The Most Undoing Thing

by BlehBluhBlah

Several years after the Split, Piltover and Zaun's symbiotic societies are on the cusp of prospering. With a bright future on the way for many Pilties—and even some Zaunites—Jinx is left with nothing but wonder for what her future entails. But what's she to do when her path leads down to the pair of orphaned Zaunites: bombardier Zel and pickpocketer Evi? Simple: do better.

18. Chapter 18

A/N: Apologies for the massive delay/mini hiatus everyone! Lot had happened over the past few months. Things just started piling up and a lot of things started happening in my home, so I had to pull attention away from TMUT in the meantime. I must state how incredibly grateful I am that not only have you all been so patient and understanding, but also that you'e been REALLY eager and excited for this story. And while it was SUPPOSED to come out yesterday, I had some editing issues along with internet problems. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

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Chapter Summary: For the first time ever, Jinx and her kids head Topside for an actual social visit: spending time with her sister and sister-in-law.

Word Count: 23,620

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—JINX—

Today was gonna be Hell.

Not for the reason that they were going up Topside, not for the reason that they were gonna have lunch and maybe dinner at the Kiramman Manor, or for the reason that she'd be seeing Cassandra Kiramman herself. No, it was the fact that her brats were already begrudging about coming with her. Jinx had assured them that they didn't need to come if they didn't want to, that she was fine to do it on her own, but they both asserted that they're family. Which meant having to look out for each other and sticking together.

Was it a sweet notion? Yes. Was it really needed? No.

Jinx told the kids that she trusted her sister and Caitlyn for no funny business, but it still didn't deter their caution. Sure, she had her usual gear on her, but Jinx never left without Fishbones, Pow-Pow and a couple of Chompers. It was basic protection! Of course her kids used that as an excuse that she didn't fully trust Vi and Cait, but Jinx gave up on trying to argue with them because she knew they were just nitpicking. Still, Jinx recognized the offense of showing up armed and so she prepared a housewarming gift!

And it wasn't even bomb related for once!

Over the past week and a half since their dinner talk, Vi had been over five times. And of course during those times Jinx whipped up her salmon stew once or twice, much to Vi's begging. Her sister would remind her how even Caitlyn tried asking their chefs if they had a similar recipe, to no avail, of course trying to butter her up for her own recipe. While Jinx did get a recipe from Sevika (or rather, the name), over the months of cooking she slowly adopted her own additions into the recipe. She took great pride in knowing her food now had a semblance of authenticity, but also that her sister and sister-in-law were dying to have it.

And that was why Jinx whipped up a big ol' pot of salmon stew!

The whirring sound of the car window opening and closing made Jinx groan, she gripped onto the large pot in her hands and glared at the boy sitting to the right of her. "Rookie," she chastised.

He lifted his finger off the door button. "What?" he innocently asked. "Never been in a limo before, is it a crime to try it out?"

"No but it's annoying," her daughter teased from her left side, leaning forward to stick her tongue at him.

He flipped her off and Jinx sighed, hoping the two wouldn't start a fight in here. "Just wanna collect my thoughts is all," she gently explained.

"Why?" Evi raised a brow at her. "Nervous?" she asked like it was a challenge.

"I know you two are trying to egg me on but c'mon," Jinx tiredly remarked, leaning back in her seat, "I'm exhausted already."

"It's not our fault you woke up early to make that," Zel retorted, flicking the large pot sitting on her lap.

"Where did ya get a pot that big anyways?" Evi asked. "Don't recall us having one like that."

"It's the one Jerry used for your guys' party," Jinx casually answered. "I borrowed it from him." It was a bit of a hassle trying to bring it into the limo, with all weapons on her. She had to take off Fishbones and rest him on the seats running parallel to the limo's length. She made sure to strap him in too! Pow-Pow remained on her hip, or rather pressed up behind her against the seat. It didn't help that neither of her kids seemed interested in assisting her inside the vehicle.

Though, given that it was their first time all together, she excused their help for awe.

When they finalized this… hang out? Vi assured her that Caitlyn would have a limo pick them up and take them Topside so they didn't need to worry about a long trek on foot. Getting picked up at the entrance of the bridge was interesting. No doubt for literally every bystander who witnessed it: Jinx and her kids just entered a limo heading for Piltover! Though if the rumours had spread like she expected, everyone knew the correct title was the Chem-Baron's Executioner. Technically, she was a person of status now, riding a limo across the bridge.

Since that talk of theirs, Vi had come over several times like she promised. Sometimes with Jericho's takeout, sometimes for the Zaunite Ring Fights, but mostly just to hang out and talk. That… was easier than Jinx expected. The domesticity of it all would've overwhelmed her months ago, but with her kids around it wasn't as strange as she thought it'd be. It was easy to sit and talk, laugh and mess around, but also to just smile with her sister again. Simultaneously, in many ways it was like nothing changed and yet everything changed. They were different. But they were still sisters.

Bonding over their lives, sharing what's been going on, it was strange how… easy it could be. Vi would sometimes talk about work and what she and Cait did, Jinx would talk about her work and what the kids got up to. They'd sometimes lose track of time and sleep late, other times they'd nearly miss the Ring Fights as a whole! But the chit chat was never dull or exhausting. The thought still lingered about whether this routine would stay this way or not, and it all subsided two days ago, when Vi came over and suggested this whole event.

Jinx liked to think she handled it the best she could…

‹‹JINX‹‹

"And Vazo has him pinned! Jaril is fighting with all he's got to get out of the corner but Vazo keeps punching him!"

The sounds of the commentator's voice echoed throughout the cavern.

Evi and Zel sat near the songspinner, taking refuge at Jinx's desk while the sisters kept their distance. This had been the new routine ever since: the kids sit at her workshop area while Jinx and Vi pull up some seats near the railing, giving the kids space. Vi made a conscious effort not to probe or engage with the kids unless prompted, which basically resulted in the two ignoring her mostly. To their credit as well, neither of them ever interrupted her and Vi's conversations whenever they were nearby. They were respectful of that too. All in all, it seemed like everyone was upholding their end of their promises.

"Oh and Vazo kicks Jaril out of the ring! The third round goes to Vazo and match point is his!"

"Hah!" Evi shouted, pumping her fist. "Called it! It was gonna be a sweep!"

Zel scoffed. "Don't get cocky," her brother grumbled. "He's still got one round left to prove you wrong."

"Fat chance of that," she teased.

Jinx caught her own sister fondly rolling her eyes over the two's bickering. "Y'know, when they fight they actually remind me of me and Mylo," Vi amusedly pointed out, gesturing toward them with her beer.

Jinx cackled as she nodded. "Oh I can definitely see that!"

Vi's eyes fell down toward the case of beer she brought over that rested between their feet. "Shit, what was it we fought 'bout again?" she asked, looking toward the bottle in her hand. "With that old bottle of whiskey? 'Member?"

Jinx squinted her eyes for a bit as she pieces together the keywords. Mylo and Vi fight, whiskey bottle—oh! "Ah, it was that Mylo wanted to make it into a Molotov cocktail and throw it at some Enforcers but you just wanted to drink it." She and Claggor stood by when that went down. Claggor only stepped in when he thought Vi was about to smash Mylo's face with the bottle.

She wasn't gonna of course, but Jinx could tell she was thinking about it.

"Ah shit," Vi laughed, shaking her head as she shook her leg. "I remember that! I was sooo mad. I finally got us some alcohol without Vander or Benzo knowing and he immediately wanted to use it for somethin' else!"

Jinx snorted. "I'll be honest, I was more tempted to chuck it at an Enforcer than I was to drink it."

Her sister chuckled. "Not like that mattered. Someone caught us in the alley arguing right? Then they snitched to Vander."

Jinx's smile shifted a bit. "It was Sevika." Her eyes carefully observed her sister's expression.

To her surprise, Vi simply sighed, but not seemingly upset at all. "Yeah. She told us if we're gonna sneak 'round not to do it so openly like a bunch of idiots." She laughed a bit. "Kinda had that one coming, eh?"

"Yeah well, planning was hardly your thing back then." Her lips upturned smugly as she added, "Still isn't but—"

"Oh fuck off." Vi lightly shoved her. As she reclined in her seat, Jinx caught her sister's left finger nervously twitch toward her right arm's straps. She had done that twice in the past hour now, but Jinx was noticing a bit of a fidgeting thing going on with her. Did she have something she wanted to say? Vi's hand then slid into her jacket pocket, pulling out Vander's pipe and leaving her thumb to caress its bowl and chamber.

Jinx narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "Are you… smoking?"

Vi turned toward her bewilderedly as she furrowed a brow. "What! No?" Her face was filled with confusion. "Where'd that come from?"

Jinx shrugged. "Well, you've been fidgeting a bit and I know ya like fidgeting with that pipe now—just thought you were antsy for a smoke." She nodded toward the storage wing. "Ya can smoke there. I don't think the kids'll mind if ya smoke period. I mean, I think they'd make up shit like being annoyed just to piss ya off, but none of us would be bothered."

"U-Uh, Jinx, no. I—"

"Vi it's fine. Cavern's big enough that it'll filter out. I mean I cook here but it doesn't smell like fish constantly, right?" she pointed out, gesturing around them. Her sister still wore an awkward look. Jinx sighed. "If you're worried 'bout smell I won't mind. The kids'll learn to deal with it too 'cause they've already hung out with smokers—"

"Jinx, I'm not smoking," Vi flatly stated.

"Really?"

"Yes. Though I appreciate the consideration," she smirked at her. "I just…" she averted her eyes. Jinx clutched her own beer nervously. It was something serious. Shit. "I wanted to let you know…" Vi paused to take a sip of her beer. "Cait and I are free this weekend. You wanna come over?"

What.

Jinx's eyes widened. "For real?"

Her sister shifted her gaze from the songspinner to her, revealing her tentative expression. "Yeah! I-I mean, no pressure—"

"Sure!" Jinx beamed. It was happening! Her sister was actually inviting her Topside! And it was actually possible to go now!

Vi's eyes widened. "Really? A-Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Vi, I'm totally on board." She leaned back in her seat. "This was part of the reason why I became the Chem-Baron's Executioner, 'member?"

Her sister chuckled as she shyly nodded. "Yeah. But… my, uh, Cait's folks will be there too." Jinx raised a brow at that. "Originally Cupcake and I wanted to do this, but Tobias and Cass were also eager to have you over too." Her sister thumbed over her beer's neck. "So… yeah…"

"Vi," Jinx grinned, "I'm coming over to see your life. All of it. No pranks or schemes, just… a day over." She shrugged as she held her beer out to her. "If that means seeing your in-laws, sure! All in, sister!"

Vi laughed, shaking her head as she extended her beer and clinked it with Jinx's. "Fair enough." The two pulled their drinks back and took a sip together. "How's Saturday?"

"Great!" Jinx beamed.

—JINX—

It was only fair. Trust was a two way street and… Vi and Cait deserved to know Jinx was serious about this as much as they were. So that meant compromising. That meant meeting them halfway, and sometimes crossing the bridge all the way. She couldn't expect Vi to do all the work on her own and she didn't want her to. If she wanted to prove to them she was grown and changed, she needed to do an adult thing: socialize.

She realized somewhere along the way that that was part of maturing and growing up. Jericho, Amy, Babette, Ekko, Sevika—many more nameless people in between—talking to other adults was something she couldn't avoid. People were things she couldn't avoid. Inviting everyone to a party only worked because they all hung out once before or done business together. And like now, her going to her sister's place only worked because she had already made the effort to come over her place several times.

Well that, and because she managed to obtain a made up position of social status within the span of a few days.

As they drove through the higher ends of Piltover, the more upstate side, Jinx could feel the eyes cast on the limo. It didn't help it was the official limo of the Kiramman Clan. Many eyes and minds would wander and wonder about what it was doing coming from so far out of Piltover. But Jinx also knew the rumours spread Topside too. Her new status had to be officially announced after all. Vi had told her about the Piltie Council's reactions and how riled up they all got once they heard.

But just like her, everyone would have to get used to this.

She swallowed her nerves and let out a giggle.

"You guys think I should get a limo?" she asked, letting her legs stretch out more. When she was met with no reply, she continued, "You could paint it, E." Her eyes glanced between her kids, and the noticeable chosen silence was all was left with. They were in a not so silent protest after all. Even if they did come with her.

Though to be honest, part of her wondered if the kids tagged along because they heard she was making her salmon.

"My new title comes with some perks after all. Maybe a limo driver would be nice too!" She leaned forward with a chuckle. "Hey, Mr. Driver!"

The window into the driver's side rolled down. "Yes, Miss Jinx?"

"How much for ya to drive for me?"

"I'm afraid I'm already employed by the Kirammans, Ma'am," he replied.

"Ma'am? Ugh, please, that was my father, just stick with Jinx!" she mused, waving her hand dismissively.

She heard Zel snort at her joke, which made her smirk. As much as they wanted to be mini asshats today, she also knew they were still her brats. As boredom returned to her kids, Zel continued to play with the car window. She sent the boy a tired look but resigned to looking out his window. At that moment, she managed to catch a glimpse of a young couple walking down the street, gawking at them in alarm. She cackled as they drove away. Zel didn't seem to notice the two but Jinx could just tell based off this neighbourhood, gossip would spread like wildfire.

The Kiramman limo carrying The Loose Cannon?

Scandalous!

Although, Jinx supposed some would recognize her title as The Chem Baron's Executioner, as news teacher Topside about a week after she spoke with the Barons. Vi told her about it during one of their dinners: the Piltie council nearly erupted into chaos, with half of the members on the verge of an aneurysm and the other half in shocked silence. Some of the Wardens and Enforcers were shocked too. A few of Vi's friends (yes, she teased her in disbelief about her sister having friends, to which she replied, "Ha, ha, Kettle!") even asked her about details. She and Cait, tried to downplay it but overall they were quite open about their support of the Chem-Baron Council.

That still didn't dissuade the press and well, Piltover itself.

But as Jinx told Vi, "It ain't 'bout them."

And that was what she focused on today.

Adjusting her grip on the pot, she blew out a big sigh before leaning forward. "Hey, Mr. Driver, ya know any good car ride games?" The groans from either side of her were as good a confirmation as any that today was indeed going to be Hell.

But she'd still have her fun too of course.

—CAITLYN—

"Vi, darling, you need to relax," Caitlyn gently pleaded from her seat on the couch.

"I can't, Cupcake!" her wife replied as she continued pacing around the living room. "This is the first time Jinx is gonna actually sit and eat at our place instead of breaking in!"

"Yes, because we invited her," Caitlyn gently reminded.

Vi nodded. "I know, but I wanna show up my sister!"

She blinked. "I… what?"

"You saw her place! I can't have her out domesticating me!" she said as if it was the most obvious thing.

