. Just listened. The stairs creaked again. Whoever it was, they were coming up.

Beside her, the woman stirred. Sevika reached over, clamping a hand gently but firmly over her mouth.

The woman’s eyes flew open, startled, she almost screamed, but Sevika’s sharp whisper cut through the dark.

“Shhh.”

The woman’s chest rose fast beneath the blanket, panic rising.

“Get up,” Sevika hissed, voice low but commanding as she slid silently out of bed and grabbed her metal arm from the armchair “Go.. Now!”

“What about you?” the woman mouthed, frozen.

Sevika’s eyes snapped toward the door as another stair groaned. She pointed, firm, urgent toward the hidden side door that led into the adjoining storage crawlspace.

“Move,” she whispered again.

The woman scrambled out of bed, barefoot and trembling, giving Sevika one last terrified glance before disappearing behind the narrow wooden door.

The shadow reached the top of the stairs, and Sevika waited, silent, motionless behind the half-open door.

The man’s steps were heavy, uneven, but sure. He knew where he was going.

As soon as his outline crossed the threshold, she moved. The door slammed into him with a crack, splinters flying as he stumbled back. She didn’t wait for him to recover, she lunged, metal arm cutting through the air in a blur.

But he was ready.

A gleam of steel flashed as he caught her strike mid-swing. Two augmented arms locking against her one crushing the metal. His grin was feral, eyes glassy violet under the shimmer’s burn. “Heard you were tough,” he rasped, voice distorted from the drug’s bite as launched her across the room. She got up took her stance. He hurled twards her. She missed one punch but the other collided with her face.

The impact rattled the room. She staggered back, barely ducking as his next blow shattered the mirror above the dresser. Shards rained down, catching the light of the fire.

Sevika swung her arm wide, smashing him in the ribs. He grunted, but it barely slowed him. Another hit, harder. The force threw her into the wall, the plaster cracking behind her. She spat blood, jaw tightening.

“Come on then,” she snarled, and charged.

They collided in a storm of metal and fury, crashing into furniture, each strike punctuated by the hiss of the shimmer juiced up gears and the crack of bone. The man’s strength was monstrous, each punch like being hit by a cannon. Sevika blocked one, two, but the third caught her in the ribs and sent her sprawling toward the fireplace. Her arm was cut deep from his blade. Pain lanced through her chest as she hit the floor. The fire roared beside her, sparks flying. The man advanced, steps heavy and deliberate.

Her gaze darted to the burning log that had rolled out onto the hearth. She grabbed it, her mechanical fingers hissing as the heat bit into the metal. When he lunged, she drove the flaming wood hard against his leg.

He screamed, the smell of scorched flesh filling the air.

But he didn’t stop.

Roaring, he snatched her by the throat, lifting her clean off the floor. The shimmer made his veins glow like molten glass as he pressed her against the wall. Her boots kicked uselessly, fingers clawing at his arm. Her augmented arm of little use was getting stuck unable to move.

The sound of creaking metal and ragged breaths filled the room.

The edges of her vision began to fade.

Then the gunshot tore through the air, deafening in the small room.

The man jolted. His eyes went wide. The grip on her throat faltered, and he stumbled back before collapsing in a heap beside her.

Sevika dropped to her knees, gasping, her arm bleeding from a long, deep gash where the shimmer-blade had cut her. For a moment, all she could hear was her own pulse pounding in her ears.

Then...soft footsteps.

The woman stood in the doorway, shaking, the gun still trembling in her hand. Tears streaked her face, her lips parted.

The gun clattered to the floor. She fell to her knees beside the other woman.

“Hey…” Sevika rasped, voice rough, her body trembling with exhaustion. The young woman’s eyes were wide with fear and relief all at once. Sevika reached out and brushed a strand of brown hair from the woman’s face with her uninjured hand.

Then she pulled her close.

The girl buried her face against her shoulder, sobbing quietly.

Sevika exhaled, pain ebbing slowly as she pressed her lips to the woman’s temple. “Good job,” she murmured, voice soft and cracked, her arm wrapping protectively around her as the other woman closed her arms around her neck squeezing her tight.


.....

The next morning began with a groan so pitiful it could’ve made the ancestors weep.

Caitlyn peeled one eye open, then immediately regretted it. Sunlight poured through the curtains like divine punishment. Her skull throbbed. Her mouth felt like it had been lined with sandpaper and bad decisions.

“Mmmph,” she mumbled into the pillow. "What’s that noise?” she frowned

From somewhere nearby came a soft snort. “That’d be your hangover.”

Cait turned her head, too fast, and found Vi sprawled beside her, half-dressed, hair a total mess, and looking far too amused for someone who should also be suffering.

“What… what happened?” Cait croaked, wincing as her voice scraped out of her throat. Her hair a tangled mess falling over her shoulders.

“Oh, you know,” Vi said casually, stretching her arms behind her head. “You got smashed, drafted blueprints for new airship, insulted your grandmother’s portrait, and then…” She paused yawning “…had unfortunate encounter with ancient Ionian pottery.”

Cait blinked. “What?”

"Sorry...I didn't have a bucket "Vi nodded solemnly. “A cultural loss for the ages.”

Cait pushed herself up, groaning. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

Vi grinned and pointed toward the corner. Cait followed her gaze and gasped.

The vase sat there a damp cloth draped over the rim like someone had tried to mourn it.

“Shit,” Cait whispered in horror

Vi rolled over kissing the side of her leg with a laugh she failed to suppress.

“It’s not funny!” Cait protested, “That vase survived three generations!”

“Yeah, well, it didn’t survive you,” Vi wheezed, “You absolutely annihilated it, Cupcake.”

“I was unwell"

Vi sat up, smirking. “Is that what we’re calling projectile artistry now?”

"Stoooop!" Cait groaned and buried her face in her hands. “That’s just so gross...I want to die.”

Vi chuckled, leaning over to kiss her temple. “You’re fine. Happens to everyone. You just did it with class.”

Cait peeked up at her suspiciously. “How could vomiting into a priceless family heirloom possibly be described as classy?”

“Well,” Vi said, rubbing her chin against Cait’s leg, “you did say ‘oh my word’ before it happened. That’s classy.”

Cait threw a pillow at her. Vi caught it grinning.

Cait sighed dramatically getting out of bed. “I can’t believe you’re enjoying this.”

“Oh, I’m loving this,” Vi said cheerfully. “You’re adorable when you’re a wreck.”

