🎶: So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth (Algorithm Mix) - Grimes
The courtyard of the Noxian Collegiate Exchange was quiet, the glow of streetlights casting long shadows against the stone walls. Lux leaned against the edge of a bench, her polished facade beginning to fracture under the weight of her frustration. Her piercing blue eyes darted between the two figures before her. Katarina Du Couteau stood with her usual aloof confidence, her crimson hair framing sharp, calculating features. The ginger-haired girl lounged lazily on a low wall, her greyish-blue eyes gleaming with amusement as if she were watching the opening act of an entertaining play.
The ginger-haired girl tilted her head, her grin splitting into something sharper. "Wow, Lux. Didn't peg you for the jealous, possessive type. 'Get rid of Caitlyn so I can have Vi all to myself'—real classy. You sure you don't want to go full villain monologue while you're at it?"
Lux shot her a withering glare but didn't bother denying it. "Vi doesn't belong with Caitlyn," she said, her voice low and biting. "Caitlyn's too stiff, too perfect, too desperate to color inside the lines. Vi needs someone who understands her, someone who actually matches her fire." She straightened, her smirk growing colder. "And that someone isn't Caitlyn—it's me."
Katarina arched an eyebrow, her green eyes narrowing. "And you think you're the one who matches Vi?"
Lux didn't flinch. "I don't think, I know. Vi needs chaos, passion, someone who gets that rules are meant to be broken. Caitlyn?" She scoffed. "She'll smother her."
The ginger-haired girl chuckled, resting her chin on her palm. "And you're just the free spirit Vi's been dreaming of? That's the play here?" She let out a low, mocking laugh. "You're ambitious, Lux. I'll give you that."
"More than ambitious," Lux said, her tone sharpening. "Strategic. Caitlyn is smart, but she's predictable. She thrives on control—everything in its place, every move calculated five steps ahead. All it takes is a little push to make her stumble, and once she does, Vi will see her for what she really is—a mistake."
The ginger-haired girl raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And I'm guessing that's where I come in?"
Lux flicked her hair over her shoulder, her polished demeanor returning as she spoke with icy precision. "Exactly. You're going to rattle her. Get in her space, make her doubt herself, throw her off balance. Caitlyn's not used to losing control. If you push just right, she'll start to crack."
The ginger-haired girl's grin widened, her greyish-blue eyes glinting with intrigue. "Sounds fun. But what's the catch?"
Lux's smirk faltered slightly, her gaze darkening. "Riven Konte."
The ginger-haired girl blinked, her smirk dimming. "Riven?"
Lux folded her arms, her voice dropping to a warning tone. "She's close with Caitlyn—too close. If you're not careful, she'll sniff you out before you get anywhere. Riven's sharp, and she doesn't play by anyone's rules but her own. So whatever you do, stay out of her way. The last thing I need is her ruining everything."
The ginger-haired girl's amusement returned, though it was laced with skepticism. "What's her deal with Caitlyn anyway?"
Lux's lips curled into a bitter smile. "She's been hovering around Caitlyn ever since the charity event. Probably sees herself as some kind of protector. It's obnoxious, but it doesn't matter. Just steer clear of her."
The ginger-haired girl tilted her head, her grin turning sharper. "Noted. Guess this just got a little more interesting."
Katarina, who had been silently observing, chuckled softly, crossing her arms. "And me? Let me guess—you've got a special role for me too."
Lux's smirk turned sharper, her gaze locking onto Katarina like a predator eyeing prey. "Oh, I do. You're going to use my brother, Garen."
Katarina raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Your brother? How exactly does that fit into your plan?"
Lux leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Garen's your in. He's the golden boy—Caitlyn and her circle trust him implicitly. If he vouches for you, you're in. All you have to do is keep playing your little flirty, 'dangerous but charming' act you've been working on him. He's already halfway under your spell, so it shouldn't take much effort."
For a moment, Katarina hesitated, her smirk faltering. She glanced away, her expression flickering with something unreadable—something softer. "Garen's not exactly just… a pawn to me," she said quietly, her voice losing its usual edge.
Lux tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Katarina inhaled deeply, her voice softening just enough to hint at something deeper. "He's not like the rest of you. Garen's… sincere. Honest. I actually like that. It's rare."