"I… don't think that sentence came out the way you—"

"We gotta show her that we're also one big happy family! Can't have her be all smug just because she can cook and has kids!"

Ahhhh.

Caitlyn was now getting this. "You're really jealous she can cook, aren't you?" she smugly accused.

Vi scoffed. "No!"

Yeah, that was believable.

Her expression must've expressed her thoughts, as her partner bristled a bit with a pout. "Okay maybe I am. But… I just want to show her we have good things here too. That… there are reasons for her to come and visit. That not everything is so stuck up 'round here!" she explained, gesturing around them. Finally, she let out a big sigh as she sat down beside Caitlyn.

In turn, Caitlyn leaned close and placed her hand on her wife's lap. "Darling, you know she'd come to visit regardless. You've both said it yourselves—you're both willing to make an effort."

"I know, I know," Vi nodded. Her hand clasped over hers while her free hand dug into her jacket pocket, not doubt caressing her father's pipe inside there. "I just… I wanna make it easier for her, y'know? We both grew ip hating everythin' you guys had here and well, I came around to see its good parts." She shrugged, pulling out the smoking pipe entirely to smile down at it. "I know my sister's willing to try. And I know she loves me. But… this is like, the first real time we're going the whole nine yards."

Caitlyn raised her brow. "At?"

"Domesticity?" she answered, though she sounded more unsure of herself. "Sure, I-I've had dinner with her a few times while we listened to the Fights, but… this is like, lunch and dinner. Nothing to listen to to buffer or mend the awkwardness. A whole day of talking and socializing! She's basically meeting your parents for the first time, an-and seeing you in a more casual setting—"

Oh.

"Vi," Caitlyn gently interrupted.

"Huh?"

"Are you… nervous how she feels about us?" It felt silly to say. But with how she was panicking, and even despite everyone's declarations, Caitlyn knew her partner still viewed this place as the Kiramman Manor first and her home second. The thought didn't stray from her that Vi could possibly think this place would be intimidating to her sister.

Her wife let out a mix of chuckle and a sigh. "Yeah," she softly admitted, hanging her head. Though she was quick to raise it, turning to look at Cait apologetically. "I-I know it's silly. But, after all those nights I've spent with Jinx I've really felt like I've got some insight into my sister. More than ever. Even when we were kids! Spending time at her place really allowed for that to happen. Today is similar. She's gonna really get to know you, us, in a setting that's meant to be personal."

"Are you afraid she won't approve?" Caitlyn asked. "She's already said she has." She recalled that much. And Caitlyn herself held it with much sincerity.

"Heh, you really are perfect for my sister, Hat Lady."

Hearing her say that, even if it was late, was still endearing all the same. Jinx did trust her. And, based on their conversations, it sometimes sounded like she trusted her to be of sound mind over Vi! Like she just accepted her as Vi's partner in every way it comes. It was for those reasons why Caitlyn was excited to invite Jinx. It was a chance for them to connect more and well… have fun. As a friends and family.

"N-No. I know she does." Vi shook her head. "It's just… this is my home, Cupcake, and I want her to understand why I love it, the way I understand why she loves hers."

Cait's heart fluttered at that. That… was honestly one of the most unintentional sweet things Violet has ever said. She sort of understood her wife's outlook on this dilemma. Though if they talked in spite of the past, who they were then and what they said about their dreams and of Piltover still mattered. Even if infinitesimally, it still helped forge who they were today. And now was a time for Jinx to properly see the fruits of Vi's choice.

The home she made here.

With her.

Caitlyn couldn't help but lean forward and placed her hands on her wife's. "You, my dear, will do fine if you speak with that much sincerity and heart." She moved to peck her cheek and added, "So basically, be you."

An adorably relieved sigh escaped Vi's lips as she leaned in and caught hers, cementing the moment with a lingering kiss. It was seconds, but it was enough for Caitlyn to know all the feelings poured into it. Her wife was endearingly heartfelt. And if this moment reassured her of anything, it was that Vi's heart still came from a good place and no matter what, still meant well.

The two sat there for a moment, holding each other's hands and staring into each other's eyes.

And then the sound of the doorbell echoing throughout the halls made the two straighten their spines. This was it. Caitlyn offered her wife an encouraging smile. "Looks like it's time."

"Yup," Vi nodded as she tucked her smoking pipe away. She rose up from the couch, holding her hand out to Caitlyn. "C'mon, let's greet them before your folks do."

The two walked hand in hand over to the front foyer, only to cringe as they realized Cassandra right now Tobia were already at the door. Were they waiting the whole time? Her parents looked all too eager to greet their guest, with her mother already moving toward the handle. "Mother!" Caitlyn called out. "Please, let me—"

"Nonsense Caitlyn, we are still the heads of this household, the least we can do is greet her," her mother objected as she grabbed the handle.

Caitlyn and Vi exchanged a worried look. There was no way Jinx would do anything… right?

The woman pulled the door open with a smile. "Good afternoon Jinx—oh! And you've brought your children?" her mother exclaimed in surprise.

Caitlyn's eyes widened at that. Since when did Jinx say they were coming along? She looked to her wife and quickly gave her hand a squeeze, already noticing her panic in her eyes.

"Afternoon to ya too, Cassie," Jinx greeted. She stepped forward, hoisting up a large pot. "Ya mind letting me in?" she asked.

Cassandra was taken aback by the request, but obliged, stepping aside to let the woman through. And in walked Jinx, smiling happily at her and Vi as her kids trudged in behind her. She had her usual gear on her but also a giant pot in her hands. Caitlyn noted how close Evi and Vi stuck behind her back, but also how cautious their eyes scanned their foyer. She could see their eyes widen with shock but also settle with suspicion soon after.

"Hello Jinx," her father said as he stepped forward, extending a hand out to her, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Jinx's raised at that, adjusting her grip on the pot. "Really?" She could see her father's smile strain for a bit. "A pleasure? I mean… it's me. I was the one who—"

"Hey, Jinx," Vi hastily chimed in, "whatcha got there? Looks like a pot from Jericho's."

Jinx grinned at her sister, and relief flooded within Caitlyn. All things considered, it was nice to see Jinx's relaxation come through whenever her sister spoke how. "Right ya are, sis!" She looked around as she shook the pot a bit. "Uh, anywhere I can set this down for now?"

"Oh, the table over there should be fine," Caitlyn answered, pointing toward the table next to their coat hanger rack.

Her mother's eyes widened. "Caitlyn," she chastised, "that's an antique table meant for keys—"

"It can handle a pot, Mother," Caitlyn lightly interjected, shooting the woman a look.

Jinx caught their exchange and bit her lip, looking to Caitlyn for silent approval. She nodded and Jinx obliged, taking the pot over.

"Wouldn't want your fancy tables getting Zaunite dirt on 'em, right?" Evi muttered.

Cassandra blinked at that, her mouth agape.

"Urchin," Jinx said, throwing a brow her daughter's way.

Evi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms across her chest as she scooted away from the door and near Jinx. Her brother followed after her, his posture more shrunken but definitely the most cautious.

"It's, uh, nice to see you guys again!" Vi smiled, offer a small wave. Caitlyn could tell her partner was cringing on the inside at the gesture. "I, um, didn't know you were coming too."

"What, we ain't allowed?" Evi dryly snapped.

"Evi," Jinx said in a warning low tone.

"There was no rule about that in the invitation," her brother said.

"No, no, it's fine!" Vi hastily assured them. "It's a welcomed surprise."

Zel's eyes flew to Caitlyn's parents. The two looked at the children with looks of polite smiles but Cait could see the skepticism behind them. "The feeling doesn't seem consensual all around," the boy observed.

Tobias brightened at that. "Nonsense! The more the merrier, after all. And food tastes better with more to share!"

Caitlyn smiled at her father's words. He did have a way with kindness that she endeared greatly. She certainly hoped that would extend to Jinx today.

"Right on, Tobi!" Jinx perked up. "Which is why I brought this!" She patted the pot. "I borrowed a big pot from Jerry so there was 'nuff to share! I made my salmon stew!"

Caitlyn happily grinned at that. Oh, today was definitely a win regardless! She looked to Vi and laughed at her salivating expression.

"Looks like we'll be well fed then," Caitlyn said, winking at the woman. Jinx stood tall and proud. "I can get one of our chefs to bring it along, so it can be prepped with the rest of our meal."

"Sounds like a plan!" Jinx nodded. She swayed on her feet and looked around. "So, uh, what now? I'd say tour but I've kinda already seen everything." Vi bit back her groan while Caitlyn held a thin smile. She could already see her parents blanking at the woman's joke while her children snickered.

Well, she was still Jinx after all.

"Actually, I was thinking we can move things into the living room while we wait for lunch to be prepared," Caitlyn offered, gesturing toward said room.

Jinx happily smiled at that. "Lead the way!"

"W-Wait!" Cassandra spoke up, holding her hand out. "I believe it'd be best if our guests left their weapons… here." Her eyes nervously darted between the three.

Caitlyn winced a bit, but didn't speak up. She could hardly fault her mother for making such an arrangement. Though, on the other side, she could tell Jinx's kids were not onboard, given their fearful expressions.

"Whoa, whoa, we were invited here," Evi defended. "We have a right to feel safe here!"

"Exactly!" Zel agreed, frantically nodding.

"Well, technically, ya weren't," Jinx spoke up, shooting her kids a smug smile. Her kids gaped at her while she just shrugged. "We are imposing on the fine Kirammans today." Caitlyn looked and nearly laughed at the baffled look her mother and father were wearing. "But," Jinx raised a finger, turning back to her parents, "my kids do deserve to feel safe."

"What about our safety?" Cassandra countered.

"Mother," Caitlyn chastised. She really did understand her mother's reservations but did she really have to be so provoking toward the kids?

"Cass," Vi spoke up, "I promise you it's all precautionary. No one's using their weapons today—it's why I don't even have my gloves on me!" She offered a gentle smile to the older woman. "But as a Zaunite, I can relate to them wanting to be armed in a new place. There's no greater safety than the trust in oneself. That's something we grew up knowing."

Cassandra seemed to ponder those words, but Caitlyn couldn't help but notice how both Evi and Zel looked on in surprise at Vi's defence. They really had considered her no longer Zaun, huh?

Jinx let out a sigh, stepping near the table. She shrugged off her guns and even her satchel of Chompers, placing them all on the floor. Her parents gaped at the nonchalance of her gesture while Jinx turned to her kids. "Alrighty," she said gently, "how 'bout you each keep one weapon on ya, 'kay?"

Cassandra gasped. "What—"

"Mother," Caitlyn softly interjected, "Let her handle this." She had faith in Jinx here. Right now her kids deserved to be assured and safe, and if that meant staying armed then Caitlyn could handle it. Her parents… not so much. And she understood that. But she trusted Jinx. And if she trusted her kids… then hopefully her parents could come around to that. With any luck, the outcome of today would reassure their worries.

Jinx shot the Sheriff an appreciative smile before turning back to the kids, who were fixing glares at the councilwoman. "But you will not use 'em 'less you're being threatened or in danger, alright?" Jinx sternly said. "I'm all for you two protecting yourselves, but please don't go brandishing your gear like ya wanna start trouble."

Evi scoffed as she turned her head away, while Zel gaped. "But my gear is just one thing!" he protested, gesturing to himself all over.

"Well, ya either take a pulse bomb and your sling or your undermine."

"Please don't take the bomb!" came Tobias' gentle plea.

Jinx snorted. "Pick wisely, Rookie." She shifted over to Evi, sticking her head out so that she was in the girl's sightline. "E?"

The blonde groaned, throwing her head up as she walked over to the table near the entrance to the living room. She bent down and pulled out her knife from her right boot and dropped it onto the table with a blank expression. Caitlyn wasn't sure whether she should be relieved or worried the young girl chose to keep the firearm, but her decision was made nonetheless. Following her example, albeit hesitantly, Zel walked after her, shrugging off his backpack and placing it near the leg of the table. He left his belt that had several pulse bombs attached along with his slingshot hanging from it. His choice was made, Caitlyn supposed.

With that, Jinx turned back and clapped her hands together. "So… we moving into the living room or what?"

Caitlyn could swear there was a vein threatening to pop out of her mother's forehead.

—JINX—

Walking into the living room… was strange. For one, it was strange being invited into it rather than just waltzing in and sneaking around for a change. It looked no different than the last time she had snuck into this place, which honestly made her feel weird about it. It was like rich people just had dozens of large rooms filled with free space and never seemed bothered to fill it. Regardless, she let Caitlyn lead them to their seats, giving them the large couch running adjacent to the coffee table. The couch was easily larger and wider than hers, but also very teal, with gold frames.

She sat herself down in the middle, leaving Zel to take her right and Evi her left. Caitlyn and Vi took one of the weird loveseat-like lounging chairs on the other end of the table, while Cassandra and Tobias took its mirrored counterpart on the other side. Jinx gulped a bit at the spacing, unsure of the distance between them as it quite literally placed her in the middle. But she knew this was probably the best seating regardless in terms of comfortability.

If not for her sake, then for her kids.

"So, Jinx," Caitlyn smiled, "How are things in Zaun?"

She had half a mind to snark about such a cheesy conversation starter, but honestly, she was glad the Sheriff offered them something to bounce off of. "Ah, well, nothin' really new. Word 'round the street with my new position has people more on edge 'round me than anything else."

Caitlyn nodded. "Ah, Vi's told me about that. You mentioned once that going to Jericho's is harder now? I thought people were usually put off by you."

She could hear her kids scoff at that, but Jinx smiled. "Yeah, that's true," she admitted, "but I can usually get a feel for what people are 'fraid of sometimes. The way people look at me these days is less, 'Ahh, it's The Loose Cannon!' and more 'Oh shit, it's The Chem-Barons' Executioner… who is also The Loose Cannon.'" She giggled, shrugging nonchalantly. "So it seems it'll take awhile for people to adjust. Some are scared it means the Barons have more control than they realize, 'cause they think that means they can control me."

Vi laughed. "Seriously?"

"Right?" Jinx said, nodding at her sister. "But yeah, others think that I'm actually making a play for power." She snorted. "As if I would want anything to do with that nonsense."

"Little do they know it's not really you making the plays, eh sis?" Vi teased, throwing a knowing look to Evi.

The girl's face coloured a bit as she averted her eyes, intent on glaring at the fancy table. Jinx just smiled and nodded. "But hey, 'nuff 'bout the Trenches—how're things up here?" she asked with an inquisitive smile.

That was a normal thing to do, right? Returning a question back at someone?

Caitlyn seemed to appreciate the inquiry as she smiled back. "Ah, nothing new as of late. Of course, aside from the… lingering adjustment of the news regarding your new title."