“I’m never drinking again,” Cait declared into the ceiling.

“Sure you’re not,” Vi teased. “That’s what you said last time after the Firelight party. Remember? You tried to arrest a statue for ‘looking at you suspiciously’.”

Cait groaned louder letting the water run in the shower “I’m surrounded by witnesses to my humiliation.”

“Yup,” Vi said, standing up and stretching. “And Nyx got pictures.”

Cait’s head snapped in her direction. “She what?!”

Vi smirked. “Kidding.”

“I hate you,” she muttered weakly.

“Love you too!”

.....


The crack of a shot split the quiet morning air, echoing through the clearing before dying into stillness. Another target popped up with a hiss, Caitlyn aimed, fired, and missed again. The bullet cut through empty space, thunking uselessly into a tree behind.

Her jaw tightened. She exhaled hard, shaking her head as she reloaded now increasingly getting more irritated with herself with each new shot she made or rather missed.

Her next two shots went wide again, and something inside her snapped.

“Arrrrh!” she yelled sending her rifle flying  through the air. It hit the dirt with a dull thud, bouncing once before resting against a root. She turned away, pressing her back to a tree, and slid down until she was sitting on the cold snow covered ground. Her shoulders shook. She covered her face with one hand, the other pressed against her ribs as if trying to keep the frustration from spilling out completely.

Her good eye burned, the other ached, that dull, constant throb that never quite went away. She’d gotten used to pretending it didn’t bother her. To everyone else, she was fine. Perfectly fine.

The quiet was broken by the soft crunch of boots on leaves.

“...You alright?”

Caitlyn jerked, wiping her tears hastily before looking up. Nyx stood a few paces away, hands shoved awkwardly in her coat pockets, concern etched all over her face.

“I’m fine,” Cait said quickly, the words sharp, practiced, the kind that usually made people back off.

But Nyx didn’t. She tilted her head slightly. “Doesn’t look like fine.”

Caitlyn stood abruptly, brushing dirt off her trousers and avoiding her gaze. “Just a bad day,” she muttered, walking over to where her gun had landed.

Nyx followed her with her eyes but stayed quiet for a moment. “You’ve been out here since dawn. That’s… a lot of bad day for one morning.”

Cait didn’t answer. She picked up the rifle, turning it in her hands as if inspecting it for blame. Her fingers trembled slightly.

“Cait… what’s really going on?” Nyx asked gently.

Something in her tone, not pity, not pressure, just quiet genuine concerned broke the last bit of Caitlyn’s restraint. She sighed, lowering the weapon.

“It’s my eye,” she said finally, her voice trembling. “Since the accident… I can’t aim the way I used to. Depth, focus, it’s all off. I thought I could train it back, but it’s not working.” She swallowed hard. “My good eye gets so tired...overstrained" she huffed irritated with herself "I can’t even hit a stationary target, Nyx.”

Nyx’s brows furrowed, realization dawning. “That’s why you froze in the refinery, isn’t it?” she said softly. “You hesitated... I thought it was fear, but…”

Cait nodded once, barely. “I didn’t trust my shot,” she admitted. “If I’d missed… Vi could’ve been the one to take the hit.”

Silence fell again, heavy but not uncomfortable. Nyx stepped closer, crouching beside her.

“You’re still the best shot I’ve ever seen,” Nyx said, her voice low but firm. “You had one bad morning, that doesn’t make you broken.”

Cait gave a watery laugh, shaking her head. “Tell that to the next person I will have to cover.”

Nyx smiled faintly, then picked up one of the fallen casings, turning it over in her fingers. “You know, sometimes you just have to stop trying so hard. You might surprise yourself.”

Cait looked at her, tears still glinting at the corner of her eye, but this time, she smiled too. It was small, faint, but real.

“Maybe,” she whispered.

Nyx’s gaze drifted down to the rifle in Caitlyn’s hands. She hesitated for a moment before she spoke.

“…Think you could teach me?” she asked quietly.

Caitlyn blinked, turning to her with an incredulous look. “You want me...the woman who just missed six stationary targets in a row to teach you how to shoot?”

Nyx shrugged, a small grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Well, maybe me being worse than you will make you feel better.”

Cait gave her a flat look, but the corner of her lips twitched. “That’s your grand strategy for emotional support?”

“Hey, I’m a people person,” Nyx chuckled standing up offering her a hand "I adapt to my audience.”

Cait rolled her eyes accepting it, the tension around them began to ease.

“Fine,” she said, a reluctant smile finally breaking through. "But don't blame me if don't learn anything."

Nyx grinned “Understood, Captain One-Eye.”

Cait shot her a sharp look, but Nyx could see the faint, genuine amusement flickering there now.

.....


The lake was still, its surface glass-smooth beneath the pale winter light. A faint mist clung to the water, curling and drifting like breath in the cold air. Frost still glimmered on the shrub by the bank, catching the sun in tiny bursts of silver. The only sounds were the quiet ripple of water against the reeds and the occasional soft chatter of birds perched on the bare branches above.

Vi crouched by the tackle bag, her coat collar turned up against the chill. “See, you take the worm like this...yeah, I know, gross, but it’s fine. You just thread it through the hook like you’re stitching something. Careful with your fingers, though, these little bastards bite back.”

Elara giggled, crouching beside her, her breath puffing out in small white clouds. “They don’t bite!”

“They do if you’re rude to ’em,” Vi said with mock seriousness, and the girl laughed again, eyes bright.

Elara’s small hands mimicked Vi’s movements, clumsy at first, but determined. When she finally managed to get the bait on properly, Vi gave her a proud nod. “There you go! Perfect. Told you you’re a natural.”

Elara beamed, her cheeks rosy from the cold. “Now we throw it?”

“Yup. Watch me first.” Vi stood, swung the rod back, and cast the line in a smooth, practiced motion. The lure plopped into the water with a satisfying ripple. “Your turn, kiddo.”

Elara took the rod, tongue poking out in concentration, and threw with all her might. The line went a bit sideways, but it landed in the water nonetheless. Vi clapped her on the shoulder. “That’s my girl. Good throw.”

A little later, they sat side by side by the fire. The rods were propped up nearby, lines drifting lazily across the lake’s surface. Vi handed Elara sandwich wrapped in paper and a small flask of steaming tea. The smell of butter and cheese filled the crisp air.