Lux blinked, her smirk fading momentarily. "You like him?" she said, incredulous.
Katarina's lips curled into a faint, self-deprecating smile. "Doesn't matter, does it? His world and mine don't mix. But if you think I'm going to use him like a chess piece, you're wrong."
Lux's expression hardened, though she masked it with a cool smile. "I'm not asking you to 'use' him. Just… lean into what's already there. Once Caitlyn sees you in her circle, she'll start trusting you. That's when you plant the seeds."
Katarina tilted her head, her smirk returning but tinged with something colder. "Seeds of what?"
"Doubt," Lux said, her voice as sharp as broken glass. "Caitlyn's obsessed with being perfect—perfect daughter, perfect friend, perfect girlfriend. You make her start to wonder if Vi fits into her perfect world, and she'll pull back. Caitlyn's the type to retreat when she feels out of control."
Katarina let out a sharp laugh. "You make it sound so easy."
"It is," Lux replied, her confidence unwavering. "Once Caitlyn starts doubting Vi, Vi will start doubting Caitlyn. They'll tear themselves apart, and Vi will see me standing where I've always been—right by her side."
Katarina folded her arms, her smirk turning slightly distasteful. "You know, Lux, you should've been born a Noxian. You've got the scheming down to an art."
The ginger-haired girl let out a low whistle, folding her arms. "You're playing with fire, Lux. You might think you've got all the strings, but what happens when one snaps?"
Lux met her gaze head-on, her icy smile unflinching. "It won't. Because I won't let it."
The ginger-haired girl chuckled, leaning back against the wall. "Well, if nothing else, this is going to be one hell of a show." She glanced at Katarina, her voice dripping with amusement. "Think she'll pull it off?"
Katarina's green eyes flicked between the two of them, her smirk faint but knowing. "I guess we're about to find out."
Lux straightened, her polished smile gleaming under the streetlights. "Oh, it'll work. Caitlyn doesn't belong with Vi. But I do."
-ਠŕ§-
🎶: Secrets - Jay Denton, Hannah Parrott
The recreational hall of Piltover University buzzed faintly with the hum of distant voices and the rhythmic squeak of shoes on polished wood floors. But in one corner of the sprawling space, the world felt quieter, more deliberate. The kendo practice area was marked off with simple tape lines, a stark contrast to the sleek, futuristic architecture surrounding it. Here, tradition met modernity, and at its center was Riven.
Dressed in the dark keikogi and hakama, Riven exuded a striking blend of discipline and defiance. The traditional uniform hugged her athletic frame, emphasizing the powerful lines of her shoulders and arms, her movements precise and fluid. Her short, tousled pixie cut—icy white with streaks of her natural hue—clung to her damp forehead, the front strands brushing just over her sharp, determined brows. Her piercing green eyes were focused, glowing faintly under the fluorescent lights. She raised her shinai, the bamboo sword catching the light as she moved into position. Her grip was firm but not rigid, her stance balanced and purposeful. As she shifted her weight onto the balls of her feet, her body coiled like a spring, radiating raw power and control in equal measure.
The first strike came swift and sharp, a blur of motion as the shinai cut through the air with a crisp hiss. The bamboo sword clashed against a padded dummy, the impact reverberating through the hall. Sweat glistened along her collarbone, visible through the loosened neckline of her keikogi, a testament to the effort behind her flawless execution.
Her feet glided across the polished floor, the hakama swaying with each deliberate step. Each strike was purposeful, her movements a harmonious dance of power and precision. She pivoted smoothly, her muscular frame a picture of grace and ferocity as she unleashed another series of strikes, each more forceful than the last. Her arms flexed with the motion, the lean strength in her biceps and forearms pixie-cut hair shifted slightly with every movement, the damp strands framing her face in a way that made her sharp jawline even more pronounced. When she finally paused, lowering the shinai to her side, her flushed cheeks and glistening skin gave her an almost untouchable the echoes of her strikes began to fade, a slow, deliberate clapping filled the air, breaking the silence.
"Well, well," came a low, amused voice from behind her. "Still as sharp as ever, Riven."
Riven's lips quirked into a faint smirk, but she didn't immediately turn. Instead, she rested the shinai lightly against her shoulder, her posture relaxed yet poised, exuding confidence. "Katarina," she said, her tone calm, with a trace of dry humor. "Didn't realize Piltover was letting in Noxian trouble these days."