Jinx smirked impishly at that, no doubt understanding who the dig was intended for. Caitlyn had thrown a not so subtle glance toward her parents, likely prompting them to join the conversation. At that, Jinx spared the two a look of her own. With the prodding as obvious as Jinx walking in with Jericho's pot, Cassandra mustered up a polite smile.

"So… Jinx, how has this… new position of yours been?" she asked in a calm tone, "I imagine it's come with some new responsibilities?"

She nodded. "Yup. And a fatter paycheck!" Her kids chuckled at that while Vi outright laughed, leaving Caitlyn to casually place her hand on her knee to calm down her wife, even though she herself was wearing an amused smile.

"I mean, aside from the monetary compensation," Cassandra stressed. "I'd assume the Barons would have you outfitted with some tasks, yes?"

Jinx rolled her eyes. Yeesh, it was just a small joke. She could see Tobias at the very least, looked amused by it. "But yeah, I got new things to do now," she said lamely. "These boring Barons have lots of meetings, and now I gotta attend some of them. So now like, twice a month, I gotta sit in and listen to their plans." She let out a bored sigh. "I just sat in one a couple days ago."

"Oh? And how was it?" Tobias chimed in, expressing genuine interest.

"Eh, nothin' to write home 'bout," she brushed off with a frown. The man faltered a bit at her brief answer, making Jinx straighten up. "I-I mean, I don't wanna bore ya with the details… but if ya wanna hear—"

Tobias seemed to brighten at that, shooting a smile as he nodded. "Ah, I see! Then, by all means, speak if you wish!" He leaned over and held his hand up to his mouth, stage-whispering, "I know all too well how 'shop talk' worms its way into your home. I've come to welcome it."

His wife bristled a bit, as though she were offended.

Jinx smirked. "Oh? You a workaholic, Cassie?"

"Cassandra," the woman corrected. "And no, I am not." She maintained her stoic face, ignoring her husband's scoff. "I am simply devoted and industrious to my work."

"Where do you think this one gets it from," Vi teased, jerking her thumb at Caitlyn. The Sheriff responded in kind by tugging on the girl's thumb, making her yelp. "Ow, ow, I'm sorry!" she hissed.

Jinx could see her brats chucking a bit, but their reactions quickly schooled back to their glares and looks of irritation the second the couple looked their way. Really? They were going to pretend they didn't find that funny? Oh boy, it was gonna be a rough day.

Massaging her thumb, Vi addressed both her and Cassandra with a big smile. "You know, Cass, you and my sister have a lot in common!"

A beat of silence.

Vi's face became strained as everyone shot her a bewildered look. "I-I mean… you're both moms…" she trailed off with an awkward smile.

Caitlyn facepalmed, causing her wife to flush red whole Tobias coughed. Jinx glanced back to Cassandra, who remained unbothered.

"Well this is not at all awkward," Evi muttered.

Jinx sighed. "Should we tick off the other notable facts? Four out of seven of us have got blue hair!" she pointed out with a teasing smile. "Oh, and four of us have tattoos!" She shot her sister a smug look. "Well, only three are matching though."

Vi rolled her eyes while her kids smiled. Evi uncrossed her arms and let her tats show with pride.

"You've certainly… endorsed them, haven't you?" Cassandra noted.

Jinx raised a brow before realizing the woman was talking about the tattoos. "What? Oh yeah. I mean, they wanted them so I figured why not?" She ruffled Zel's head as she wrapped her arm around Evi, tugging her in for a quick hug. Both kids made a show of trying to resist her open affection, but Jinx held her smile, enjoying their embarrassment.

"So it was you that did them?" Vi inquired with a look of wonder. At Jinx's nod, she smiled. "Damn, they look good! Did you do yours?"

Jinx shook her head as she trailed her left hand down her right arm. "Nah, that was all thanks to Sevika…" she said with a fond smile.

"Sevika?" Vi echoed.

"She's the owner of the Last Drop, right?" Tobias clarified.

"She is," Caitlyn answered, "and she was Silco's former second."

At that, Jinx felt Cassandra's gaze fall on her. It wasn't… judgmental, to her surprise. But as though she was appraising her, like she was trying to see something. Unsure of what to think on with that, Jinx just focused on Vi. "Technically, it was a guy she knew. But she helped me with the design and let me squeeze her hand because it hurt like a bitch." She smirked. "Ogre said even with the metal arm it still hurt like Hell the way I was squeezing."

"But… why'd she go with you?" Vi asked.

Jinx chuckled. "Well, I originally told Silco I wanted tats. He was busy but he also knew that Sevika knew a guy who he could trust to 'do the job right' so he tasked it to her." She looked down at her tattoos. "But if ya ask me, under all that hardassness, there was a woman who still looked out for me… in her own way. 'Cause I remember her being pretty keen when I got my tats. She kept asking about my design, double checking that I really wanted to do this, and even helped me clean it afterward. Made sure I didn't mess it up when it was healing and junk."

Vi seemed to take note of that, with her expression looking pensive as she considered her words. Jinx wasn't exactly trying to heal everything between everyone, but she did hope eventually Sevika would get off her stubborn horse and that she could come around someday. And, to that extent, the same went for her sister in terms of how she felt about Sevika. At the end of the day, Jinx wagered the two hated the idea of the other rather than the actual person themselves. But, hey, she was no psyche-whatever—it was just her speculation.

"Still," Cassandra spoke up, "Do you find it necessary to encourage such… behaviour?"

"Mother," Caitlyn chastised.

"Behaviour?" Jinx echoed with a canted head. "Of what? Tattoos?" She snorted. "No harm in it, Cassie. Like I said, they wanted 'em so I helped. Better me than them sneaking off and getting it done in some shitty alley with a stranger." That didn't seem to satisfy the woman's curiosity, as Jinx gauged that was what this was about, so she went on. "Zaun don't got much in terms of families—hardly any last names around, barely anyone is blood these days, and family trees are more likely to burn than even be remembered.

"All we have, is art." She trailed her hand up and down her arm. "Silco told me 'bout it. When he was encouraging my 'artistry', he rattled on and on 'bout how Zaun doesn't have any reverence when it comes to titles—least not the way ya Topsiders do. So we have art! Little details to show we're connected." She smiled at her kids, then to Cassandra. "So yeah, I 'encouraged' it. 'Cause I couldn't think of a better way to say to them, 'Welcome to my family.'"

A silence hung for a few seconds before Cassandra cleared her throat.

"I see," she softly said. "I apologize if I caused any offence. I was merely… interested in your philosophy regarding letting them get tattooed."

Jinx giggled. "I would laugh with calling it a philosophy, but I guess I just kinda rambled there, huh—"

A sniffle from her right startled her. She turned and blinked in surprise at her sister, who was using a handkerchief to dab her eyes. "S-Sorry," Vi said, "That was… really sweet, sis."

Jinx rolled her eyes.

It was just the truth is all.

"I must say, I for one, quite enjoy the arts I've witnessed from Zaun," Tobias happily chimed in. "From graffiti to actual gallery paintings, your people truly have a way with expressionism like no other." He winked at Jinx. "Same could be said for you."

She beamed proudly at that. "Thanks!" She didn't think she ever heard anyone else really say that about her art before!

"Self taught?" he guessed.

Jinx nodded. "Yup. Since I was a kid."

"O-Our mom," Vi gently said, "actually taught her. It was her hobby. She loved drawing and colouring," she explained.

She could sense Vi's careful gaze on her and sighed. Whelp, if she had to be honest— "Ah, guess I don't remember that," Jinx awkwardly said, shrugging. "Was pretty young back then." She turned away from her sister's sad face. She figured that it was still a hard reality for Vi to grasp that she just couldn't remember their parents as much as she wanted. Too much life had happened since then.

"Ah well, regardless of your start, you've certainly made a decent name for yourself as an artist!" Tobias mused, earning a laugh from Jinx herself.

He seemed like an alright guy.

"I guess I can be a Baron of Art then," she joked, earning a few chuckles, most notably from her kids.

Tobias' eyes lit up. "Oh, speaking of, I do believe we strayed away from your original topic, yes?" At her raised brow, he elaborated, "Your recent meeting with the Chem-Barons." She could sense her kids' gaze growing skeptical, at which he chuckled. "Pardon my interest, but I am intrigued about the welfare of our neighbouring city. More or less, also what kind of things you have to sit in on."

Jinx pursed her lips. It didn't smell mischievous by any means, but man was this man earnest. In any other sense, this would've been obvious probing for information, but it seemed like he just genuinely wanted to know about her job. Which, fair, because it was made up as Hell. "Ah, well, the meeting was a bit of a drag. Just the Barons going over some recent trades coming in from Ionia, Noxus, Bilgewater—all that jazz. I had to be briefed on their routes and stuff because I'm gonna be escorting them."

Tobias' brows raised. "You're tasked with seeking its safety?"

Jinx blinked. "Yeah? Didn't they tell ya what I do?" she asked, gesturing to Vi and Caitlyn.

"Jinx," Caitlyn spoke up, "We hardly know what it is you really do when you 'run jobs' for the Barons. It's just speculation. It's not hard to speculate what, but what it is exactly is another thing entirely."

Vi had a look of amusement as she crossed her arms. "And so far everytime we hang out and drink you talk in vague ways 'bout what ya do," she pointed out.

Jinx cocked her head. Really? She felt like she was being pretty open about what she does for a living. But maybe that was conventional for these guys? To pretend it wasn't as bad as they thought?

"I have an idea, yes," Tobias explained with a wince. That told Jinx he definitely knew about the unsavoury parts of her line of work. "But to what such work actually entails, I haven't a clue."

"Darling, is this really necessary?" Cassandra softy inquired.

"I'm simply perusing my curiosity," he replied.

"A little too much if ya ask me," Evi grumbled under her breath.

Jinx placed a hand on her daughter's thigh, tapping it gently. It was okay, she was telling her, it's just talking. Evi didn't seem to let up on her scowl so Jinx just sighed. "I mean, it's no secret I get into some pretty violent circumstances. It's kinda necessary with the cargo that's being hauled sometimes. With the kind of trades the Barons run, it ain't too different from the variety y'all have up here. Zaun makes sure to have somethin' from everything. But the difference is the state of well… everything."

Tobias raised a brow. "How do you mean?"

"Zaunites steal to live. No matter how dumb it sounds, stealing the trade from regions around Runeterra is pretty worth the risk. So I'm the deterrent," Jinx simply said. "Just to make sure everythin' makes it to the proper place, market stall, wherever. More often than not I can scare off the would be triers, but the more daring Trenchers have me to deal with."

"Does that mean you have to familiarize yourself with manifestos?" he asked.

Jinx groaned. "Yes. Agonizingly so. Sooo much junk to keep track of. Ugh, so boring."

"Well, I admire your work ethic regardless!" Tobias replied. "Even if it isn't the most exciting thing, the fact you're willing to do it is admirable enough." He looked to his wife, then nodded to his daughter. "Hard work is worth it, after all."

She felt her heart flutter in sympathy. That was exactly what it was. She smiled at her own kids as she nodded. "Yeah, it is," she softly said. Turning back to Tobias, she cocked a brow. "I didn't take ya to care much for Zaun politics, Tobi," she prompted. "Kinda assumed with both the ladies of the house being neck deep in that business you'd wanna be as far from it as possible."

He chuckled. "Well, a fair assumption, I suppose. However, I am not one to shy away from important matters such as politics. I find it more interesting to learn how others fair with their own interests, as I'm aware not everyone shares my wife and my daughter's… overzealous work ethics." The man had such a mirthful look despite his wife's admonishing glare and Caitlyn's frown. Vi herself was holding back a smile, suddenly very interested in the ceiling.

Okay, yeah, he was more than an alright guy.

Tobias grinned at Jinx. "I will say I'm simply more curious about how a woman such as yourself gets involved with, well, what's essentially government work for your city." He held up his hands. "I mean no offence, but you don't typically seem like the nine to five working parent, but you definitely give off the aura of a hard worker. So I am merely interested in what it is you do, honestly."

Jinx grinned. "Wow, might be the nicest way someone's judged me before!" He opened his mouth but Jinx chuckled, waving her hand. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding, I know what ya meant!" She placed her hands on her knees. "But it's as ya say. My brats make bitter work worth it. None of the stuff I have to do for work compares to the stuff I get to do with them."

At that, Cassandra's lips upturned. "Whatever puts money on the table right?"

"And keeps smiles afloat!" Jinx agreed. "Honestly? Half the shit I do for work don't matter when I get to go home to these two and mess around. Actually, it's only been pretty recently that they started coming along with some of my jobs!"

Cassandra's smile fell a into a look of worry. "They… work with you?"

"Yup!" Jinx nodded. "It's been a fun bonding experience! Nothin' like sharing interests!" She giggled. It wasn't exactly the most normal interest to share, but it made the kids happy to help.

Tobias released a good natured chuckle as he nodded. "My wife here has a fine passion for target shooting. The day our daughter showed an interest in shooting, my wife was ecstatic to have someone to go with to the ranges."

Jinx's brows raised as she glanced at Cassandra. "Ah, bit of a marksman, eh Cassie?"

The woman straightened up. "I may have dabbled back in my youth."

"Y'know, Evi here is workin' on her marksmanship," Jinx proudly stated, gently elbowing her daughter.

The blonde's cheeks coloured as Cassandra's eyes fell on her. "Is that so?" She chuckled. "Then I suppose choosing that firearm was a sound decision then," she mused, glancing at the gun on her thigh.

Evi's eyes narrowed. "Are ya mockin' me?"

Cassandra's eyes widened as Jinx sighed. "No, E," Jinx lightly said. "She was just making a joke."

Caitlyn cleared her throat. "Perhaps we should all go shooting some day?"

Jinx cocked a brow. Now that was an idea. She wasn't sure if it was the best, but it was something. Cassandra, to her surprise, looked like she was considering the notion. But Jinx wondered if it was safe for her in her old age to even fire a gun let alone be in a gun range. Regardless, they might be more comfortable with Jinx and Evi shooting in a more… controlled environment.

"Doubt Piltie shootin' is anythin' worth getting excited 'bout," Evi muttered, earning a snort from Zel.

Caitlyn smiled. "I assure you, my marksmanship speaks for itself, but we Piltovans know our way around a gun."

Zel blankly stared at Caitlyn. "Oh, I think us Zaunites are more than aware of that."

A cold air hung as a silence fell.

Shit.

Well, that was a conversation killer if there ever was.

Jinx caught Vi biting her lip as her eyes nervously darted between her wife and the kids.

A throat cleared from the other end of the room, and all eyes flew toward the butler in the middle of the archway.

"Lunch is ready," she stated.

"Thank you, Ileana," Caitlyn smiled, with an overwhelming amount of gratitude pouring into her expression.

Finally!

Jinx clapped her hands together and stood up. "Time to eat!"

—VI—

Things could've been going better.

