I apologize for the short chapter but I thought it would be better to let this part stand alone. I promise smiles for the next one, no worries!
Also Crossoverlines on deviantART made a fanart of the last chapter. Link in my profile.
Vi's sudden question caught Caitlyn completely off guard. Sure she had already asked herself the same earlier after the argument with Jayce; her conclusion being she did love Vi but as a friend. But now... Now she was sure there was something more. She didn't know if it was just the proximity or the fact that she could hear Vi's heart beating as fast as her own; but fact is, there was a warm fuzzy feeling spreading inside her, giving her the famous butterflies in her stomach she had heard about. She gathered all her resolve and finally opened her eyes, her gaze meeting the enforcer's.
"Vi... I..."
"I'm sorry. That was such a silly question, wasn't it? Of course you love me, otherwise you wouldn't put up with all the mess I cause everyday!" Vi cut her off, laughing nervously. "You're such a good friend cupcake."
She awkwardly broke the embrace and patted Caitlyn gently on the head with one of her massive gauntlets. The sheriff raised an eyebrow in confusion and frowned as she was patted like a puppy by the pink haired woman, who kept laughing nervously while scratching the back of her head with her other hand. The brunette had no idea why Vi would suddenly back off after asking such question, but she sure intended to know. However when she opened her mouth to say something, Vi cut her off again.
"Oh look at the time, I should probably get going." The enforcer spoke awkwardly while eying the clock. "I'll see you uh... later I guess. Goodnight Cait."
She turned on her heel to leave but a sudden and particularly loud crack of thunder, followed by the sound of heavy rain, cut her intentions short. 'Just great...Stupid weather', she thought to herself. She really wished she could avoid yet another confrontation; knowing Caitlyn like she did, the sheriff wouldn't rest until Vi revealed her true intentions concerning that problematic question.
But if Cait dared to ask, she would tell her the truth. Even tho she feared the inevitable rejection which would most likely lead to awkward situations and shatter her heart to pieces. 'I'm not a 'wuss'. I'll be just fine... I guess.'
"You can stay here for the night. The couch isn't very large or comfortable but... Its the best I can offer." The sheriff spoke quietly. "I will grab you some blankets and a pillow."
Vi could swear there was a hint of sadness on Caitlyn's words... Or maybe it was just exhaustion. Either way, when she turned around to face her, the brunette was already gone. She did come back a few seconds later with the promised blankets and the pillow; the objects being gently dropped on the couch.
"Thank you cupcake." Vi half smiled. "And I'm sorry for the trouble."
"Hm. Goodnight Vi."
"Goodnight."
The enforcer watched with regret as the sheriff turned her back on her and left to her own room. Taking a deep breath, Vi slipped her gauntlets off and unfolded the blankets, making her bed for the night. After being happy enough with the result, she turned the lights off and sat down, rubbing her face with both hands in frustration. During the brief exchange of words, Caitlyn's gaze had been glued to the floor the entire time, making Vi wonder if the sheriff was somewhat hurt. She had seen the resolve in her eyes when their gazes met, like she was about to spill her heart out. And somehow she had been stupid enough to back off at the last second.
As she kept replaying the same scene over and over in her head, what seemed like a muffled sob brought her back to reality. She quickly got up and took a few steps towards Caitlyn's bedroom, stopping only a few inches away from the door. The sobs soon became mixed with sound of thunder and rain as Vi just stood there, motionless.
She thought about just opening the door, walking to her and embracing her, tell her everything that was going through her mind... But she couldn't bring herself to. Jayce's words still lingered, haunting her every thought.
'A nuisance. A complete brute.' She whispered to herself as her right hand slowly touched the door in front of her. 'I'm so sorry cupcake... you deserve so much better...'
And then there was nothing but tears and rain.