Katarina Du Couteau stepped forward, her crimson hair gleaming under the overhead lights, falling in loose waves over her leather jacket. She moved with a feline grace, her green eyes glinting with mischief. "Trouble? That's a bit harsh," she replied smoothly, crossing her arms as she leaned casually against the wall. "But I'm flattered you remember me."
Riven finally turned, her green eyes locking onto Katarina's emerald eyes with a cool intensity. "Hard to forget someone who always leaves a mess behind," she said, though there was no malice in her voice—only familiarity, the kind born from two people who had crossed paths too many times to count.
Katarina smirked, tilting her head. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see an old friend."
"Depends on what you're here for," Riven replied, her tone still casual, though her stance remained grounded and steady. "You never show up without a reason."
Katarina shrugged, a faint laugh escaping her lips. "What can I say? I was in the area. Thought I'd see if the famous Riven Konte was still keeping everyone on their toes."
Riven's smirk deepened, a hint of challenge flashing in her eyes. "Guess you found your answer."
Katarina's playful expression shifted, her green eyes narrowing slightly, though her voice remained light. "I did. Which is why, for old times' sake, I'm asking you—don't get in my way."
Riven tilted her head slightly, the shinai resting lazily against her shoulder, though the subtle tension in her stance betrayed her growing curiosity. "And why exactly would I? What are you up to, Kat?"
Katarina hesitated for a fraction of a second, her lips twitching as though caught between a smirk and something more genuine. "It's not about you, Riven. I owe someone a favor—a promise I made a long time ago. You know me. I always keep my promises."
Riven's brow furrowed, her piercing gaze locked onto Katarina. "A favor? Sounds ominous coming from you. Who do you owe so much that you'd come all the way here to deal with it?"
Katarina's expression didn't waver, though something unreadable flickered in her emerald eyes. "Someone who once helped me when no one else would. You don't need to know who—it's not your concern. Just don't complicate things."
Riven's grip on the shinai tightened slightly as she straightened, her calm tone carrying a sharper undertone. "You really think you can drop something like that and expect me to back off? Not how I work, Kat."
Katarina smirked faintly, taking a step closer, her voice lowering. "I know how you work, Riven. That's why I'm asking nicely. This isn't a fight. It's a debt. And you of all people should understand what that means."
Riven's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze hardening as her grip relaxed. "Promises or not, if this favor of yours causes trouble for me or anyone I care about, you know I'm not going to just stand by."
Katarina let out a soft chuckle, her confidence unfaltering. "I wouldn't expect you to. But trust me—this isn't your fight." She stepped back, her crimson hair swaying as she moved toward the door. "Just let me handle it, Riven. We'll both be better off."
Riven watched her go, her sharp gaze lingering on Katarina's retreating figure. She exhaled slowly, setting the shinai aside as her thoughts swirled. Whatever promise Katarina was keeping, it felt too close, too personal—and Riven had never been one to let things lie when they brushed against her world. Not without understanding what she was up against first.
-ਠŕ§-
"Thank you all for your dedication today," Caitlyn said, her voice steady and commanding, yet carrying a warmth that softened the edges of her polished demeanor. The group began to disperse, gathering their bags and chatting softly as they trickled out of the room. Caitlyn lingered for a moment, organizing her papers with the precision that came as naturally to her as breathing. Her focus was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat softly at the door.
She looked up, her sharp gaze landing on an unfamiliar figure standing just inside the doorway. The girl had striking ginger hair that fell in short loose waves, catching the light in a way that made it gleam like fire. Her greyish-blue eyes held a quiet confidence, tinged with something unreadable, as she offered Caitlyn a polite smile.
"Caitlyn Kiramman?" the girl asked, her voice smooth and steady.
Caitlyn straightened, her expression slipping into the composed neutrality she wore so easily. "That's me. And you are?"
The girl stepped further into the room, extended a hand, her gaze meeting Caitlyn's with an intensity that bordered on unsettling. "Maddie," she said simply, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile. "Maddie Nolan. I've been meaning to introduce myself."
Caitlyn hesitated for the briefest moment before taking the offered hand, her grip firm but polite. "It's a pleasure, Maddie. Are you new here?"