She really wished Jinx would've given them a heads up about the kids. Though, that would've sounded bad to say, wouldn't it? It wasn't like Vi didn't like them. It was just, she needed to mentally prepare herself before meeting them. Seeing them show up at the foyer was startling, but dealing with their moods was another thing entirely. She wondered if Jinx made them come to try for an olive branch, because they certainly didn't seem like they wanted to be here at all. It was already nerve wracking enough just thinking about how this day would go with just Jinx, but now they were here, and Vi's anxieties weren't doing any better.

It didn't help that Cassandra seemed to be probing Jinx for some reason.

It was the similar kind of vibe she had when she first started to get to know Vi herself. Cassandra wasn't by any means trying to be small minded or rude. Vi came to understand that the woman was satiating her curiosity when she inquired about certain things. For now, Vi was getting the impression she was trying to see Jinx's motherly side—the parts that were responsible for the kids, this new life of hers, all of that. Despite her rough exterior, after Jayce, Cassandra was one of the first Councilors to step up and support their pursuit of peacefully bringing in Jinx.

Though they've talked about her sister over the years, Vi always figured Cassandra simply saw Jinx as a "cause" worth investing in. It sounded bad, but that was what she thought. Today… might've offered more insight in more than just Jinx. Regardless of her worries, Vi actually welcomed the opportunity.

Finding their seating in the dining room was simple enough. Cassandra took the head of the table with Tobias to her right. Caitlyn sat on her left side with Violet beside her. Jinx sat herself beside Tobias, leaving Evi and Zel to take her right side. It was a bit of a disproportionate arrangement, but it was a decent way of letting the kids feel comfortable and also give Jinx a more centred seat. It wasn't like Vi wanted to put pressure on her sister. Pulling some focus back onto her would help alleviate some tension.

Lunch was a bit of a different style, as Vi told everyone Jinx might be more comfortable with a spread rather than a main course. So they had an arrangement of food laid out, free for pickings and helpings for oneself, which with the addition of the kids was definitely a good call. And now, amongst all their arranged food, a massive pot laid in the middle of them all which nearly obstructed Vi and Caitlyn's view of Jinx and Tobias. It was honestly a bit funny to look at, but man Vi could not help but salivate at the thought of her sister's stew inside.

Once they all settled into their seats, they began eating. Or rather… the adults began eating while the kids gorged themselves with everything they could fill their plates with.

Vi shot a sheepish look at Cassandra, who held a strained smile.

The woman was definitely having flashbacks to the first night she ate here with Cait's parents.

Jinx was the only one paying them no mind, happily munching on her mashed potatoes and sliced pork. "Maaan, this is good," she cooed. "I gotta get the recipe from your chefs!" She glanced between Cassandra and Caitlyn.

Both seemed caught off by the comment, but Cait was quick to answer with a smile. "Oh, I'm sure we can get them in here later."

Jinx beamed at them. "It's been awhile since I expanded my menu."

A burp came from Jinx's right, drawing attention to Evi, who had a stain of gravy on her lips and a near empty plate already. "Yours is leagues better than all this posh shite," the girl muttered. Vi grimaced a bit at the blonde's words. Yeah, high end Piltie food was a bit of an adjustment period for her. While their meals were certainly good, they didn't nearly have as much spice or kick to them as she had come to expect from Zaun. Regardless, anything was a step up from prison food in Vi's opinion.

Still, seeing how nonplussed Evi was about her comment was hard to witness a bit. It seemed like the girl was dead set on not having a good time here. Their conversation in the living room was proof enough as is, setting aside her constant glaring and scowling. Zel seemed a bit more withdrawn, for the most part, but Vi wasn't holding out hope on his end either.

He seemed content silently chewing his food at the moment, grabbing them by the handful. He was at least a slower eater than his sister was. His side wasn't as filled to the brim with a variety like Evi's was, but he was certainly helping himself to what he could. Vi on the other hand, was perfectly fine just eating her sister's stew. It needed no other pairing.

"This is quite a hearty stew," Cassandra spoke up.

It was then Vi noticed both Cassandra and Tobias actually set aside a bowl for Jinx's stew. Her eyes lit up as she realized they looked like they were enjoying it! Tobias seemed the most ecstatic.

"I must say Jinx," Tobais chimed in, dabbing his mouth with a tablecloth napkin, "this is amazing. Is this a homemade recipe?"

Vi couldn't help but be in awe at the pride taking over her sister's face.

"Kinda!" Jinx shrugged. "I asked around for recipes when I first started out, then it became a trial and error process." She snorted. "Brats can attest to that!"

Evi and Zel both shuddered. "We can," they grimly agreed together.

Vi laughed, watching as their faces froze a bit from her joy. What? It was funny! She supposed to them, they didn't want to acknowledge it (or her), as their gaze returned back to their meals. Evi was already helping herself to another serving while Zel's pace slowed down.

The door from the kitchen opened up, and Ileana entered with a tray of biscuits. "Apologies everyone," she announced, "It seems our chefs forgot about the biscuits."

"Ah, yes," Cassandra smiled, acknowledging the butler. "Thank you, Ileana."

"Fuck yeah!" Evi cheered, startling nearly everyone.

Jinx cleared her throat, shooting a sheepish smile toward Cassandra whole her daughter remained unbothered. "What?" She waved at Ileana. "Place 'em here!" she shouted.

Ileana politely obeyed, moving the tray over to Evi's side and gently placing it down. "Enjoy, Miss," she said before parting from the room.

"Oh I will!" Evi said through a mouthful.

"Yeah, and she calls me a slob," Zel muttered.

She flipped off her brother as she tugged the plate closer to her. Evi's next serving consisted of a massive portion of biscuits with a couple slices of roast beef and a small side of pork. Her eyes lit up at each biscuit she added to her plate, which had quickly become a mountain of food.

Jinx cleared her throat again, shooting a glare at her daughter. "Urchin, ya have to share."

She sighed, halting her pace. "Fine. Did anyone want any?"

The rest of the Kirammans exchanged looks before shaking their heads. "No, no," Cassandra answered, "by all means, help yourself!"

Evi's brows narrowed at the older woman. "We're not poor, okay? This ain't some starvation thing. Jinx keeps us well fed!" she quickly assured them. "Your Piltie food is still snobby, but your biscuits are alright!" Evi declared, lifting one up high before tossing it into her mouth.

Vi scrunched up her face in confusion. Was… that supposed to be a compliment?

"Ah… well I'm glad you enjoy them," Cassandra softly said.

"No one was assumin' anything, E," Jinx gently said. "And don't fill up too much, we're eating dinner later too."

"Wait, we're here all day?" Zel spoke up, his eyes wide.

Jinx looked at him and cocked a brow. "Yeah? Thought you knew that."

"Uhh, obviously not?" he replied.

Jinx frowned a bit. "Would that have changed your guys' decision of coming with?"

"Yeah!" the two said together.

Vi nearly cringed at the look of surprise on Jinx's face. Okay, so there was definitely more behind whatever conversation they had in terms of tagging along. Credit to the kids, they seemed to regret their bluntness as they noticed their mother's face. "Oh," Jinx softly said.

Vi took a scan of the room, noting Cait's parents and their worried expressions, and her own wife's nervousness. What was something she could do to take the tension away? She'd been reading books on being an aunt recently: they talked constantly about showing interest in your niece and nephew's hobbies, giving them space when needed, and offering up yourself as an alternative avenue to be a shoulder for them. She wasn't sure if she could really connect with them at all, but she still wanted to try. And if their attitude was anything to go off of, Vi assumed that maybe they just felt overwhelmed by this place.

"Um," she spoke up, nearly startling at the way all three of their heads whipped toward her. "W-We have a playroom… if you wanna hang out there."

Jinx's brows furrowed. "A playroom? Ain't that for like… babies?"

Vi nearly grit her teeth at her sister, as that made her kids' eyes flash with fury.

"Oh, so ya think—"

"We're not—"

"No," Caitlyn hastily chimed in, gently placing her palm over Vi's as she smiled. "It's not just for babies. Perhaps, recreational room, is a more proper term for it."

Evi and Zel slowly turned their heads to Jinx, silently asking for context.

Jinx ah'd and nodded. "A rec room's basically somewhere to chill and hang and goof off. Think, your arcade, but like, an actual room meant for lounging and stuff."

Caitlyn nodded. "There's a billiards table—"

"A what?" Zel asked.

"She means pool," Jinx quickly supplied.

"Some books, a snack bar, nice lounge seating—"

"A pinball machine!" Vi eagerly added. Her cheeks warmed a bit as all eyes flew back to her. "I-If you're into that sorta thing…"

"Lemme guess," Jinx smugly said, looking to Cait, "Top score?"

Caitlyn sighed. "Undefeated for three years now."

"It was an anniversary gift from us," Tobias spoke up, smiling at the two.

"But we all know who it was really for," Cassandra teased, glancing between her husband and daughter-in-law.

The two remained mirthful under her gaze while Jinx just laughed. "Y'know, with these two, I'm sure they'd give ya run for you money on it, Vi," Jinx said as she pointed at her kids.

Vi smirked. She recalled the scores from the time she and Caitlyn snuck in. Her eyes fixed on Zel. "You have the top score, yeah? I'm sure you got some skills." She jerked her thumb behind her. "We can play after lunch if you want?"

Zel's eyes widened for a moment before looking toward his sister and mom. "Um… no," he blankly said.

It was like a cold slap. Vi held her smile and nodded. "Fair enough. Well, you two are free to use it if you want." She shrugged. She wouldn't push any further.

"People your age still play games?" Evi asked, looking toward Tobias.

Under any other roof—especially in Piltover—that likely would've been a rude comment. But Tobias laughed joyfully. "While I'm nowhere near Violet's score, I do dabble here and there. It's a great way to pass the time."

Jinx seemed to light up at that. "How do ya pass the time, Tobi?" As eyes fell on her, Jinx canted her head. "I mean, you're pretty much a stay at home husband these days, yeah? Retired from office work and all that junk. What're you up to these days?"

Tobias grinned. "Ah, well, these days I tend to just brush up on the recent arts: latest literature works, art pieces, plays." He tilted his head at Jinx. "Have you ever been to a play, Jinx?"

"Nope," she shook her head. "I've heard 'bout some of them, but couldn't really go 'cause well," she pointed at herself, "I'm me."

Tobias chuckled. "Fair point. I merely assumed at some point in your life, you would've snuck in," he teased.

"Hah! Then you have a good judge of me then, Tobi." She took a bite of her meal and smiled. "I've thought about it. But that stuff kinda seemed all dramatic and over the top. Didn't think it'd be my cup of tea."

"I was similar, once upon a time. In fact, I was about art in general! But in my years, I've come to appreciate the arts in all of its forms…"

Vi had nearly—by reflex—turned to Caitlyn to tune out Tobias. She loved the man, but they had been subjected to his art ramblings for years now. Vi tried to be attentive as much as she could, though even Caitlyn admitted her father could be long winded when it came to his passions. To her surprise, however, Vi noticed how her sister leaned in a bit and looked on at the man with interest. Or rather, looking like she was trying to remain interested. She nodded attentively as Tobias spoke, as if she was trying to hang onto every word.

Was… Jinx trying to be civil?

It sounded weird to think, but Vi just realized, her sister was actively attempting to engage in the conversation. She noticed a bit of it earlier, in the living room, that Jinx seemed like she wanted to maintain a proper conversational flow. Part of Vi began to worry at this thought: was her sister forcing herself to adapt for her sake? Vi mentally shook out those thoughts. She wouldn't speculate and worry. The here and now was important. After all, she could always ask later.

"—means a lot to hear that, Tobi!" Jinx said. "Not a lot people really compliment my art."

Tobias sheepishly smiled. "I imagine that the content of your artwork sometimes may pull the attention away from appreciating its beauty."

Jinx snorted. "'Kay, now 'beauty'may be a bit of a stretch."

"Graffiti is its own form of beautiful. Expressionism is what art is about, yes?" Vi noticed the way Evi's head lifted from her—again—nearly finished plate. Her eyes darted toward Jinx and Tobias. "I find that graffiti work is the truest form of art."

Jinx hummed, pursing her lips as she nodded. "Wow, that's a nicer way to say it. I usually just say it's the most fun and freeing way to do art." She giggled. "So I guess tomato, potato, eh?" The two shared a laugh.

Watching Evi's attention sink back to her plate, Vi couldn't help herself. "Ah, Tobias, speaking of art," she chimed in, "Y'know, Evi here is actually quite the artist!"

Tobias' brows rose. "Really?" He leaned forward, looking down the table to look at the girl.

Evi's cheeks flushed as she shot a glare at Vi, making the woman sheepishly smile. Okay, so that probably wasn't the best way to do it, but she wanted the kids to feel included.

"Oh?" Cassandra looked intrigued. "Do you dabble with graffiti art like your mother?"

Evi nodded. "You can just call it spray paint," she grumbled.

"I suppose. Though, the term 'graffiti' refers to the act of vandalism or defacement in public settings," Tobias explained. "There are many artists who utilize spray paint as a means to a canvas, but don't actually coat walls in public."

The blonde's face coloured red more as she frowned. "Well, sorry I don't know the proper words for things like you snobs."

Vi cringed as she watched her in-laws' face fall. She cleared her throat, pulling their gaze to her. "I-I haven't seen her graffiti, but she's done some spray paint on metal sheets like canvases. You guys would love her work. She's made some beautiful stuff!" Vi proudly stated. "I swear Tobias, you'd want her works in your gallery."

At that, Tobias' face lit up. "Ooh, I've been meaning to have a new addition recently." He turned back to Evi. "Would you mind showing me your work some day?"

Evi smirked. "Sure. Which wall of this fancy house do you not mind losing?"

Tobias' eagerness didn't falter, as neither did Evi's smugness. Jinx leaned over and flicked her daughter's shoulder. "E, knock it off." The girl cursed as she turned back to her meal.

"Don't worry," Cassandra said, "at her age, it's only reasonable she'd want to be expressive. Art is a great gateway for that."

Jinx grinned. "Heh, the same could be said for gadgetry." She leaned past Evi to rub Zel's head, ruffling his hair. "This one's gadgets are insanely awesome." He shook off her hand as he worked away at his meal. "I lucked out with some pretty creative brats."

"You know, if you wish to foster that creativity, you should look into enrolling them into some academies," Cassandra suggested.

"I-If you want," Caitlyn hastily tacked on.

"Hmm, I dunno, I don't think Piltie academies have much more knowledge than anything I can teach Rookie," Jinx argued, punctuating her point with a shrug. "Chem-tech and scrapwork is a Zaunite skill more than anything. That's not somethin' they can teach in a classroom."

Cassandra nodded, conceding her point. "That's a fair point." She smiled at Evi. "Then perhaps Evi may benefit instead? There are some great art schools out there."