“One more hour,” Vi said, taking a sip from her own flask. “Then we head back before we freeze solid. Your cheeks are already looking like cherries.”

Elara grinned around a bite of her sandwich. “I’m okay! My coat’s warm.”

“Still, when we get home, we’ll have some sweet bread and hot milk. Sound good?”

Elara nodded eagerly, but the next moment her chewing slowed. Her little face went still, then crumpled. Her eyes welled up, shimmering like the lake water.

“Hey,” Vi said softly, setting her sandwich aside. “What’s wrong?”

Elara’s lip trembled. “Mireen…” Her voice broke. “She… she loved sweet bread. It was her favourite.”

Vi’s heart twisted.

Elara’s shoulders shook, small sobs breaking through the quiet air. “I miss her so much…” she whispered, voice cracking as she tried to keep it together, her mittened hands clutching the sandwich.

Without a word, Vi move the sandwich out of her hands and wrapped her arms around her pulling her close. Elara buried her face into Vi’s chest, and Vi held her tighter, rocking her gently as the girl cried.

“I know, kiddo,” Vi murmured, her voice low and rough. “I know. I miss my sister too.”

They stayed like that for a long moment, the world around them hushed, the lake calm and endless before them. A cold breeze rustled the reeds, but Vi’s embrace stayed warm, steady, grounding.

When Elara finally looked up, eyes puffy and nose red, Vi brushed her hair back gently and smiled faintly. “Tell you what,” she said. “We’ll do something special, yeah? For her.”

Elara sniffled and nodded, managing a small smile through her tears.

"Come on, finish your sandwich now

She wiped her tears in the sleeve and took it out of Vi’s hand.

“Good girl,” Vi whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.


......


Caitlyn adjusted Nyx’s stance with gentle precision, one hand steadying her shoulder, the other lightly nudging her elbow into place.

“Feet apart. Not too wide,” Cait instructed, her tone slipping into that familiar, crisp command she used to wear like armor. “There, yes, now square your hips toward the target. You’re not wrestling it, Nyx, you’re guiding it.”

Nyx snorted. “Guiding it? You sound like you’re teaching me how to dance.”

Cait smirked faintly. “Shooting is a sort of dance. One wrong step, and you hit a tree instead of the target.”

Nyx aimed down the sight, squinting one eye. “You mean like you did?”

“Sut up and focus,” Cait said sharply, but she couldn't hide a smile.

Nyx squeezed the trigger. The rifle barked, and the shot kicked her shoulder back. It went wide, far wide, but Cait actually laughed, a sound so sudden and real that Nyx glanced at her in surprise.

“Not bad,” Cait said with mock seriousness. “You only scared the birds this time.”

Nyx grinned. “So… progress?”

“Minimal,” Cait teased, then took the rifle back. “Let me show you again.”

She reloaded, the motion fluid from habit. For a moment, her expression changed, her breathing slowed, her shoulders eased. Nyx watched as Caitlyn took aim, posture perfect.

The rifle cracked.

The bullet tore through the air and hit the target dead center with a satisfying thunk.

Both women froze.

Caitlyn lowered the rifle slowly, eyes wide. Her lips parted, not in triumph, but disbelief. The shot had felt right, effortless for the first time since the accident.

Nyx broke into a grin. “Well, look at that,” she said softly. “Told you I was good for morale.”

Cait laughed shakily, wiping at her eyes though she wasn’t sure when the tears had come. “Maybe you were,” she murmured, looking back at the distant target.

And for the first time in months, she didn’t feel broken, just human.

.....


Rain slicked the narrow streets of Zaun, turning the cobblestones into mirrors of rippling light. Solan moved through it with purpose, the steady rhythm of his polished boots cutting through the distant hum of machinery and the occasional hiss of a chem vent. A black umbrella shielded him from the drizzle, drops sliding down its edges in silver streaks.

Two ragged kids dashed from an alley, chasing after a ball nearly colliding with him. Solan stopped short, eyes narrowing. The children froze for a moment, then bolted off again, laughing nervously. He exhaled through his nose, not quite a sigh, more an expression of restrained irritation and continued on, the rain tapping steadily against the taut fabric above him.

The street narrowed into one of Zaun’s countless side alleys, where rusted staircases clung to brick walls like ribs. Solan ascended one such flight, the iron slick with rain underneath his gloved hand, creaking faintly beneath his weight. At the top waited a weather-beaten wooden door. He shook out his umbrella, folding it neatly before knocking twice sharply.

It opened a crack.

An elderly woman peered through, small, hunched, eyes like fogged glass. She scanned the alley behind him before unfastening the bolt and letting him in. The smell inside was a blend of oil, metal, and something faintly acrid.

“Evening,” Solan murmured, slipping off his soaked coat and handing it to her along with the umbrella. She nodded silently, vanishing down the corridor as he made his way toward the back room.

The workshop was cramped, lit by the yellow glow of a single desk lamp. Shelves climbed to the ceiling, every inch crammed with mechanical parts, vials, and weapons in various states of completion.

Behind the long scarred table, an older man in round spectacles hunched over a disassembled rifle, soldering iron in hand. He glanced up when Solan entered.

“Mr. Solan,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. “Didn’t expect you til morning.”

“I don’t like waiting,” Solan replied simply, stepping closer. “Is it done?”

The man set down his tools, wiped his hands on a cloth, and turned to the shelf behind him. After a moment’s search, he pulled down a small paper box and opened it. Inside, nestled in dark velvet, lay several gleaming bullets

Solan picked up one between his fingers, holding it under the lamp. The light caught on gold, its casing etched with delicate engraving unmistakably of the Kiramman crest.

“You’re certain these are identical?” His tone was calm, but sharp enough to cut.

The old man nodded quickly. “Every marking, every groove. Exact replicas. I triple-checked the measurements myself.”

Solan turned the bullet once more between his fingers, then set it back in the box. He reached into his coat pocket and dropped a leather pouch onto the table. The coins inside clinked heavily.

“For your effort,” he said evenly, “and a little extra... for your discretion.”

The man’s eyes gleamed. “Always a pleasure doing business, sir.”

Solan’s gaze lingered on him a moment longer. “I may require something else soon. Something… more intricate.”

The man smiled thinly, already pocketing the pouch. “Whatever you need, Mr. Solan. My workshop’s yours.”

Solan gave a single nod, took the box, and turned toward the door. As he left, the rain outside swelled louder, drowning the sound of the lock sliding shut behind him.