"Relatively," Maddie replied, her tone casual. "Transferred a few weeks ago. I've been getting a lay of the land, and your name comes up a lot—always in glowing terms, of course. Thought it was about time I met the legendary Caitlyn Kiramman for myself."
Caitlyn's lips twitched into a small, polite smile, though her sharp eyes didn't miss the faint edge in Maddie's words. "Legendary might be a stretch," she said lightly, her tone measured. "But I'm glad you found the time to introduce yourself. What brings you to Piltover?"
Maddie shrugged, her greyish-blue eyes never wavering. "Just looking for opportunities, really. Piltover's got a reputation for producing the best and brightest. Figured I'd see if I could keep up."
"Well, you've certainly picked a place that values ambition," Caitlyn replied smoothly, though there was a hint of curiosity laced in her voice. "If you need anything, feel free to reach out."
Maddie's smile widened slightly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, her voice laced with a quiet, almost imperceptible challenge. "Thanks for the warm welcome."
She turned to leave, her movements as deliberate as they'd been when she arrived, but paused at the door, glancing back over her shoulder. "Oh, and Caitlyn? I think we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."
Before Caitlyn could respond, Maddie disappeared down the hallway, leaving Caitlyn standing alone in the now-empty room, her mind turning over the brief but curious interaction. Something about Maddie's presence lingered—a faint sense of unease that Caitlyn couldn't quite place. Her fingers brushed over the edge of the table as she glanced toward the door, her sharp eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Interesting," she murmured to herself, before gathering her things and heading out.
As she stepped into the hallway, her phone buzzed softly in her pocket. Caitlyn paused, pulling it out and glancing at the screen. A familiar name lit up her display—Vi.
Hey, you free to meet up?
Caitlyn stared at the message for a moment, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. A faint unease lingered from her earlier encounter with Maddie, and now this—Vi, reaching out unexpectedly. There was something about the timing that tugged at her, making her hesitate.
Her gaze dropped to the floor as her thoughts flickered back to the ball. Riven's voice echoed in her mind, sharp and challenging: "You care about her. And she cares about you. So maybe, just maybe, stop pretending you don't know that and do something about it."
Caitlyn exhaled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Maybe Riven had a point. Maybe she was overthinking everything, as usual. She bit her lip, glancing at the text again before finally typing out a reply.
Depends. Is this about something important, or are you just bored?
The response came almost immediately, as if Vi had been waiting.
Both. Meet me at The Last Drop?
Caitlyn hesitated again, her mind flickering through a dozen different excuses—her workload, the Maddie situation, her own nagging doubts. But then, Riven's words surfaced once more, this time softer, but no less insistent: "If you're angry, fine. But don't tell me I'm wrong, because we both know I'm not."
She sighed, shaking her head as though to dispel the internal debate.
Give me thirty minutes.
Vi's reply buzzed on her screen almost instantly.
Don't be late, Cupcake.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. Typical Vi. Whatever this was about, she'd deal with it—on her terms. Slipping her phone back into her pocket, she adjusted her coat and headed for the exit. The cool evening air hit her as she stepped outside, the city lights twinkling against the dark sky. The echo of Riven's words lingering in her mind. Maybe it was time to stop hesitating. Maybe it was time to figure out what she really wanted.
-ਠŕ§-
🎶: Syntax - Battle Tapes
The streets outside The Last Drop were quiet, save for the occasional hum of passing cars and the faint murmur of distant chatter. Vi leaned against the cold brick wall of the bar, her hands shoved deep into the pockets of her leather jacket. Her burgundy hair, tousled as always, caught the glow of the streetlights, but she barely noticed. Her sharp blue eyes were fixed on the cracked pavement in front of her, though her focus was miles away.
Before stepping outside, she had taken a huge gulp of her beer, the bitter taste doing little to settle the nerves twisting in her stomach. It hadn't helped much, but at least it had given her the courage to face what was coming. Now, the empty weight in her chest felt heavier than the crisp night air, and she found herself anxiously tapping her foot against the pavement, counting every second until Caitlyn arrived.
Vi straightened slightly as a familiar figure came into view, her sharp blue eyes snapping up. Caitlyn.
She was walking toward her, her navy coat draped neatly over her shoulders, the hem swaying softly with each graceful step. The faint glow of the streetlights caught the deep brown of her hair, framing her sharp, elegant features. Even in the simplicity of the night, Caitlyn carried herself like she belonged to another world—one Vi wasn't sure she had any right to stand in.