"Art… schools?" Evi questioned, her brow raised. "What the heck would they even teach you?"

"Well, I'm no artist, merely an admirer," Tobias spoke up, "but I believe concepts like colour theory, how to sketch or draw better, how to draw landscapes and people, how to paint and design—building blocks to growing, essentially."

Evi's face scrunched up more. "That sounds boring."

Tobias chortled. "I agree! You know, I once studied art?"

Jinx smirked. "That a fact? Not surprising considerin' the way you speak so highly of it," she mused.

"Yes, well, like most courses, the lectures proved to be a tad… boring," he sheepishly admitted. "But I don't regret my time there at all. I learned a lot within those halls." He looked at Evi. "You could too, if you ever wish to try it out."

Evi snorted. "Me? Study here?" She scoffed. "No thanks."

Vi let out a quiet sigh. Well, that was kinda polite, right? At the very least, Jinx was being more than cooperative today. It was really nice to see her sister casually speaking with her in-laws. Vi had dreamed about a day like this countless times. Seeing it in reality… it as just as raw and unexpecting as anticipated. She was well aware that such a dream was fantasy and overhyped in her mind, but it still excited her. In reality? Seeing Jinx just be… casual and civil, was nice.

She really hoped that she wasn't forcing herself right now.

"I don't get why you'd need any of that anyways," Zel said, speaking up for once, "isn't the arts something that's self taught? How can someone teach you art?"

Vi smirked at the boy's inquiry. At his heart, he was exactly as Jinx said, an inquisitive boy.

"Well, sometimes, while one possesses the talent for such things they lack the skills to hone it in," Tobias reasoned.

"Exactly," Caitlyn nodded. "Another way of looking at it is experience. Vi had to work hard to become the strong fighter she is today, but she had to first learn techniques and forms before she became more refined."

Vi straightened up at her wife's praise. "Yeah! Vander noticed I had the knack for it, but he had to teach me before I started breaking punching machine records."

Zel chuckled at that as his sister sighed, rolling her eyes. That was good. Lighthearted teasing and they both didn't seem to react too badly. The boy pondered their words for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I guess I just haven't seen any cases of that. I mean, everyone I've been surrounded with seems to have a natural talent for arts."

"Aww, Rookie, E and I can teach ya some stuff if you want!" Jinx offered.

He shook his head. "I just don't see that doing anything. It's not the same with you teaching me gadgets." He snapped his fingers as a realization occurred. "I mean like, my example is you! Aside from your art, you're also such a good singer! But you never trained right?" His mother nodded.

Vi's eyes lit up. "You've sung for them?" she cooed.

Her sister smiled. "Yeah, a couple of times."

"Wow," Tobias said, "I'd like to hear!"

"Yeah," Caitlyn agreed, "Vi mentioned you sang a lot when you were kids."

Evi snorted. "She's sung waaay more after that."

Zel nodded. "Yeah, we blast her album around the cavern sometimes—it's great!"

Vi's jaw dropped.

Her sister's cheeks coloured as she sighed, no doubt predicting the next words out of Vi's mouth, "You have albums?"

"An album," Jinx hastily corrected.

"Still, how have I never heard them?" she shouted.

"Mum always puts the box away whenever ya come over," Evi explained.

Jinx groaned. "It was when I was a teen. Silco set it up for me."

Caitlyn furrowed a brow. "He got you a record label?"

Her sister giggled, shaking her head. "Who do ya think I am? Seraphine? Nah, he just hired a band to help me record some songs."

"Whoa, really?" Vi gasped. "Can I please hear them the next time I come over?"

Jinx sighed, letting a smirk take over her as she looked at Vi. "How 'bout I bring 'em here sometime?"

Vi smiled, looking at the rest of the Kirammans. Caitlyn was nearly as eager as she was, Tobias looked like he was all for it, and Cassandra bid a polite nod. "Sounds like a plan!" she happily said.

—JINX—

Jinx felt her heart wrench a bit. She was trying to enjoy herself, to enjoy… this, but it was hard. They weren't having fun. Or at least, they were trying hard not to. It was obvious to Jinx that they weren't comfortable here. The way Zel shrunk in on himself like when she first met him, the way Evi's eyes glared at nearly anything that moved; they were too tense, too scared. They told her they wanted to come for her but…

She should've made them stay home.

But maybe, a part of her caved.

And just really hoped that maybe…

Jinx closed her eyes and fought back her sigh. There was no sense hoping, was there?

Least not today.

Lunch had been a rocky ride, but afterward, Cassandra made the suggestion of moving toward the playroom. She even made sure Ileana brought along another tray of biscuits for Evi. Jinx hoped that was the start of the kids warming up, but they still seemed dead set on being confrontational. Or… hostile. The playroom or recreational room or whatever room wasn't much bigger than the living room. It just had a lower ceiling and less grandiose pillars and statues. The lounge seating was in a similar design to the loveseats in the living room, but instead was one long U shaped couch with a long glass table within its curve. It faced toward a fire pit with a large songspinner resting on its mantelpiece.

True to their word, in both corners of the room, were shelves filled with books. Jinx noticed how some had an assortment of board games on them, but for the most part, they were full of books. The pool table was just a few metres behind the couch, with a few bar stools tucked away that belonged to the nearby snack bar that hugged the wall near the double door entrance. The infamous pinball machine was tucked into the other side of the doors, next to one of the bookshelves in the corner. Opposite of the double doors was a large panelled window across the wall, allowing a great deal of natural lighting from the soon setting sun.

Jinx had seen this room, or rather, that window several times in the years she snuck into or by this place. But this was one of those rooms where it just never really sunk in. Despite the poised and refined snobbiness of hired help cleaning like no tomorrow, Jinx could just feel the energy. This part of the manor… was lived in. The way Vi introduced them to the pinball machine and how her hands fell naturally around its borders, the way Cassandra and Tobias situated themselves at the snack bar like it was routine, and the way Caitlyn almost immediately began to rack up and set up the pool table—this was a family.

"Jinx?" She looked up to see her sister leaning against her pool cue, looking at her expectantly. "It's your turn."

She smiled. "Right, right, sorry. Was just thinkin' 'bout how to console you after I win," she teased as she slid toward the cue ball.

Vi's worry faded—she was really attentive—as she let out a scoff. "We said best two outta three."

A fired shot and the ball ricocheted against her two stripes, sending them into the corner pockets. She was one away from the eight ball while Vi was lagging behind, still on four. "We also said that after I won," she shot back as she rose up from the table.

"That one didn't count! It was warm up. Everyone knows the first match is warm up!"

Jinx snorted. "You sound like Evi." She took another shot, just barely grazing the last stripe, moving it over to the side pocket. "Every time we compete at the shooting gallery she always says that," she said as she rose up.

Her sister crouched down, carefully analyzing her potential shots. "Don't let her hear you say that. I'm already in enough shit as it is," she muttered.

Jinx sighed. "Sorry."

Vi rose up, looking at her in alarm. "Hey, it's no big—I'm gonna get through to them eventually," she said a quieter tone.

There was that optimism that she missed. "Not that. Well, okay, a bit of that." She shook her head. "I mean… springing them onto you like this. I was gonna go by myself, but they came along 'cause they felt like it wasn't safe for me." She glanced over to the pinball machine. The two had become transfixed with it, with Evi munching away on her biscuits and getting crumbs all over whenever she could. By her obnoxious eating, Jinx could tell the girl was doing it on purpose. Whenever the ball got stuck, Zel would complain about "Piltie engineering" before shaking the machine around.

Even though they both knew the pinball machine at their arcade got stuck sometimes too.

The Kirammans had resigned to the snack bar, looking on at their match as spectators. Tobias offered himself up to take on the winner, but now it seemed like they were patiently waiting for her and Vi to talk. Like they knew they were having a private moment. This was weird. Not the right time maybe, though Jinx supposed they were all aware that at the end of the day the two of them were the reasons why today was even happening. It was just awkward thinking about how less socializing was happening.

Was that good or bad?

"Jinx, it's no big," Vi said. A crack of the cue, and she pocketed the yellow solid, earning cheering whoop from Caitlyn at the counter. She glanced up and smirked while Jinx rolled her eyes. "Tobias is right, more is merrier, and food is better when shared." She moved over to the side and fired another shot, sending a solid to a corner pocket for an easy clean up. She stood up and leaned against her cue stick, smiling that big dopey grin. "Thanks for making your stew."

Jinx snorted. "Thanks for nearly finishing half of it."

"Hey, I had no idea whether your kids or my wife was gonna finish it all. I had to make sure I got in as much as I could," she defended. "Honestly, I was surprised Tobias and Cass wanted seconds. They're not usually stew people."

Jinx raised a brow. "Do they like steak? I make a mean steak. I can whip it some time."

Her sister frowned. "You don't have to do that."

She tilted her head. "Okay, then I'll just ask what else they like then—"

"No, Powder," her sister sighed. "I mean, you don't have to force yourself." Jinx blinked at her sister. "I just… are you okay?"

Jinx stared.

Wow.

They really were sisters.

It was such a vague question, but Jinx just knew what her sister was really asking here. Comfortability, social pressure, anxieties—was she okay? Was she pushing herself? Was she trying to be someone she wasn't? Was she too stressed about the kids, Cait's parents, the weirdness of all this? Jinx chuckled, shrugging. "I'm… enjoying myself." Her sister raised a brow. "It's hard," she admitted Her voice dipped lower than it already was. "Especially 'cause of my kids." Vi nodded and Jinx raised her tone to its previous quietness. "But I like it here."

Her earlier thoughts swarmed in, and she let herself go.

"I've only recently relearned the value of family, Vi. And I want you to be a part of it. But seeing this?" She gestured around them. "Seeing you? I guess it's the first time I'm really seeing someone else's family for a change. You have a nice one here too. I want you to be a part of my family, but I also wanna be a part of yours." She leaned over the table and fired off against the cue ball, slamming it straight into her blue stripe and causing it to spin into the side pocket. Quickly, once the cue ball settled, she took her next shot, setting the eight ball perfectly in the corner.

An easy win.

Vi sighed. "You just want the mansion," she teased.

Jinx snorted. "It is a nice place," she admitted. As her sister moved over to the cue ball, Jinx followed after her, keeping distance from her wingspan with the pool cue. She assessed her situation again and observed it for a few seconds. Deciding to fire back, Jinx said, "Same could be said for you."

Her sister cocked a brow, sparing a glance at her before readying another shot. "What?"

"I know you're trying… but you don't have to try so hard. The kids will warm up to you eventually. Heck, it hasn't even been a month yet—took 'em longer with me," she pointed out.

"I doubt that they didn't warm up to you sooner," her sister countered with a knowing smile. "And that's different, they didn't hate you before meeting you. They were just scared of you." She took her shot and miraculously managed to pocket two solid—ricocheting the cue ball between each—one in the side and the other in the corner pocket.

"One away Vi!" Caitlyn shouted. "You can do it!"

Vi happily moved to her last solid, taking a hasty confident shot, and sending the ball over the border and back into the centre.

"No she can't!" the kids shouted.

While it was definitely intended to be meanspirited, the adults all still found it funny enough to laugh.

"Seems like a case in point coming up for one of us," Vi smugly said.

Jinx sighed. "Okay, fine, ya have a point. I just… you trying to talk 'em up, or be the cool aunt, it's a lot for them." The cue ball ended up back with their side, making her eight ball shot across the table. "If ya let it pace out, it'll be fine."

Her sister nodded. "I know… I just… it's the same way you feel 'bout this," she replied, gesturing around them. "I wanna be a part of that too."

"Yeah, but I'm not trying to hurry anything. I just want to bridge your normal with mine. I'm… I'm not changing… I'm adapting." Jinx cringed. "Okay, that… doesn't make much sense but—"

"No no," Vi shook her head, smiling, "I think I get it."

She took a breath. "Vi… I don't want you to be anyone other than you. I don't need a cool or fun aunt—would be nice, but eh." She shrugged, making her sister laugh. "I just want my sister in my life. The being good with kids and all that? That can come later." She leaned down and measured her shot, then took it, barely skimming the eight ball and sending it into the corner pocket… while the cue ball flew to the other corner pocket.

"And the game goes to Violet!" Tobias declared. "So, do you and I have a go or…"

"She said best two outta three," Jinx announced, raising her voice. She giggled at the way the man sunk back into his seat. "But hey, I don't mind swapping out," she shrugged. "Just let us rack it up for you." Silently, the two began collecting the balls.

As Vi sorted them all into the rack, she levelled a look at Jinx. "Powder?" She looked at her sister, offering her full attention. "The same goes for you," Violet softly said, "I… I don't need you to try and force yourself to be someone you're not."

Jinx chuckled. "I'm not. I just… I wanna try." At her sister's raised brow, Jinx elaborated, "This is your life, I wanna try to get to know it. More than just me stalkin' you or whatever. They're your parents?" She gestured toward the snack bar. "Then I wanna get to know them. I wanna know the people who've been looking after my sister all these years."

The big dopey grin on her sister's face was all she needed. "Thanks, Pow-Pow. It really means a lot to me that you came."

Jinx smiled back. "Of course, Vi. You're my sister. This whole Piltie thing might not be my scene… but it's where you are, so that's all that really matters to me." She tapped the table and pulled away, dropping her soft tone. "Go ahead Tobi, she's all yours to take down."

Tobias grinned, moving away from the snack bar and practically gliding over to the table. Jinx giggled as she handed him her pool cue. She made her way over to the snack bar, taking Tobias' seat, placing her right in between Caitlyn and Cassandra. "So what're you snackin' on?" she asked the two.

Caitlyn slid a bowl of salted nuts and grinned. "We have some candies too. And, an assortment of drinks too," she added, nodding over the counter.

Jinx hummed, popping a couple into her mouth as she turned back to watch the game between Vi and Tobias. "They get along well, yeah?" It was more of a statement, one of her many observations.

The Sheriff nodded. "Both my parents were welcoming to Vi. But my father really freed up time for his office work to check in on her whenever she needed. He even took her out sometimes."

"That's cute." Jinx popped another couple of nuts into her mouth and chewed.

Cassandra threw her a warning look. "Don't eat too much of those—"

"It'll spoil my dinner, yeah, yeah, don't worry," Jinx waved off. "I have a lotta metabolism."

"Is that because of the Shimmer?" Caitlyn asked.

She nodded. "It's a side effect. Though junkies and all that love it as an excuse to munch, with it constantly in my veins pumping, I gotta make sure I give my body something to burn off." She rolled her neck around. Hunching over a pool table was exhausting sometimes.

OUTTA SHAPE?

She rolled her eyes. These days her free time was spent lounging with kids or her sister, so sue her.