.....

The walk back was slow and peaceful, snow crunching softly beneath their boots. The sun had already begun its lazy descent behind the pines, painting the world in a faint golden haze. A few flakes drifted from the sky again, lazy and light, catching in Elara’s hair.

Vi reached over and tugged the girl’s hat down snug over her ears.

Elara giggled, brushing a mittened hand over her nose. “Your nose is red loke your hair” she teased.

“No shit....It’s freezing" Vi said with a grin, slinging the fishing bag over her shoulder as they trudged through the snow.

Elara laughed, skipping a few steps ahead. “Are we gonna eat the fish?”

“Absolutely,” Vi replied, stuffing her hands into her pockets. “We’ll cook it up for dinner.”

Elara’s eyes widened. “Zaun way?”

Vi smirked, giving her a wink. “Is there any other way?”

They were both laughing when a familiar voice called out across the white fields.

“Vi!”

She turned, spotting Caitlyn and Nyx approaching through the snow, bundled in their coats. Caitlyn’s scarf fluttered in the breeze, and Nyx was half-laughing, half-slipping her way down the small slope.

Ones they were close Elara was already bouncing in place, “Look what we caught!” she said proudly, holding up the small tin bucket showing it to them.

Caitlyn smiled warmly, crouching down a little to inspect the catch. “Oh waaw...look at that. You’ve outdone yourself.”

Elara beamed with pride. “Vi said we’re gonna cook them for dinner!”

"Did she?” Caitlyn smiled looking up at Vi, “then I suppose you better set an extra plates for us.”

As Nyx and Elara fell into easy chatter about fishing, Elara enthusiastically explaining bait, hooks, and how Vi almost dropped the tea into the lake Caitlyn stepped up beside Vi. Their eyes met, soft and fond. She leaned in pressing a quick kiss to Vi’s lips "I see you two had a nice time together."

"We had a great time.You?" Vi reached for Caitlyn’s gloved hand, interlacing their fingers.

“You’ll be proud of me,” she said, voice low. “I hit the target today.”

Vi smiled, that half-smirk that always made Cait’s heart skip. “Knew you would. Never doubted it for a second.” She lifted her hand to her lips pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

Caitlyn’s smile warmed, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. She slipped closer until their sides brushed, her arm winding around Vi’s waist. Vi did the same, pulling her in as they walked, their steps falling into the same slow rhythm.

The four of them made their way back toward the Kiramman estate, a mismatched little group, trailing footprints through the snow as the light faded into a quiet, golden dusk.

.....

Rain streaked down the shining lanes of Piltover, soft and steady, like the rhythm of a metronome guiding the city’s evening hush. A short man on a bicycle pushed through it, his boots splashing in shallow puddles, his dark-blue postman’s coat weighed down by the weather. The hood hung low over his face, doing little to spare him from the chill that crept through even the thickest wool.

He pedalled carefully along the polished streets, the faint glow of the lanterns reflecting off brass railings and rain-washed cobblestones. Turning up the winding lane toward the Kiramman estate, he gave a polite nod to the guard stationed by the wrought-iron gate. The guard, recognizing him, raised a hand in acknowledgment, and the postman carried on through the side path to the service entrance behind the mansion.

There, beside a stack of wooden crates and a row of neatly coiled hoses, he dismounted and leaned his bicycle against the wall. With a gloved hand, he brushed the rain from his sleeves before giving three firm knocks on the door.

A moment later, the door opened to the familiar face of one of the maids.

“Evenin’, Mister Pinch,” she greeted warmly, stepping aside to let him in.

“Evenin’, miss,” he replied, tipping his cap as he stepped across the threshold. “Right dreadful night for a ride, that’s for certain.”

“Oh, you’re soaked through!” she said with a sympathetic cluck, closing the door against the wind. “Come along now, I’ll fetch you a cup of tea to warm you up.”

“That’d be lovely,” he said, stamping his boots lightly on the mat before following her toward the kitchen.

The warmth of the great house enveloped him as they walked. The scent of baking bread and roasted vegetables drifted from the kitchen.

Down the hall came Wilks, his posture impeccable even as he carried a ledger under one arm.

“Ah, Mister Pinch,” he said smoothly, “still braving the elements, I see.”

“Couldn’t let a bit of weather stop the post,” the man chuckled, tugging off his gloves. “Though, I’ll admit, I’ve got a curious one for you tonight. Says it’s for Miss Nyx, but it’s addressed here the Kiramman residence. Thought I’d best deliver it straight, just to be sure.”

Wilks frowned ever so slightly. “Miss Nyx, you say?”

“Indeed,” Mister Pinch said as he followed into the kitchen, where the fire crackled warmly. “Not a return address either. Bit odd, that.”

Dora turned from the stove, her round face flushed from the heat. “You’re at the right place,” she said, setting a steaming cup of tea before him. “Miss Nyx is stayin’ with Miss Kiramman. Lovely girl, quiet though, not one for much chatter.”

“That so?” Pinch said, pulling the cup close and letting the warmth seep into his chilled hands. “Well then, that clears it up a bit.” He reached into his satchel and withdrew a small parcel, wrapped neatly in brown paper and tied with string. He set it on the kitchen table with a soft thud.

Wilks studied it, brow furrowed. “And no indication who sent it?”

“None,” the postman said. “Just her name. That’s what’s got me puzzled.”

Dora and Wilks exchanged a glance, the kind that passed unspoken understanding between those who’d long served under the same roof.

“Perhaps you ought to let Mr. Tobias know,” Dora murmured.

“Quite right,” Wilks replied, adjusting his spectacles. “Best not to take chances.”

The parcel sat there quietly on the table, unassuming yet oddly present, as if waiting. But the moment lightened quickly as Dora turned back to the stove.

“Now then,” she said with a cheery tone, “no sense in fretting over mystery parcels on a night like this. Tell me, Mister Pinch, will you be goin’ to the Winter Festival this year?”

He smiled, taking a long sip of tea. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Only decent bit of winter in all of Piltover, if you ask me.”

“Ha!” Dora laughed, clapping her hands together. “Ain’t that the truth. Can’t wait for the decorations to go up. House feels all empty till the garlands are out and the fires are roaring.”

Wilks allowed himself a faint, approving smile. “Indeed. The Kiramman household does take pride in its festivities.”