Beautiful, as always. The thought hit Vi before she could shove it away, and for a moment, all the confidence she'd scraped together dissolved into a mess of nerves. Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes locked onto her, softening as a small, tentative smile tugged at her lips. "Vi," she said, her voice warm but carrying that steady composure Vi had always admired. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
Vi shook her head quickly, shoving her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket to hide the restless fidgeting she could feel starting. "Nah," she said, her voice lower than she meant it to be. "You're here. That's all that matters."
Caitlyn's smile widened slightly, her gaze flicking over Vi as though she was sizing her up, reading her in that way she always did—too well. "You sounded… serious in your text," she said, her tone light but laced with curiosity. "Is everything alright?"
Vi hesitated, her sharp blue eyes flicking to the ground before returning to Caitlyn's. For once, she didn't have a snappy reply, no wall of bravado to hide behind. "Yeah, it's just…" She trailed off, exhaling sharply. "It's not something I wanted to text about, you know?"
Caitlyn nodded slowly, her expression shifting to something quieter, more thoughtful. "Alright," she said softly, stepping closer. "Then tell me now."
Vi took a breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The words were there, tangled and heavy, just waiting to be let out. But standing there, with Caitlyn so close, so impossibly Caitlyn, made her doubt herself all over again. Vi straightened slightly, glancing around the bar before standing abruptly. "Come with me," she said, her voice steady but carrying a hint of tension. She stuffed her hands into her jacket pockets, already heading toward the back exit without waiting for Caitlyn's reply.
Caitlyn arched an eyebrow but followed without question, her sharp blue eyes tracking Vi's movements. "Vi," she called softly as they stepped into the cool night air behind The Last Drop, the city buzzing faintly in the distance. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Vi replied, glancing back at her with a faint smirk, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just trust me."
Caitlyn hesitated for a beat, then nodded, her curiosity piqued. She pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders, following Vi as she led the way up a narrow metal staircase attached to the side of the building. At the top, Vi pushed open a slightly rusted door, and the fresh, crisp air of the rooftop greeted them, carrying with it a faint trace of rain in the distance. The rooftop was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights. Vi walked toward the edge of the roof, leaning her forearms on the low brick ledge as she stared out over the city.
Caitlyn joined her, her gaze flicking between Vi's tense profile and the sprawling view in front of them. The rooftop offered a stunning panorama of the city below, alive with a thousand golden lights that glittered like scattered stars. The streets, weaving like ribbons through clusters of tall buildings, glowed softly with the warm amber of streetlamps. Neon signs flickered in the distance, their vibrant hues casting a faint, colorful haze over the darker corners of the skyline.
In the far distance, the faint outline of a river shimmered like a liquid thread of light, reflecting the city's glow in soft ripples. Beyond that, the dark silhouettes of distant hills framed the horizon, grounding the sprawling, electric vibrancy of the urban jungle. Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes swept over the view, momentarily captivated by the contrast—the chaos and beauty of the city laid bare, softened by the quiet stillness of the rooftop. "This is… unexpected," she said softly, her voice cutting through the stillness.
Vi let out a short laugh, dragging a hand through her tousled hair as she leaned against the ledge. Her sharp blue eyes flicked toward Caitlyn, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "You know," she said, her voice low and easy, "I've never brought anyone up here before."
Caitlyn's brow arched slightly, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. "Never?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.
"Never," Vi repeated, her smirk deepening as she tilted her head to meet Caitlyn's gaze. "Guess you're special or something."
Caitlyn's smile widened slightly, a faint glimmer of amusement flashing in her sharp blue eyes. "Is that why you texted me? To bring me up here and flatter me?" she asked, her tone light but edged with curiosity.
Vi chuckled softly, pushing off the ledge and shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. "I mean, if it's working, I'm not gonna complain," she quipped, her smirk still firmly in place. Then, her gaze softened, and she glanced out at the city lights again, the playful edge to her voice fading. "But nah… that's not why."
Caitlyn's brow furrowed slightly, her head tilting as she studied Vi's profile. "Then what is it?" she asked gently, her voice dropping to match the shift in Vi's tone.