"Does… does it hurt?" Cassandra softly asked. When Jinx looked to her, she was met with eyes of worry and curiosity. This was the other half. Tobias was definitely the one that opened Vi up to experiences and comfortability, but this woman had her own subtle ways of showing her care. It was a loaded question, but Jinx could see that despite it all, despite the fact that she nearly killed this woman—she was looking at her with the eyes of a mother.

Jinx knew that look well now.

"Not anymore," she honestly answered, looking back to the table. Tobias broke, and sent off three solids and a stripe into the pockets. With a smug face, he turned and pocketed a stripe, gesturing for Violet to take the floor. "Before, the voices, the pain, it was a lot at once. Before I met my kids, I already started to come to grips with all of that. But having my brats around… I hardly ever think 'bout that stuff. Sometimes it pops up, but it's like… a stray thought." She giggled, turning to grab a handful of nuts. "Hardly matters."

"I admire that resolve," Cassandra said. "I was a fresh Councilor to the Council, and my husband and I had only been together for a couple years. Then Caitlyn happened." She looked toward the table, smiling at the way her husband laughed at Vi botching an easy corner pocket shot. "I was scared, terrified, what could happen to her, to me, to him."

Jinx tilted her head, observing the woman. There… was a lot of history in her thousand yard stare. She honestly never expected to see such a look on a Piltie. Back then, she probably would've scoffed. Now she knows that the bridge doesn't matter. It's all the same. And that… was as terrifying as it was wonderful. She smirked, leaning over and wrapping her arm around the woman, startling both her and Caitlyn. "But then ya saw her," she guessed.

Cassandra's tensed body relaxed as she softly chuckled. "But then I saw her," she affirmed. Turning over, looking past Jinx and to her daughter, she smiled. "And I knew I'd do my very best for her." She looked back to Jinx. "And that's all a mother could ever do."

Jinx nodded, turning and watching her sister pout at Tobias' next shot, pocketing perfectly into the side. "It's all anyone could ever do," she gently corrected.

A silence hung over the three as they watched the two continue their game. Vi was doing as good as she was in her last match with Jinx. She wasn't exactly a bad pool player, but she was a slow starter if there was ever one. Tobias, on the other hand, was actually a bit hypnotizing to watch. Once Vi finished with her attempt, Tobias' posture would change almost entirely. In spite of his old age, he'd lean and hunch over, wrap a pool cue behind his back and snap a shot like better than half the drunkards she'd seen at the Last Drop. The real awe came in minutes later, as Vi lagged on her final two solids, Tobias pulled off a bank shot from all three borders, sending the eight ball into the side pocket and winning himself the game.

"Wow, he might give Sevika a run for her money!" Jinx exclaimed. "Haven't seen anyone aside from her take a game of pool this seriously."

"You often speak highly of her," Caitlyn noted.

She smirked, turning to the woman. "Yeah. I mean, the way Vi has your folks now, I had Silco, Sevika. It wasn't perfect but…" she looked back to Vi, watching as she playfully bickered with Tobias, no doubt bitter about her crushing defeat. Seeing her sister smile and laugh, but just be… happy, was nice.

It was different than the times she watched from afar.

She was in the moment as well.

She could see… this was what it was all about.

"Hey brats!" she cheerily said, "Wanna play against me—" And when Jinx turned her head over to the pinball machine, her eyes widened in fear as she realized the kids weren't there. They weren't even in the room. "Uh-oh," she muttered. She rose up from her seat.

Shit.

How could she get so distracted? A hand gently grazed her left arm, making her flinch, but then she realized it was Caitlyn smiling warmly at her.

"Jinx," she softly said, "it'll be alright."

"How can you be calm 'bout this?" Jinx incredulously replied. "My brats are loose in your house. Th-They could—"

"Not be much worse than your sister was over a decade ago," Cassandra chimed in, grabbing a salted nut to pop into her mouth.

Jinx blinked. "What?"

Cassandra Kiramman… was being sassy?

As if to juxtapose that thought immediately, the older woman sobered up with a serious look. "Violet was restless the first few nights she stayed here. Trying to sneak into Caitlyn's room, the late night kitchen raids, the numerous breaking of decorations…" to Jinx's surprise, the woman listed off each thing with a fond smile. She looked at Jinx and shrugged. "They'll probably want to cause some ruckus. And while it is unnerving knowing they're armed… my husband and I wouldn't have invited you over today if we weren't comfortable with our entire home being seen."

"If you trust them, then I can trust your faith in them." She looked down and sighed. "Earlier, I was worried because I know how much your kids hate us. And, while I don't fault them, it was startling enough seeing them and you together. But, seeing you with them, it's natural. " She raised a brow at Jinx. "I hope I didn't come off as judgemental."

Jinx shrugged. "Nah. I figured you were just poking at my brain."

"Don't put it that way," Cassandra argued. "I just wanted to get to know the woman who's been the sole interest of my daughters these past few years."

The casualness of that sentence would've slapped a younger Jinx. Today, she just smiled and tilted her head. "And? How'd I live up to expectations?"

Cassandra smiled back at her. "You make a fantastic stew. One that I cannot wait to eat again later. But," her lips dipped into a smirk, "I think my husband and I were in good faith with our preparations."

Jinx snorted. "That means you hid the valuable breakable stuff?"

"Oh, most definitely," Cassandra laughed.

Taking a deep breath, Jinx let herself sit back down. Today was supposed to be the day she hung out with the Kirammans. Her kids were smart. They were tough, impulsive, passionate, and sweet. They wouldn't do anything too bad. And if there were a few pranks… well, this place could use some livening up. Either way, Jinx was confident in her brats. They wouldn't do more damage than needed.

They wouldn't ruin anything.

They were still her kids.

"So, you got any stories about Vi's failed romance attempts with Cait? I heard she botched like, five proposal attempts."

The older woman grinned at her impishly. "It was seven."

—ZEL—

Halfway through their time at the pinball machine, he and Evi came to one conclusion.

Wreck shit.

They had fun playing, sure, but were actually using the time to discreetly plan out the chaos they could cause. It was incredibly easy to do so too! What with how their mom was just engrossed with Vi at the pool table. The two decided to split up, with Evi going up the second floor while Zel searched the first. He'd loop back and grab some paint grenades and set them up in the prettiest, most expensive rooms, while Evi would steal the prettiest, most expensive things. It wasn't hard to think up. They just needed a moment to slip away. Halfway through Jinx and Vi's second match, they started to talk quieter.

And that was the moment the two decided to slowly slip out.

So now Zel found himself wandering the halls, scowling at the pristine corridors and gaudy pillars. This was the life Vi was living. The life Jinx was convincing them was hard for her. Privilege. She lucked out and got a pretty rich girl, and now lived in a mansion. Or manor. Whatever, he didn't know the difference.

He held his pout as he opened another door, revealing a staff break room. He quickly closed it and walked away before anyone could see him.

He was bitter.

Because…

Jinx was still Jinx.

He clutched at his backpack as he walked. It wasn't like she was happier than she was with them. It was just… Jinx being happy. It was obvious to see their jibes and comments irritated her a bit, even if he knew she found some of them funny. But along that, their mother still managed to be engaged with the conversation and… respectful. It made Zel feel shittier and shittier. The two could see how Jinx just… meshed with the group. It was like at their party; how she bantered with Amy and Ekko, to Sevika and Babette. Jinx was being Jinx.

But beyond that… Zel saw himself and Evi.

Watching the two bicker and laugh, it was different than back home.

Maybe because back home, they only had to see Vi face to face during dinner. Because there, they could avoid her at their own discretion because they were allowed to. So maybe… seeing it—witnessing it, for a change, was all fuzzy and weird. Siblings were siblings no matter the family, huh?

Zel's thoughts were disrupted as he came across a set of double doors… wide open.

He hesitantly stepped forward, noting the dark room and array of bookshelves coating the wall all the way to the other end, with a backdrop panelled window. The setting sun cast an orange hue into the room, highlighting the big desk in front of the window. Tobias was retired, if he recalled, so this was either the Councilor's office… or the Sheriff's. With a gulp, Zel walked inside, eyes flicking toward anything eye catching.

He could do it.

He could paint this room all over.

He knew jack shit about art, but he could leave a stain here.

It'd be one of the few that'd be worthwhile in all of—

Zels' heart froze. His eyes caught the top of the desk as he reached the centre of the room, when he noticed the desk was filled with paperwork and files. But… not just any files. On the very edge, just barely leaking out from its folder, was a photo of his undermine scraps. From the Jayce statue bombing. He recognized it because Jinx gave him that same file weeks ago. He stalked toward the desk. Was she investigating? Were they right? Was it all a trick?

This was the time to get information.

Sparing a quick look at the door, Zel looped around the desk and quickly sifted through the files. He ignored the ones he recognized and focused on the recent documents that were opened.

A mugging, an assault and battery, a street brawl, a gang robbery, five more muggings, three cases of public indecency—dozens of files of random crimes. Zel furrowed his brow in confusion as he looked through each one. He didn't entirely understand the reports, but he could understand there was nothing linking them together. And then his eyes fell upon it. A file resting up against a picture frame. It was underlined with a label, SOURCE. Zel picked it up, revealing the picture frame to be of Vi and Caitlyn in wedding dresses, smiling at each other. He ignored the photo and flipped the file open. Before all the reports, photos, and statements, was a sticky note that was definitely placed recently. To his surprise, he found a name he hadn't thought about in months.

VIMA.

His mom.

Zel's hand shook as he looked toward the report.

Gwendolyn Bakery Fire

Five years ago. Zel's attention flew back to all the other files. There was one thing linking them all together: they all took place five years ago. He turned back to the file in his hand and took a breath. What should he do?

"Do you wish to look through it together?"

He jumped, looking toward the voice at the door and freezing as he realized it was Caitlyn Kiramman herself, leaning up against the doorframe. She had her arms crossed as she smiled at him. He felt like he was caught sneaking the last pop can out of the fridge before dinner. Instead of Jinx scolding him, he had the Sheriff of Piltover.

He gulped, finding his strength as he raised a brow. "Why're you here?"

Caitlyn smiled, pushing off from the doorway. "I could ask the same of you, but I have my suspicions already… which is why I came here."

His eyes widened. "You knew I'd be here?"

"A hunch really, but mine are rarely ever wrong," the woman proudly replied. "My father went to look for your sister."

"So my mom's alone with the Councilor and Vi?" he cautiously said.

"She is. They're talking, well, laughing last I saw them," Caitlyn supplied.

"Why are you looking for us?"

She chuckled. "This is still our house. You can't just roam without permission." He held his skeptical glare. "We just want to talk. My father wanted to get to know your sister a bit more and well, we both decided giving Vi and mother some time with Jinx would be nice too."

Zel looked down at the file, then back up at her. "And you wanted to find me?"

Caitlyn nodded. "You're smart, Zel. I'm sure you figured out why."

"You… you're investigating my mother's death," he softly concluded.

She nodded again, reaching the desk and extending her hand. Sensing her lack of hostility, he let himself step forward and handed the file across the desk to her. She flicked through it, pulling out files and laying them out on her desk side by side, creating a grid of papers. It was… a lot from that day. But, it wasn't just about the fire, there were things listed weeks, nearly a month after the event.

"I went through the files, because when I heard about what happened to your mother—biological mother—from Jinx, I recalled it sounding familiar. So, I looked into what I could recall. I can't say I remember this day, because it was over a span of weeks for me." Zel looked up at her, confused, while she sighed and pointed to a file listing… an autopsy. "I review every report to the best of my ability. When I saw a Jane Doe Zaunite listed in the deceased, I noticed the burns in the report were the result of scarring for a significantly longer period of time. I looked at witness reports, the rest of the casualty list, and deduced there was a woman screaming in agony being willfully ignored by the Enforcers on the scene."

Zel closed his eyes, fighting back the screeching sounds of his mothers cries.

The burning flames.

The flashes of blue and gold officers zipping all around them.

"Seven Enforcers, and fifteen lives saved, but one death report. A Zaunite death report," Caitlyn coldly said. "I trusted my instincts and dug further. I looked into the matter personally, reviewing each report from the witnesses and comparing the other reports from hospitals that were allowed on record. I interrogated every Enforcer that was on the scene, questioning them at length about the incident and their response." She grabbed a stack of papers from the file and handed them to Zel. Termination reports. He looked up at her in shock. "I charged those officers with willful neglect of duty and expelled them from the force about a week and half after the fire."

"You… fired them?" he uttered softly.

Cailtlyn nodded, her face grim. "I did. It was actually one of my many controversial acts as Sheriff." She sighed. "These men and women had just saved fifteen people. But I made my public statement after their termination that while many lives were saved, one was willfully ignored. For that reason, they were tried for criminal negligence. Though the Council couldn't agree on finding anyone guilty, the termination of their employment was a compromise I was not willing to negotiate on." She scoffed, shaking her head. "And that I had interrogated them on the matter… and they all had the same remarks." She looked at Zel sadly. "It didn't matter to them because she was a Trencher."

His fists clenched at that as he swallowed the rage building in his throat. He tossed the files onto the desk, looking on at the disgust at the faces within those reports.

"Not long after that," Caitlyn went on, "a lot in our ranks had begun to quit the force, for fear of the same punishments, but Vi and I knew we were weeding out thorns and snakes. I had made my statement clear and known. And because of that, many Zaunites had actually enlisted into our ranks as the spots cleared. That set a new standard within my precinct but a good standard nonetheless." She let out a sigh. "It's not been perfect, I know, but… strides were made."

"But… But… why were you looking at this?" Zel incredulously asked, gesturing toward the desk. "Now, I mean. Why now?"

Caitlyn smiled. "I assumed that those files Jinx was looking for were related to you. That, maybe you wanted to see them. Since she made no effort to collect them over the months she was looking after you two in secret I thought it was as good a guess as any to suspect the only recent correlation… was you."

Zel chuckled. It wasn't exactly correct but damn.

She tilted her head, as though she were observing Zel's face. "From how Jinx described you, I figured you'd be the type to be analytical of facts and information. So, knowing how old you are and that I was indeed Sheriff during this incident, I had hoped that something was done about this. So I dug into the archives. Vi cleared it with Jinx first if this was okay to do, and she gave the go ahead." She gestured to the files on the desk. "Vi actually wanted to give it to you the last time she came over to your place, but I told her I'd rather do it in person."

She only just really met him a week and a half ago. She spent… over a week looking into this? For him? "But… I'm just me," he quietly said. "This… it's way too deep for someone you've barely met."

Caitlyn held a small smirk. "I take interest in all things related to people who've entered my life. Of course Vi calls it stalking, but I'm merely perusing my curiosity. With Jinx, I searched up any and all things related to her bombings before, then after when our charade of ours became a more permanent part of our routine. I started studying her patterns and behaviours with each incident of hers. I slowly learned, if only little, about her character. The same with Vi."

"Vi?" Zel echoed, blinking. What did she have to do with this?