Outside, the rain continued its soft percussion against the windows, and for a little while, the grand estate’s kitchen felt like the coziest corner in all of Piltover, a small, warm world of clinking teacups, friendly chatter, and secrets waiting quietly on the table.

.....

Snow crunched softly beneath their boots as Caitlyn and Vi made their way back toward the house, the world around them hushed and silver under pale evening sun. Their breath hung in the cold air, white clouds that drifted and disappeared. The quiet whisper of wind sweeping over the snow-covered hills.

Then ...whump!

A snowball exploded against Caitlyn’s back, splattering across her dark navy coat. She froze, shoulders tensing, and turned slowly.

Elara stood a few paces behind, mittens halfway to her mouth, eyes wide as saucers. “I....I was aiming for Vi,” she stammered, voice trembling.

Nyx snorted, trying and failing to hold back a giggle. “Oh, you’re so dead.”

Elara shot her a horrified look. “You’re not helping!”

Caitlyn’s brow arched in mock severity as she crouched, scooping up a handful of snow. “You’ve got five seconds to find cover, young lady.”

Elara squeaked, eyes darting around in panic. “Five seconds?! That’s not enough...”

“Four!” Caitlyn warned, packing the snow tightly in her gloved hand.

Vi chuckled from beside her. “You’re screwed, kid. She’s just got her aim back.”

“Three!”

Elara yelped and bolted toward the nearest tree. “Nooo! Mercy!”

The snowball flew. It hit her square in the back, bursting apart in a shower of white. Elara gasped dramatically and dove behind the tree, peeking out with an exaggerated glare.

Caitlyn was already rolling another. “Peek-a-boo,” she said sweetly just as she let it fly.

It missed by an inch, thunking into the trunk beside Elara’s head.

Before Caitlyn could reload, something cold and solid smacked against her shoulder, exploding in a burst of icy powder. She blinked, stunned, then turned toward Vi, who was standing there with the guiltiest grin imaginable and another snowball already forming in her hand.

“Oh, you didn’t,” Caitlyn said, mock outrage dripping from every syllable.

Vi smirked, shrugging one shoulder. “Should’ve seen it coming, Cupcake.”

Elara peeked out again, emboldened now. “Get her, Vi!”

“Traitor!” Caitlyn laughed, launching another snowball in her direction.

Within seconds, Nyx joined in, cackling as she pelted Vi in the arm, which only made Vi target her. Snow flew in every direction, laughter echoing across the frozen clearing as Caitlyn ducked behind Vi for cover, Vi “accidentally” stepped aside, and Elara shrieked in triumph when she managed a direct hit on Caitlyn’s hat.

By the time they called a truce, all four were breathless and dusted white from head to toe, the night around them sparkling with the magic of shared laughter, the kind that made the cold melt away, if only for a little while.

.....

Steam still hung in the air, curling softly against the tiled walls, the faint scent of lilac soap and damp warmth lingering. Caitlyn stepped out of the shower first, water trailing down her pale skin as she reached for a towel. Vi followed soon after, shaking her hair and laughing quietly under her breath.

“Didn’t think Elara would be so good with a fishing rod,” Vi said as she rubbed the towel over her shoulders. “Kid nearly caught my hand instead of the bait once, though. Thought she’d never stop giggling...She was freezing and wouldn't admit it....”

Her voice trailed off.

Caitlyn stood by the mirror. Her fingers reached up, peeling away the damp eyepatch. She set it aside carefully on the counter, her hand hesitating as her gaze lingered on her reflection. The faint, jagged scar that ran across her left eyelid caught the light, a mark of everything she’d endured. She looked at herself in silence, her expression tightening, the flicker of self-loathing shadowing her features.

Vi stilled. She didn’t need to ask. She’d seen that look before, too many times in the quiet moments after battle, or in the stillness of early mornings when Cait thought she was alone.

Setting her towel aside, Vi stepped closer.

“Hey,” she murmured softly, pressing a kiss to Caitlyn’s bare shoulder. Her lips brushed warm against damp skin. “You look beautiful.” she murmured into her skin.

Caitlyn exhaled, a sound between a sigh and a scoff. “It’s repulsive,” she said quietly, her voice trembling despite the effort to sound composed. “I can hardly stand to look at it.”

Vi’s hand slid down her arm, fingers tracing gently over the skin that Caitlyn called flawed. “Bullshit,” she whispered, her tone low but certain.

Their eyes met in the mirror, Caitlyn’s uncertain, Vi’s unshakably steady.

Vi leaned in until her lips brushed just below Caitlyn’s ear. “There’s not a damn thing about you that isn’t beautiful.”

Caitlyn’s throat tightened. She wanted to argue, to pull away but then Vi kissed her shoulder again, slow and deliberate, and the fight began to melt out of her. Her breath hitched as Vi’s mouth found the side of her neck, soft kisses trailing warmth against skin still cool from the air.

Her eyes fluttered closed. She felt Vi’s hands move over her arms, her waist, not claiming, not demanding, just holding. Reminding her she was here. Alive. Loved.

Vi turned  her slowly to meet her gaze face to face rather than through the glass. Her fingers  cupped her face, thumbs brushing gently over her cheeks. Her voice dropped to a whisper, rough with emotion. “You’re the strongest person I know. And the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Scars don’t change that Cait. They’re just... the proof you survived what tried to break you.”

Tears welled in Caitlyn’s eyes before she could stop them, spilling down her cheeks in silent trails. Her breath hitched, but Vi didn’t hesitate, she pulled her in, wrapping her arms around her holding her tight. She buried her face in the crook of Vi’s neck, her shoulders trembling as she let herself finally break.

Vi’s hand slid up, her fingers cupping the back of Caitlyn’s head, her touch firm and grounding. “Hey,” she murmured softly, pressing a kiss into Caitlyn’s damp hair. “It’s alright, love. I’ve got you.”

Caitlyn’s voice came out as a whisper, fragile and full of everything she felt. “I love you..… so much.”

Vi closed her eyes, her chest tightening at the words. She started to reply, but Caitlyn lifted her head. Her lips finding Vi’s.

It was slow, trembling, and real. A kiss that carried every word she couldn’t say, every fear and every bit of love she felt. Vi’s hands framed her face again, her thumbs brushing away the last of her tears as she deepened the kiss, steady and sure.

Vi lifted Caitlyn onto the counter, the movement slow, deliberate.

“Mmmm!” Caitlyn yelped into her lips, immediately wriggling.