Vi hesitated, her jaw tightening briefly as she considered her words. "I just… needed to talk," she admitted finally, her sharp blue eyes flicking back to Caitlyn. "Somewhere quiet. Somewhere that's… not full of distractions."
Caitlyn's gaze lingered on Vi, the question momentarily forgotten as she took in the way the city lights painted her features. The faint glow highlighted the sharp lines of Vi's jaw, the curve of her cheekbones, and the way her burgundy hair fell messily across her forehead. Her eyes—piercing and restless—caught the light just enough to shimmer, reflecting a mix of vulnerability and determination Caitlyn hadn't seen in anyone else. Even the small details stood out: the faint scar tracing along Vi's eyebrow, the way her leather jacket hugged her athletic frame, the slight furrow of her brow as she tried to find the right words. There was a rugged charm about her, untamed and unapologetic, but softened in this moment by something deeper, something raw.
Caitlyn blinked, quickly catching herself before her thoughts lingered too long. Her voice softened as she broke the silence. "Alright," she said quietly, her gaze steady. "I'm listening."
Vi shifted slightly, catching the way Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes lingered on her. Her lips twitched into a faint smirk, though her heart gave an unsteady beat. "Careful, Kiramman," she drawled, her voice low and teasing. "You keep looking at me like that, and I might start thinking this whole rooftop thing was a good idea."
Caitlyn blinked, her cheeks warming faintly as she straightened. "I wasn't—" she began, her tone sharp but faltering slightly. Then she narrowed her eyes, a soft huff escaping her lips as she crossed her arms. "You're impossible."
Vi chuckled, leaning her weight back against the ledge as she shoved her hands deeper into her jacket pockets. "Yeah, I've heard that before," she said with an easy grin. "But hey, you're still here, aren't you?"
Caitlyn let out a soft exhale, her lips pressing into a thin line as if to keep a smile at bay. "I suppose I am. Against my better judgment."
Vi tilted her head, her smirk deepening into something closer to a grin. "Guess I must be doing something right, then," she quipped, her sharp blue eyes glinting with familiar mischief. "But seriously, Cait, if I wanted to mess with you, I'd at least have a better plan than dragging you up here to stare at city lights."
Caitlyn raised a brow, leveling her gaze at her. "I'm beginning to wonder if that's exactly what this is," she replied, her tone edged with quiet skepticism. "Are you going to tell me what's actually going on, or are we going to spend all night playing this game?"
Vi hesitated for a split second, her smirk faltering before she quickly recovered. "Alright, alright," she said, her tone still teasing but quieter now. "Just… give me a second. This isn't exactly my usual thing, you know?"
Caitlyn studied her, her sharp gaze softening slightly, though her posture remained firm. Vi exhaled, dragging a hand through her hair as she glanced toward the city lights before turning back to Caitlyn, her smirk fading into something more sincere. "Okay," she murmured, her voice losing some of its playful edge. "No more stalling."
Caitlyn felt the heat rising to her cheeks, her pulse quickening at the shift in Vi's tone. The sincerity in her voice, the sudden lack of her usual teasing bravado—it was disarming in a way Caitlyn hadn't anticipated. Her face grew warm, and before she could betray herself with a reaction, she turned quickly back to the city lights, letting her gaze settle on the glowing sprawl below. Get it together, Caitlyn, she scolded herself silently, gripping the edge of the ledge a little tighter. You're not some lovestruck fool. This is just… Vi being Vi. But she's never looked at you like that before. Never sounded so… vulnerable. Her sharp blue eyes flicked across the skyline, but it did little to distract her from the quickening thrum of her heartbeat. The city lights might as well have been a blur for how much focus she could muster.
Vi watched Caitlyn turn back to the city lights, her profile illuminated by the faint glow of the skyline. She bit the inside of her cheek, her sharp blue eyes lingering on Caitlyn longer than she intended. The words were right there—so close she could practically taste them—but they refused to leave her lips.
Come on, Vi, she thought, her jaw tightening as she dragged a hand through her messy hair. You've faced worse. Just say it. Tell her what you've been carrying around for months. It's not that hard, right?
Except it was. Every time she opened her mouth, the words got stuck somewhere between her chest and her throat, heavy and immovable. Her usual confidence—hell, even her cocky bravado—had evaporated, leaving her feeling unsteady in a way she hated. She let out a soft sigh, leaning back against the ledge as her hands slipped into her jacket pockets. The silence between them was heavy, the kind of tension that felt like it might snap if either of them moved.