"Yes. She was incarcerated before she reunited with your mother, you know?" the woman pointed out, raising a brow. "For almost a decade. Stillwater Hold was hardly a decent place back then, but the Wardens there were particularly known for their brutal overwatch before the reforms." Caitlyn sighed, shaking her head. She closed her eyes for a moment, as if thinking about the story, as if she was feeling it, before opening them. "She endured far too much physical, verbal, and mental abuse back then. But whereas most would succumb she was not only resilient but also fiercely stubborn. She fought like Hell in there. Became a problem for the staff and inmates alike. The Enforcers had nightmares about her. Many even quit their jobs because of her incarceration."

"Whoa…" he uttered in awe.

Caitlyn chuckled, her eyes brightening a bit with amusement. "Indeed. I told her I read up on those files—a few years into her living with us—and when I did, I suggested therapy for her." Caitlyn's hand trailed toward her framed photo, slowly picking it up as she admired it with fondness. "It… was only a small push, but she agreed when I pointed out what she had to suffer through back then could have lingering trauma."

"And you figured all that, from some files from her time in prison?" Zel clarified, amazement taking over. She really was the Sheriff.

She smiled, shrugging. "Guesses really," she modestly replied. "But if nothing else, I consider myself a good judge of character most of the time. I knew her well enough to make that call. Then when I slowly learned more about Jinx, I knew well enough that I agreed with Vi in how we wanted to bring her in and what to do. And now?" She looked to the files, then back to Zel. "I don't know much about your sister, and I know I don't know much about you, but I know closure is something that's needed. She put her photo frame back, then gestured to the rest of the files. "I know I can't make the pain and trauma go away, Zel, but I can promise you in doing my very best to make sure what happened to you and your biological mother won't happen ever again."

Zel's eyes stung a bit, he blinked back the wateriness in his eyes as he laughed. "This doesn't make things square, y'know?"

"Oh trust me, this wasn't for brownie points," Caitlyn amusedly said.

"I know," he nodded. "This wouldn't be for that." He took a deep breath. "You're not just some oblivious Piltie sitting in an office, are you?"

She shrugged. "I try not to be. Having Vi by my side, she helps me." She smiled. "And… your mother, Jinx, she can help me too. Help keep me in check when I'm not thinking of Zaun. And, well, so can you and your sister… some day."

Some day.

Evi was all about making Zaun better. He wanted to make sure no Zaunite suffered the way he did. And Caitlyn? She wanted not repeats, to learn and grow. How could they not work with her then? If the path to Progess was a united front…

Zel nodded again, biting his lip. "Can I make a suggestion then?"

Caitlyn's eyes lit up. "I'm all ears."

"Can you please change that uniform of yours?" She blinked cluelessly. "Like, seriously? Blue and gold? I'm no Evi when it comes to colours but I think it just does not mesh well." He shuddered, feigning disgust. "Like, try some black! The gold can stay but be more subtle!"

Caitlyn laughed. "I'll make a note," she winked. She straightened up and placed her hands on her hips. "Do you want to help me sort these files away?"

Zel blinked at her, snorting. "No? This is your work," he pointed out, looping around the desk. He heard Caitlyn chuckle as she gathered some paper. Turning around, he watched her neatly tuck the files back into its folder, before turning to him.

She flashed him another smile, tilting her head as she folded her hands in front of her. "Do you wanna go back to the playroom? Jinx was hoping to play against you and your sister, but maybe you and I can try a match?"

He took another breath.

She really was more than the Sheriff. And maybe that was still scary. That sometimes, the monsters and enemies you make up are more than what you want them to be. Jinx had always told them about how Topside and the Undercity weren't so different, how their shitty parts actually matched sometimes.

But… the Sheriff of Piltover was standing across from him right now.

And she looked like she was antsy to go back and play some pool.

"I was gonna paint bomb your office," he admitted, pulling out one of his modified undermine paint bombs.

Caitlyn snorted. "Your mother's repainted my bedroom and these walls several times before." She shrugged. "Hardly anything I'm not used to already." She walked on, passing Zel as she said, "Have at it if you want, but know I won't hold back against you in billiards if you choose to do it!"

Zel gaped. "Hey, I don't need a handicap!" he shouted, tucking his bomb into his bag. He raced after the woman, following her into the hall. "I don't even need Evi! I can take you on all by myself!"

Caitlyn smirked. "That a challenge? How about first to two: winner get's loser's portions of Jinx's stew?"

He grinned. "Oh, it is on."

He wasn't walking with the Sheriff of Piltover today.

It was just Caitlyn Kiramman.

—EVI—

She wanted to hurt them.

Not knowing where or how, she rushed up the steps and darted around room to room, looking for something. To smash, to steal, to vandalize. Something to… to taint. She felt a fury boil up inside her and needed an outlet. This whole place was the perfect canvas. Because it deserved to be coloured with revenge and reminders. Let a Zaunite show these Pilties what real art was, what real decoration was. Taking something that was theirs, like the Pilties had done countless times over.

To make a statement.

Lots of guest rooms, storage, closets, powder rooms—nothing valuable in sight yet. She pouted as she slowed her pace. How could a bunch of rich, prissy Pilties not have things worth stealing? Evi blew out an annoyed sigh as she stomped. She should've grabbed some paint bombs from Zel, because it seemed like the only thing she could do was vandalize.

"Graffiti," she said aloud. She stopped in her steps. This would be graffiti. She tilted her head, pondering that thought. So it was art, then, right? That'd be fine! That Tobias guy seemed all for it. Evi hummed to herself as she continued to wander the halls. Honestly, the walls were so bland with colour. Just two or three colours barely in tangent, but nothing making them blend or pop. It just felt… drab. Maybe because that was how the Piltie life was.

Evi frowned.

Filled with nice biscuits, "billiard" tables, pinball machines, butlers, chefs, and big houses.

Status, acclaim.

Evi kicked a nearby column with her left leg, denting it a bit.

She and her brother had to trade nearly all that had to get her this prosthetic leg. Meanwhile the Kirammans sit pretty and eat biscuits and play pinball. Evi scowled as she continued to stomp. Chem-Barons, Councilors—they all thought of big dreams, but forget about the world below. Self-absorbed enough to make everyone else sink in it. That's how it worked. They lure people in with their status, their snobbiness, and strip them of everything that made them Zaun and you end up with—

"Fucking Vi," Evi spat out. She happened across another door and opened it. It was a bedroom. Well, that was promising for something to steal or break. As she stepped inside, she took a breath.

Jinx wouldn't turn into that. She'd never roll over for them. But… that didn't mean they couldn't hurt her. That they wouldn't. That Vi wouldn't.

Evi moved away from the dresser, frowning at the boring brushes and items laid about. Nothing valuable. Nothing to break that'd say something. She turned and looked over at the large bed. It was probably the nicest bed she'd ever seen. Huge king sized bed with some weird overhangs of curtains and junk. She moved to one of the pillars in the room and spun around it, thinking on what to do. Maybe she just nap in it? Mess up the made bed?

But then the maids or whatever would have to fix it.

Evi sighed.

What could really get them mad?

She pushed off the pillar and moved toward the bed. There were two nightstands on either side. Those usually had decent stuff. Evi's eyes widened as she looked at the left side nightstand. There was a small stack of books, some assortment of notes, but most notably… a stuffed bunny resting on it. Evi gulped as she took a step back. This was their room.

Vi's room.

She raced over to the bunny, picking it up off the table and holding it. It felt like it could just fall apart from breathing on it. But its cloth, its material… Evi could feel the history here. Not from time. But how she felt with Boon. She could tell it had been cried on, hugged, squeezed, and held onto fiercely. She nearly dropped it as the thought occurred to her: who?

Jinx or Vi?

Who had hugged and cried on this doll?

A sense of guilt crept in her spine as she sat on the bed. Jinx hung it and talked about it like something she forgot over the years. But… maybe there was a time before that where it was the only thing she could remember. And yet, Evi couldn't get the idea out of her stupid head of Vi seeing this doll for the first time in a decade and hugging like a dork. Evi let out a breath as she thumbed over its ears. This thing's meaning changed for those two a lot of the years.

Keeping it at her bedside… it was like how Evi went to night looking at her paintings—Evi scowled, shaking her head. With a scoff, she moved to place the bunny back on the nightstand. And then she noticed the stack of books. Not a big stack, and accompanied with a few pamphlets as well. Evi looked over at the titles with an amused laugh.

All the pamphlets were about art schools in Piltover. One book was titled, Understanding Art while the one atop it—with several sticky notes protruding from its sides—said Ultimate Guide to Being an Aunt. Evi rolled her eyes and looked at the rest of the nightstand, noticing the assortment of notes scattered all over.

Asking about seeing/taking a photo of her canvas?

Cilene: go at her pace. don't force her in uncomfortable positions to share, be natural.

Evi blinked, picking up another note.

Offering to buy scrap for him?

Cilene: don't impose gifts—bribery won't win over boundaries.

Was… was she asking her therapist for advice?

She looked at the note with huge underlines.

Don't stress now. Let the pace be. Focus on Jinx.

Sister's Day when?

Evi scoffed, shaking her head with an amused smile. What a dork. Her smile faded a bit as she thought on a similar woman a few months ago. One who apparently ran around Zaun, asking for recipes. One who spent days and nights learning how to build a fucking microwave. Evi frowned as she looked back at the stuffed bunny. Only now did she realize the note was still in front of it.

I'M SORRY.

Evi's lip quivered a bit. She did get art. Even if Jinx hadn't been teaching her much, even if she was self taught, Evi knew things had meaning. This… was simple and to the point. Jinx had told her about it but… seeing it like this, firsthand, was different. She let out a big sigh. "She probably looks at this thing every night," she muttered.

She shook her head, closing her eyes.

Jinx was so desperate. When things were just starting to go well, and then she dropped the bombshell of secrets that she scared off Sevika and didn't tell them about it. The history with her family, with Vi, the voices—a lot was said that day that neither of them meant. But Evi could look back on that day, and remember the what and why Jinx was aiming for. She wanted them to stay. She was trying hard to make them like her and make them stay.

Vi?

Was trying to get them to like her and let her in.

"They really are sisters…" she muttered.

It wasn't like she didn't believe it. But it was hard. Hearing the stories, knowing the past, and just not seeing any correlation to the present. The Vi of today didn't sound anything like the one she'd heard about. And it was infuriating knowing the amount of people in her and Zel's lives that seemed okay with it. That… her giving up on Zaun was just something they accepted. Evi didn't like to ever imagine abandoning Zaun. She could accept that Vi was a Piltie, but she just couldn't accept that her mother could paint her as both that and a Zaunite.

Sometimes she wondered how did they have anything in common growing up. She heard about Mylo, about Claggor, Vander, and could see a bit of the elements Jinx adopted into the woman she was today. Jinx would even tell them as such what she really learned from her second family. But Vi? She always seemed like the outlier to Evi. Jinx held her to high standards in her stories sometimes, but almost always painted the picture that she was a protector.

But she ran.

She left.

She didn't fight for Jinx or Zaun… she fought against it. She fought with Piltover. She chose the other side.

Evi clenched her fist furiously. In the end, she was just as passionate and devoted as Jinx was, huh? She shook her head as she walked away from the bed, making her way to the doors. This was all too annoying: both to think about and be a part of. Her mother was happy, smiling and laughing, enjoying herself today. She was trying to get to know Caitlyn's parents, to learn more about this life they have, because it was a promise to her sister. Because that was who Jinx was.

She kept her promises.

Evi stopped at the doorway, glancing back into the bedroom.

Who was Vi?

With a sigh, the girl stepped back into the halls and continued her path down the corridors. Why was this all so complicated? These stupid feelings. Two separate cities, not a single bridge linking them. Zaun didn't need Piltover. They didn't need Topsiders. Not the Councilors, not the Kirammans, and not… Vi. It was a city of its own progress. She vowed to show it to the world.

They could all choke on their success, because Zaun was gonna be on the map.

It was gonna be…

Evi stopped in her tracks. Her gaze turned upward and her jaw dropped.

It was gonna be right in front of her.

It was a painting.

A massive painting going from column to column, nearly taking up the entire wall. A landscape done from the oceanside of Zaun and Piltover. The docks, the glistening reflection, the light off the ocean to the cities in the distance. It wasn't a far background. It was Zaun, shining like a beacon, in the wake next to Piltover. The bridge between them was in the perfect focus, near the centre of the painting, meaning to catch your eye with the help of the lighting from the sun.

This was her Zaun.

Not just smoke and smog, dirt and grime, but a monument that could rival Piltover. Beauty, power, smog: they shared it all. Evi blinked in awe at how the lightning didn't overshadow one city over the other. It was both. Her gaze finally fell down to the bottom, where the title was listed along with the artist.

DEAR FRIEND

FAMA MIRLLE

Evi smirked. The nursery rhyme? Now that was kinda cheesy. She lifted her head and sighed in awe. "But damn if it ain't awesome."

"Taken a liking to one of my purchases, huh?"

She nearly startled at the voice, before turning to find Tobias smiling at her as he slowly approached. She calmed herself. He didn't know anything. He didn't know what she was up to. Or… what she was up to. She turned away, looking back at the painting. What should she do? Leave? Her thoughts wavered as her eyes locked onto the painting before her once again.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he softly said.

"Yeah," she nodded. A silence hung for a moment. And Evi decided to venture a bit of honesty. "I… It's how I see Zaun," she whispered. "I'm just surprised to see Piltover with it," she admitted, letting a bit of bitterness leak in. She turned to Tobias, raising a brow. "Seeing as I'm lacking in art knowledge… maybe ya can explain why? I'd think they'd usually just paint one or the other."

Tobias smiled. "Well the artist, Fama Mirlle, was a Zaunite who moved to Piltover." She stared at him bewildered at that detail. A Zaunite painted this? And it was currently in a Piltie household? "She's one of my favourite artists," he said with a fond sigh. "She grew up in the Undercity and when she was a bit older than you, she moved to Piltover and enrolled at an art academy."

Evi scoffed. "She chose to go here?"

The old man shrugged. "It was the only place she could have her talents and skills not only recognized, but honed in. She perfected her craft at the academy." He closed his eyes, as though he was remembering something. "I remember seeing her debut at one of the showcases. She had so much promise then. Today? She paints for many nobles around the world, but also the world itself. I always try to get my hands on whatever she's made whenever possible." He gestured toward the painting. "This was the last one I could ever manage. And that was about two or three years ago?"

Evi frowned. "But why paint both?" In her opinion, despite its beauty, Piltover was kinda ruining the Zaun vibe.

"Well, art has many interpretations sometimes." He shrugged. "But I know most, including myself, see it as her quite literally bridging both her influences together. Zaun and Piltover, two homes, and she's in the middle."