Vi froze. “What? Did I hurt you?”

“No,” Caitlyn laughed, squirming. “It’s just cold! The marble’s freezing!”

Vi’s grin spread instantly. “Oh really?...Poor bumm” she teased, resting her hands on Caitlyn’s hips. “Should I warm it up for you?”

"Yes please" Caitlyn giggled, swatting at her shoulder, but her laughter softened into a smile when she saw the glint in Vi’s eyes, mischievous, yes, but filled with affection.

The teasing faded to quiet warmth as Vi’s hands slid up, framing Caitlyn’s face. Her thumbs brushed gently over her skin, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. Her gaze lingered, warm, steady, filled with a quiet hunger that made Caitlyn’s pulse quicken.

Vi leaned in, pressing her lips to forehead, then her cheek, each kiss deeper, slower, like she was memorising the taste of her skin. When she reached the scarred eyelid the kiss she placed there was feather-light, reverent, almost worshipful, as though she were blessing what Caitlyn wished to hide.

A soft sound escaped Caitlyn’s lips, half a sigh, half a shiver. Her eyes fluttered closed as Vi’s mouth traced a path to her nose, then her other cheek, every touch setting her nerves alight. Her hands slid up Vi’s arms, over the strength of her shoulders, until they were tangled in her hair, drawing her closer.

When their lips finally met, it was deep and hungry, a clash of longing and love that left no space between them. Vi’s hands gripped Caitlyn’s waist, pulling her forward until her legs wrapped around her hips. The kiss deepened, slow, desperate, full of everything they wanted say out loud.

Vi grinned, a mischievous glint lighting her eyes as she hooked her hands under Caitlyn’s thighs and lifted her clean off the counter. Caitlyn let out a startled laugh, arms instinctively wrapping around Vi’s shoulders.

“Vi! Put me down before we both end up on the floor!” she giggled, clinging tighter

“I’ve got you,” Vi said, half-serious, half-teasing as she started toward the bedroom. “

“Arrrh...I don't think so..."Caitlyn laughed, squirming slightly as Vi wobbled a step.

"Give me some credit" Vi said with mock offense Then her foot caught on a pair of trousers lying in their path.

They stumbled forward with a yelp, bumping hard into the doorframe. Caitlyn burst out laughing, one hand flying out to steady them against the wood.

“Vi! What on earth are you doing?” she said between laughs, still half-dangling from her arms.

“Trying to be romantic!” Vi protested, eyes wide with mock indignation as she regained balance. “It was going so well until your fucking laundry attacked me.”

“My laundry? You’re the one who left your trousers there!”

"And you left your shoes...Technicalities,” Vi said, completely unapologetic, grinning as she started walking again, much slower this time.

By the time they reached the bed, both were laughing so hard Vi could barely keep hold of her. She dropped Caitlyn onto the mattress with a soft thud.

“Well,” Caitlyn said, catching her breath, “that was... smooth.”

“Flawlessly executed,” Vi said, still grinning. “Very romantic. Ten out of ten. Maybe even eleven.”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “Eleven....You wish....You tripped over your own trousers.”

“Minor setback,” Vi said grabbing Caitlyn’s ankle moving her leg aside as she was arempting to joing her on a bed. “It was part of the choreography.”

Caitlyn laughed, nudging her stomach playfully with her other foot. “Mhm. There’s always room for improvement.”

Vi’s grin widened. “Oh, is that right? I’ll show you improvement.”

Caitlyn smirked, eyes sparkling. “You’re welcome to try.”

Before Caitlyn could react, Vi caught her ankle and gave a playful tug, sliding her effortlessly across the bed until Caitlyn yelped in surprise and burst out laughing.

“Vi!” she squealed, trying to squirm away.

“Oh no, you don’t,” Vi said, feigning seriousness as she restled her long legs trying to get closer. “You question my skills, you get consequences.”

“Consequences?” Caitlyn teased, biting back a grin fighting  her with her legs and arms “What kind of consequences?”

“The kind where I prove I’m more than good enough,” Vi said, her tone low but playful as she restled her.

Caitlyn pretended to think, tilting her head with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Promises promises... I don’t know. Jury’s still out.”

Before Caitlyn could react, Vi moved fast grinning as she wrestled Caitlyn’s legs back onto the bed. With a playful growl, she leaned in, pinning both of Caitlyn’s wrists above her head with one hand.

“Hey!” Caitlyn laughed, squirming beneath her. “That’s not fair!”

“Life’s not fair,” Vi said, voice low but playful, her grin widening as she lowered her head to kiss along Caitlyn’s neck.

Caitlyn tried to keep up the teasing, her laughter faltering into a shaky breath. “Y-yeah, I mean, there’s... still some...”

She gasped softly as Vi’s lips found a particularly sensitive spot, and the rest of her sentence dissolved into helpless moan.

“What was that Cupcake?,” Vi said against her skin, clearly pleased with herself. “That’s what I thought.”

Caitlyn gave up trying to sound smug. Her fingers tangling in Vi’s hair. Legs wrapping around her waist as she felt herself falling deeper into the mattress.

“Damn right,” Vi said, smiling against her neck before lifting her head, her expression equal parts triumph and affection.

Cait smiled, her thumb rubbing that familiar little spot right by Vi’s ear before pulling her into a kiss. Deep, slow and passionate.

She closed her eyes, tilting her head back, lips parting as a flush spread across her cheeks. Vi’s lips traced a slow, burning path down her skin, each touch igniting a trail of fire that left her breathless and trembling.

Each kiss a promise, each touch a declaration. Caitlyn's breath hitched, her body arching slightly as Vi's hands explored every curve, every line, as if memorizing a map. Her lips sealing themselves on her breast.

Cait’s eyes fluttered open, fingers threading through Vi’s red hair as she watched her lover explore and worship every inch of her.

The room was alive with the sound of their breaths, ragged, heavy, expectant,  the air dense with anticipation. Every shift, every movement made the bed creak beneath them

As Vi continued the hot trail down her stomach. Cait arched her back, small moans leaving her mouth. Her fingers gripping Vi's shoulders giving her small nudge.

Vi kissed her hipbone then lower still, her fingers danced along the line where the other woman wanted  her most, teasing the sensitive skin just below. Caitlyn squirmed, her hips lifting slightly, a silent invitation.

Vi grinned, her eyes meeting Caitlyn's with a mischievous glint. "Patience, my love," she murmured, her voice low and husky, sending shivers down Caitlyn's spine.

Slowly, deliberately, she traced a path down Caitlyn's thighs, her lips and tongue leaving a trail of sensation. Caitlyn's fingers gripped the sheets, her knuckles white as she tried to maintain some semblance of control. Vi's touch was both tender and demanding, a dance of passion and love that left Caitlyn breathless.

When she finally reached the apex of Caitlyn's thighs, she paused, her breath hot against her most intimate place. Caitlyn's hips lifted in a silent plea, and Vi finally complied, her lips sealing themselves on her, exploring with a skill that made Caitlyn's eyes roll back.

"Vi..." she gasped, her voice a mix of pleasure and desperation.

Vi's hands gripped her hips, holding her in place as she continued her assault on Caitlyn's senses. Each stroke, each suckle of her lips, was a testament to the depth of their connection, a love that transcended the physical.

Her lovers body responded, her hips moving in rhythm with Vi chasing the pleasure that built with each touch. Then Vi's fingers joined the dance, slipping inside her with ease that made Caitlyn cry out, her back arching off the bed, fingers digging into the pillow as she felt herself sinking deeper.

"Violet...Please...." she begged, her body trembling on the edge of release that the other woman purposely denied her keeping her suspended on the edge.

Caitlyn’s hand struck Vi’s shoulder, fingers pressing into her skin with a hunger that left no room for doubt. Her hips lifting off the mattress.

A low hum escaped Vi’s throat, the sound vibrating against Caitlyn’s skin as her rhythm shifted, firmer, deliberate in its intensity.. She knew exactly what Caitlyn needed, and she was determined to give it to her.

Everything else fell away, there was only Vi and the rush of pleasure surging through her. Caitlyn’s body tightened, every muscle coiled, pleasure rising and spiralling higher until it threatened to swallow her whole. Her every nerve was alive, her body strung tight, trembling on the edge of release she could feel just out of reach. Her fingers gripped Vi's hair tugging, urging.

And then it finally came, the moment slammed into her, a surge of pleasure so sharp it bordered on pain. Caitlyn gasped out Vi’s name, her body arching, convulsing as the release ripped through her. When it passed, she melted against the sheets, spent and shaking. Vi’s touch softened, tracing light circles over her skin, easing her back to calm.

As Caitlyn drifted back to herself, her fingers found Vi’s, lacing together in a grip that said more than words ever could.

Vi looked up, eyes soft and luminous, a love so deep it made Caitlyn’s chest ache. “Come here, darling,” Caitlyn whispered, her voice thick with feeling.

Vi’s lips curved into a gentle, tender smile. She brushed a soft kiss against Caitlyn’s leg, moving slowly, deliberately, savoring the closeness as she crawled up her body.

When their lips met, it was a kiss that held everything, warmth, trust, and the quiet joy of being exactly where they belonged. Their breaths mingled, hearts pressed close, and for a moment, nothing else existed but the two of them.

Caitlyn wrapped her arms around Vi, holding her close, their bodies fitting together as if made for one another. “I love you,” she murmured against Vi’s lips, her voice heavy with a depth of feeling that left no room for doubt.

Vi let out a soft, contented sigh, her body melting into Caitlyn’s embrace. “Love you too, Cupcake,” she whispered, her voice low and warm, pressing a gentle kiss to Caitlyn’s temple. “More than words could ever say.”

They stayed like that, entwined and still, their bodies humming with quiet warmth. For a while, the world outside ceased to exist, there was only them, only this perfect, fleeting moment of togetherness.


.....

The room was quiet now, save for the steady rhythm of their breathing and the faint hum of the forest beyond the window. Caitlyn lay tucked against Vi’s side, her lips brushing soft, lazy kisses over Vi’s cheek, her jaw, the edge of the scar on her lip. Vi hummed contentedly, one arm draped around her waist, fingers tracing idle shapes along Caitlyn’s spine.

After a while, Vi chuckled, voice still rough and low. “We really should get up. I’ve got an impatient kid downstairs waitin’ for her fish to be fried.”

Caitlyn smiled against her skin, eyes still closed. “Not so fast,” she murmured, shifting slightly so she could press a kiss to Vi’s shoulder. Her fingers found Vi’s hand on the pillow, lacing their fingers together.

Vi turned her head, eyebrow lifting in amusement. “You want something Cupcake?”

Caitlyn tilted her head up, a playful glint in her sapphire gaze. “It’s my turn,” she said softly, the corners of her mouth curving in that way that always made Vi’s heart stutter.

Vi grinned, leaning down until their noses brushed. “You planning on makin’ me late?”

Caitlyn’s voice was a whisper against her lips. “Desperately.”

Vi laughed quietly, the sound low and warm as she tightened her hold around Caitlyn. “Guess the kid can wait a bit longer.”

Caitlyn smiled, the kind that reached her eyes  tender, mischievous, utterly in love. “Correct observation.” she kissed her again, her hand slipping underneath the covers palming Vi’s stomach, tracing the tight muscles then lower still.

Vi tightened her grip around her and rolled her onto her back again, both of them laughing softly between kisses.


"Hey ...I said my turn missy." Cait pouted

.....


The Kiramman summer house kitchen was alive with light and laughter. The soft glow of lanterns and the flicker of the brass range cast a golden warmth over the room, dancing across the tiled floor. The stained-glass windows shimmered faintly in the dim light, their painted wild meadow flowers glowing like jewels against the darkness outside. Beyond the arched doorway, the conservatory was a shadowed sea of green, the faint scent of rosemary, mint, thyme, and lemon balm drifting in through the open door mingling with the sharper tang of onions and the fresh salt of the fish.

The kitchen itself was a picture from another era, a long oak table at its heart, worn smooth by years of family meals, surrounded by shelves lined with gleaming copper pots and pans. The great brass range along the wall hissed softly, its warmth filling the air as kindling popped beneath the iron grates.

Gearhand and Jorin stood shoulder to shoulder by the sink, sleeves rolled up, cleaning fish with expert precision. Nyx, perched at the counter with a grin too mischievous for her own good, was chopping vegetables, or at least trying to, between stealing glances at Caitlyn and snickering.

Caitlyn, meanwhile, had been given the most perilous of jobs, onions. Her eye watered mercilessly as she blinked through the tears, the knife slipping on the cutting board. “I swear these things are plotting against me,” she muttered, wiping at her eye with the back of her wrist.