Her frown deepened.

She wasn't the only one like that it seemed.

"Vi stares at this sometimes," he added.

Of course she did.

Evi sighed. "Can't imagine why," she sarcastically replied. How could she be stuck? How could she have trouble choosing? She had home from below and instead she chose to climb to the top. Evi's eyes fell onto the view of Piltover from the painting and her frown slowly lessened. But here, it wasn't framed in a way that made Piltover taller. Even though, it was supposed to be. Fama Mirlle made them equal height with perspective. Ev didn't know how, but she could understand…

Balance.

They didn't look so different in this light. Smog still came from Piltover, the same dredges dirted their docks, and the sun and clouds graced their skies in the same spot. The nursery rhyme as a title… the artist on the bridge, her making her way up in the world from Zaun to Piltover. Maybe she clawed her way out from Zaun. And maybe she fought to stay in Piltover. Maybe that was why the two weren't so dissimilar in this painting after all. Maybe she wasn't making a choice.

Evi thought back to the stupid stuff laid out beside that stupid bed.

Maybe… Vi had less choices then Evi thought.

Did she even ask?

She let out an irritated sigh. She was not thinking about this, was she? Just because the woman knew how to throw a punch (and still dominated the punching machine top scores) it didn't mean Evi was about to start asking her things. Just because she saw some cute, stupid notes and books didn't mean she'd lessen up on giving the traitor Hell. No. A painting wasn't making her change her mind right now.

Another sigh blew out from her. But she made a painting that asserted her mind: Vander's Orphanage. Evi rolled her eyes. Why was she like this?

"You remind me of her a lot," Tobias suddenly said.

Evi's fists clenched. "I know, I know," she muttered. "Everyone wants to remind me how I'm sooo much like Vi!" This was not helping.

He chuckled. "Well, yes, but I meant my daughter."

Her brow raised in surprise as she turned to the man in shock. "Caitlyn?" He nodded. "How?" she incredulously exclaimed. She honestly wasn't sure if she should've been more offended by his statement or if she'd prefer being compared to Vi instead.

"Her mother and I hardly advocated for her pursuit of becoming an Enforcer growing up," he softly began. She rolled her eyes and groaned. Great, a copaganda upstart story. "If you would humour me for a moment, I'm getting to my point," the old man hastily added, smirking at her.

She bit her lip and raised a brow, prompting him to go on. "She was determined to do good. And when she enlisted, Cassandra did her darndest to make sure she wasn't in the action as much, but then Caitlyn persisted. It was hard… but of course, she got roped into the Silco conflict and became a part of a bigger movement, so we supported her. And then she was in the running for Sheriff, we supported that endeavour as well but she wanted more for Piltover. To reform and progress, not through scientific achievement but personably."

"Sounds idealistic," Evi flatly remarked.

"And wouldn't that be hypocritical, given your dreams for Zaun?" he shot back, raising a brow.

"What?" she glared.

He held up his hand in innocence. "Pardon my snark, but I merely mean you both have big dreams. When Cait became the Sheriff, and we beared witness to her changes, it was then my wife and I realized our wants for her to become a Councilor were grossly misguided. She was seeking change in her way, and doing it better than either of us ever could. Her dream of a better Piltover was something not even most Councilors could see, let alone the average Piltovan." He chuckled, shaking his head. "It's amazing how she managed to get so much people backing her to this day."

Evi sighed obnoxiously. "And this relates to me and Vi—how?"

He smirked. "I didn't say it did. I just admire this drive of yours, Evi. My daughters told us about your aspirations—it's quite admirable. Perhaps, be it in your art or your architecture, your work will be soon displayed for folk like me to bear witness," he nodded to the painting beside them, "like Miss Mirlle. And I, quite frankly, welcome for such a day to come."

Evi's cheeks warmed as she looked at the smiling old man before her. Unable to help herself, she opened her mouth, "I'm… I-I'm sorry I called you and your wife snobs."

He chuckled amusedly. "In my lifetime my dear, I've been called much worse." He turned and flashed a smile. "But thank you for your apology. You are forgiven." He turned back and continued walking. "I hope you're still joining us for dinner! I do believe it'll be ready soon. We should be still in the playroom if you choose to return!"

She watched the man walk with a pep in his old step. That was it, huh? Come see her, talk about art, then leave. He really was into art. Evi smiled. It was actually cool to talk about art in a way like that. Jinx spray painted, but she didn't really understand art. Not in the way Evi wanted to. But here, even Topsiders can look at a painting like this and think the same things she did.

Councilors and Chem-Barons.

Pilties and Zaunites.

The City of Progress and the City of Iron and Glass.

But they all wanted progress.

Evi let out another breath.

"Fuck it."

—JINX—

Dinner was a surprise.

Everyone was back in their seats from lunch, with a table of leftovers to devour. Zel forfeited a bowl of his salmon stew over to Caitlyn, who gladly traded him some sliced pork. Evi was trying to dance around Jinx, attempting to have a conversation with Tobias about a painting? Jinx found herself teasing Vi with Cassandra thanks to the dozens of stories she shared earlier. She wasn't sure what happened. But her kids were smiling and the Kirammans were smiling. How could she not smile the rest of the night?

Somehow, the evening went out on a higher note than how the afternoon started.

Thanks to Cassandra, Jinx managed to meet with the head chef in the kitchen, as dinner was coming to a close. The woman gave her the whole recipe, explaining the process used but also—as she was apparently a low income household growing up—how to make do with cheaper and less ingredients, along with less appliances. Everyone else was making their way to the foyer, as it was time for them to head home before it got too late. Coming from Piltover all the way to Zaun late at night, was the riskiest one could ever get. Especially in a Kiramman limo.

As Jinx tucked the notepad of recipes into her small backpouch, she and Cassandra made their way into the halls leading to the foyer.

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

Jinx blinked, turning to the woman. That was a straightforward question. "Uh, yeah." She smiled. "I did."

Cassandra smiled back. "I'm glad. My girls were stressed over today. Ever since you and Vi… started speaking again, I could tell she had been thinking about doing something like this. After all these years, hearing about you from her… I really wished to meet you someday myself."

Jinx smirked. "Am I everything you ever imagined?"

"Actually, yes."

She blinked again. "Huh?"

Cassandra stopped walking, bringing Jinx to a halt as well. "I've… made many mistakes over the years. I'm sure as a Zaunite, you could attest to that." Jinx chuckled. "But I'm also aware of the few I've made as a mother. The one thing that got me through it all, was the fact that I loved my daughter, that I loved my husband." She shot Jinx a gentle smile. "You've always struck me as a young woman with a lot of love. For your own mayhem, or even your sister in your own ways. But seeing how you are now, I know you have lots of love to offer those kids of yours."

Jinx nodded. "And then some," she added.

"Of course," Cassandra chuckled. "Either way, I know that, regardless of how weird things are, we both know that we do what we do for their sake." She held a serious look. "Because that's all that matters."

She grinned at her. "Right on, Cassie," she replied.

The woman took a breath, and looked at her warmly. "And by the way… in regards to the note, not that I expect the same, but I do forgive you."

Jinx's eyes widened. So she knew it was for her too, huh? She chuckled, shaking her head. "How's it go? Water leaking in bridges?" Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Council sucks, sure, but I know some of you are trying. You're a lot cooler than ya let on, Cassie. You should keep that up or else everyone's gonna think your husband's the fun one."

Cassandra laughed. "Oh I married him for a reason—he is," she proudly said.

The love in her eyes at such a statement was honestly quite adorable. "Maybe you're not such a stiff!" Jinx joked.

The woman laughed once again, continuing her pace as she turned away. "I was wondering when you'd start teasing me."

"Eh, I figured I'd hold off on the jokes after first impressions," Jinx explained, catching up with her.

"I assure you, even in my old age, I'm still quite the shooter," she warned.

"Oh ho, guess we'll have to take Caity-Cait up on that offer to the shooting range, huh?"

Cassandra nodded. "I hope you do."

By the time they reached the front foyer, Vi had been in the process of handing Evi a book, while Caitlyn gave a wrapped packet of biscuits off to Zel. "Everyone ready?" Jinx asked, moving toward her kids.

"Mhm hmm," Zel answered. "Caitlyn said the driver's ready."

"Yup!" Evi nodded. "Oh! Vi's loaning me this art book," she explained as she tucked it into Zel's bag. "Thinks it can help me. I mean, I doubt it, but somethin' to read is better than nothing," she casually added.

Jinx looked at her sister with a knowing smile, while Vi just shrugged. "Better someone to read it who actually understands things instead of me," she admitted. "And it's not a loan, you can keep it. I-If you want."

Evi raised a brow. "This a bribe?"

Vi's eyes widened. "N-No! I wasn't—"

The blonde smirked, tilting her head. Turning away with her smugness as she moved to the door.

Vi gaped, looking at her sister. "Was she fuckin' with me?" she softly asked.

Jinx smiled. "Congrats. That's a step and half, sis." She walked over and patted her on the shoulder. "Take care?"

Vi nodded, opening her arms out to her. The two embraced, and Jinx let herself soak in the hug. "Thank you for today," she whispered.

Jinx smiled into her sister's shoulder. "No problem, Violet."

They pulled away, dopey grins mirrored, and Jinx turned to the table. She quickly collected her equipment, shouldering them all on. Then moved to Cassandra and Tobias. She extended a hand out to them. "Nice meetin' ya!"

Tobias nodded, shaking her hand. "It was a pleasure, Jinx. Please, make sure to bring those songs of yours the next time you come over!"

"Indeed," Cassandra nodded, taking her turn to shake her hand. "We'll have our chefs handle your friend's pot. Vi can return it to him on her next visit to Zaun."

Jinx beamed a thankful smile. "That'd be great! Jerry would love to see you again," she said to her sister. "And hey, maybe we could eat at his place for a change?"

Vi lit up at that. "Yeah! It could be fun."

Jinx moved over to Caitlyn, holding out her arms. The woman eagerly stepped forward, embracing her with warmth. "Take care."

Jinx pulled away and nodded. "Always do." As she moved toward the door, Caitlyn gave her arm a gentle tug.

"If I may, would it be alright if I tagged along with Vi when she comes over? O-Only sometimes." She had a sheepish look on her face, as she darted from Jinx to the kids.

Jinx's brows raised at that. "Oh, wow! Um…" she looked at her kids, studying their faces. They both exchanged a small smile, then nodded at Caitlyn. "Sure, Hat Lady!" Jinx declared. "The more the merrier!" She smirked toward Tobias and Cassandra. "Should I expect you two sometime soon?" she teased.

To her surprise, the older woman smirked back. "If you think you can manage us being down there without incident, I suppose it would be enlightening to see your abode in person."

"Wow, Cassie! I guess I'll make note for ya," she said with a big grin.

"But perhaps that won't be a trip that'll be happening anytime soon," Tobias mused.

Jinx snorted. "For both your hearts' sakes? I sure hope not!" Without any prompting, the kids slipped out the door, without bidding a wave or goodbye. Jinx just turned back and shrugged, holding her smile. "Small victories?"

"Patience, right?" Vi recalled.

She nodded. "Yup. Thanks for havin' me!" she waved, heading out the door. She ran to the limo, and slid inside, shedding her gear and tucking them into the seats, buckling them in their seatbelts. "Mr. Driver, take us home!" she declared.

He nodded through the mirror, and hit the gas.

A silence brewed as Jinx let out a big, exhausted sigh, slumping in the back seat. "What a fucking day," she muttered.

"Uh oh, sounds like someone didn't have fun," Evi teased, already munching one of the biscuits.

Zel laughed, fixing his eyes on the manor as it faded from view while they drove out of the driveway.

The two weren't doing anything. Zel was looking out the window Evi was content with munching on the biscuits. Oh these brats. Seriously? Jinx let the moment breathe for another minute before straightening up. She glanced between the two. "So?" she prompted them.

The two let out a small sigh, almost simultaneously.

"Maybe it wasn't as bad as we thought," Evi softly said.

"I think I can handle a visit here and there," Zel added.

Jinx grinned, wrapping her arms around the kids as she let out a fond laugh. "Brats, that's more than enough for me." She pecked each of their foreheads, much to their protests. "Thanks for giving it a shot," she softly said before releasing them.

"Yeah well," Evi leaned up against the window, looking out to the streets, "I guess we've got more in common than just a bridge."

Zel chuckled, leaning up against his window. "Yeah, guess we do."

Jinx closed her eyes, and let her exhaustion take her.

So today wasn't so bad after all.

---

A/N: I wanted to try another domestic change of pace in this chapter, so I had this listed as just a dinner way back in the beginning of my development. But as we neared this chapter, I started to realize how prudent it'd be to delve into more characters and as well as the kids' perspectives. Highlighting family was always an important aspect of this story, but as I continued to write it, I realized many other themes grew from my work as well. For the kids, realizing not ALL people are bad is crucial as it separates spite into growth. They have a lot of justified hatred, but carrying it for so long isn't healthy for anyone either. I wanted this to be a chap about the kids letting go, if only a bit, to pave the idea that good things can come.

Jinx and Vi's side of things were more of domesticity entering new constraints. Vi's compromised, and Jinx had to show not just Violyn but Cassandra and Tobias, she's capable of domesticity. I use that word because it's a very humanizing concept and it's also what makes the two drop their guard as quickly as they do, as her mothering speaks to their familial instincts almost instantly. Seeing growth like that is enough convincing, but making it SIT in a civil setting is all the difference.

But also?

This chap was a basically a gag and a half about family reunions and such. Kids don't wanna go, parents are usually just doing it for one or two relatives they wanna catch up with, food is fun, and conversation is AWKWARD. Alas, not even our chaotic family here can escape the terrors of real life. Originally, I planned for the lunch to be MUCH more dramatic and confrontational, but I decided against it. This chapter had undergone a couple rewrites because of it (another reason for its delay). I have the general layout of the final two chapters planned, it's only a matter of writing them.

I wanted the dialogues to be dominant, because I wanted it to feel natural with how sociable everything was.

This chapter's change was important to me because I aimed to make sure that overall flow of things wasn't too disrupted. The fight I originally planned consisted actual shouting and arguing, and the kids like outrightly berating and insulting the Kirammans, with Jinx pulling them aside and telling them they could go on ahead home. The tension and pace of that chapter, felt like something I would've written earlier in this series—with characters as they are now and how they've grown, I didn't feel like it was natural for them to blow up about something like the chapter 8 argument.

Nothing's fixed, but opinions have changed. And that's all that really matters.

Next chapter update: TBD. I will update this whenever something concrete is for certain, but for now, as I am returning to school and job hunting again, my schedule's going to be severely packed. I can only suggest checking my Tumblr for updates or periodically checking here to see if I update this AN/N with a date in mind.

Stay safe and stay lovely y'all.

Until next time,

- Bleh