“Oh, sure,” Nyx teased, leaning on her elbow. “Blame the onions. It’s not that you’re cutting them like you’re negotiating with a peace treaty or anything.”

“Very funny,” Caitlyn sniffled, blinking furiously. “I’ll have you know my knife skills are...”

“.mma danger to everyone in this room,” Nyx finished, ducking just in time as the onion flicked past her ear.

Elara, balanced carefully on a chair by the stove, stirred a pot of sauce with exaggerated seriousness. “Leave Auntie Caitie alone!” she declared, glaring at Nyx with all the righteous fury a small child could muster.

The room broke into laughter. Caitlyn chuckled through her watery eye, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on Elara’s head. “Thank you, sweetheart. At least someone’s on my side.”

Vi, peeling potatoes in the corner, grinned. “Looks like you’ve been officially adopted, Cupcake. Auntie Caitie’s got quite the fanbase.”

Caitlyn arched a brow. “Oh really? And what does that make you then?”

“Obviously,” Vi said, flicking a bit of potato peel in her direction, “the scary wife who keeps everyone in line.”

“Oh please,” Nyx said, smirking. “You’re about as scary as a wet towel when she’s around.”

Vi’s grin turned sly as she set down the potato and stretched her arms with mock menace. “Careful, kid. I’ve wrestled worse than onion-chopping aristocrats and mouthy apprentices before breakfast.”

“Hey!” Caitlyn protested, giggling. “Don’t lump me in with her!”

Before Vi could shoot back another quip, Gearhand turned from the sink, waving a half-cleaned fish like a pointer. “Speaking of lumping, I’m still waiting to hear how you got so good at peeling potatoes, Cupcake’s muscle. You didn’t pick that up in any fancy academy.”

Vi grinned, tossing another peeled spud into the bowl with a soft plunk. “Stillwater,” she said simply.

The room went quiet for half a beat, just long enough for Nyx’s eyebrows to shoot up. "No way. Did you work in the kitchen?”

Vi smirked, clearly pleased with the attention. "Sometimes...Mostly when I beat the shit out of someone....Or someone  beat the shit out of me."

Caitlyn groaned. “Oh, here we go…Please don't talk about being beaten up."

"They asked!" She shrugged and continued "Anyways....Some jerk thought he could take a swing at me over a card game. I pulled him up on it. Long story short, he lost his teeth, I lost my so called freedom for a week, and the warden decided my talents were best used peeling potatoes.”

Gearhand burst out laughing. “So you’re tellin’ me the Zaunite terror of Piltover spent a week as the potato girl?”

"Three weeks... I got into a fightin in the kitchen few days later!” Vi said nonchalant

waving her peeler.

"Gods to be hold" Caitlyn pinched the bridge of her nose shaking her head

”It's a hard labour! Those spuds don’t peel themselves!”

Jorin leaned back against the table, crossing his arms, grinning wide. “Aye, but I bet the poor bloke you flattened was wishin’ he’d peeled the potatoes instead.”

“Probably,” Vi said, smirking. “He had a lot of time to think about his choices from the infirmary.”

Nyx was nearly doubled over laughing, her knife forgotten. “I can see Vi, standing there, surrounded by potatos, glaring at everyone like, ‘one more joke and you’re next.’”

Caitlyn was laughing too now, her face pink from both the onions and the amusement. “Let me guess, you peeled them all in record time out of sheer spite?”

Vi gave her a wink. “Fastest hands in Stillwater, babe.”

"Is that what Cait calls you?" Nyx laughed and ducked again as another onion flew her way

Jorin clapped the counter, laughing. “Fingers babe, fingers"

"I don't understand" Elara frowned from the stove

The entire kitchen erupted. Vi actually dropped her peeler, cackling. “They’re talking about boxing kid." she said through laughter bearley managing to breathe

Gearhand laughed so much he was wiping tears from his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Careful there, or you're gonna get fish spleen in your eye mate" Jorin laughed

The rest if the evening the kitchen hummed with easy laughter and chatter, the clatter of knives, the pop of the range fire, the smell of frying fish already beginning to fill the air. For all their teasing, the room felt like something rare and precious, a family, messy and loud and full of love.

Vi lifted her glass of wine, catching Caitlyn’s eye across the table. For a heartbeat, the noise and laughter around them seemed to fade, leaving only the quiet understanding that passed between them. It was a small, perfect moment carved out of a mountain of troubles, a brief reprieve where they allowed themselves to simply be, and to forget the world waiting beyond these walls.


.....


The Vandergale estate stood on the upper terraces of Piltover, its marble façade gleaming faintly under the city’s lamplight. Inside, the house was quiet, save for the low hum of the city beyond the tall arched windows. In the study, Councilor Alaric Vandergale sat behind a polished mahogany desk, the soft glow of brass lamps reflecting off glass decanters and framed commendations lining the walls.

The air smelled faintly of pipe smoke and ink. Papers were neatly arranged in front of him, correspondence sealed with the Vandergale crest in gold wax. With a satisfied sigh, he rolled the last of the letters and slid it into a pneumatic tube, the hiss of air swallowing it into the network beneath the city.

He leaned back in his chair, loosening his cravat, the weight of the day pressing at his temples. Standing, he crossed to the liquor cabinet, a grand thing of dark oak and etched glass and poured himself a measure of amber brandy. The liquid caught the lamplight like fire.

Outside, the city was still.

Across the wide street, high on a rooftop cloaked in shadow, a man lay prone behind a scoped rifle. His breath came slow and steady, each exhale misting faintly in the night air. Through the scope, the crosshairs hovered on the window of Vandergale’s study.

Inside, Alaric lifted his glass, admiring the play of light through the crystal. He raised it slightly, murmuring something to himself, a toast only he would ever hear.

A sharp crack split the quiet.

For a moment, he thought the sound had come from the glass which now spidered in his hand, brandy spilling over his fingers. But confusion turned to horror as warmth bloomed across his chest. He looked down, seeing the dark stain spreading through his fine silk shirt.

The glass slipped from his grip, shattering against the floor. His legs gave out, and he fell heavily beside the rug, breath gurgling as blood pooled beneath him.

Across the street, the shooter exhaled once, calm and efficient. The rifle was disassembled in seconds, pieces stowed into a sleek case. Within moments, he vanished into the shadows, leaving only silence behind.


.....

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