Her thoughts spiraled until they were interrupted by the sharp buzz of her phone vibrating in her pocket. The sudden sound cut through the air like a knife, making Vi flinch slightly. She fished the phone out with one hand, glancing at the screen. The name flashing across it made her brow furrow.
"Damn it," she muttered under her breath, shoving the phone back into her pocket without answering. The interruption had completely thrown her off balance, her nerves tangling even tighter.
Caitlyn turned slightly, her gaze flicking to Vi, a curious tilt to her head. "Not going to answer that?"
Vi shook her head, her jaw tightening as she forced a faint smirk. "Nah. It's nothing important." Vi stayed focused on the city lights, her thoughts too tangled to notice Caitlyn glancing down at her phone. Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes skimmed over the glowing screen as a soft smile curved her lips.
"Well," Caitlyn said lightly, breaking the silence, "it seems we've been found out."
Vi blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "What?"
Caitlyn turned her phone toward Vi, the screen lighting up with a series of messages. "Sam and the others are here at The Last Drop," she said, amusement threading her voice. "They're wondering where we disappeared to."
Vi groaned, her head tilting back briefly in exasperation. "Of course they are," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Let me guess—they're already making it a whole thing."
Caitlyn chuckled softly, her gaze still on the screen. "Sam's convinced you're dragging me into trouble. 'if Caitlyn's not back in ten minutes, I'm sending a search party.'"
Vi snorted, shaking her head. "She has way too much time on her hands." Her smirk returned, faint but genuine. "You want to head back and save her the drama?"
🎶: Fantastic - King Princess
Caitlyn paused, her fingers brushing over the edge of her phone before she slipped it back into her coat pocket. Her gaze lifted, meeting Vi's, and for a moment, she hesitated. "Not just yet," she said softly, the lightness in her tone giving way to something more thoughtful. "I don't think I'm ready for all of that… noise."
Caitlyn's gaze remained on the sprawling skyline, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the ledge as if grounding herself. The city lights reflected faintly in her eyes, but there was something far more vulnerable beneath her polished exterior. She exhaled softly, and when she spoke, her words were steady, but her voice carried a note of relief.
"I like you, Vi," Caitlyn said simply, her lips curving into a small, genuine smile as she finally let the words out. "I have for a while, actually. And I don't know if it's the way you're always so… unapologetically yourself, or how you manage to make even the most infuriating moments somehow endearing. Maybe it's all of that. But… I like you."
The weight that had been pressing on her chest for what felt like weeks—months, even—lifted in an instant. A soft, breathless laugh escaped her lips, and she raised a hand to her forehead, shaking her head slightly. "Oh my God," she said, laughing again, her voice lighter, freer. "That felt… so good to finally say."
Before Caitlyn could catch another breath, Vi moved. Her sharp blue eyes locked onto Caitlyn's, a flash of raw, unguarded emotion crossing her face. Without a word, Vi's hand reached up, her calloused fingers curling gently around the back of Caitlyn's neck. The touch was warm, grounding, and it sent a shiver through Caitlyn that she didn't bother hiding.
Vi pulled her in, their faces closing the distance in a single heartbeat. The moment their lips met, the world seemed to fall away. Vi kissed Caitlyn the way she did everything: unapologetically. Her lips were firm but tender, a mix of urgency and care that spoke volumes without a single word. Months of pent-up feelings poured into the kiss, her hand sliding up to cradle Caitlyn's jaw, steadying them both.
For a split second, Caitlyn froze, caught off guard by the rush of sensations—the warmth, the rough press of Vi's lips, the faint taste of beer mingled with something uniquely Vi. Then, like a dam breaking, she melted into it. Her hands found their way to Vi's jacket, gripping the leather as if it were the only thing anchoring her to the moment. Vi tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss. Her thumb brushed a gentle circle at the base of Caitlyn's neck, an absent yet deliberate motion that made Caitlyn's heart race even faster. The kiss wasn't perfect—it was messy, unpracticed, but it was real. Every unspoken word, every lingering glance, every ounce of tension between them culminated here, in this moment.
When they finally pulled back, their breaths mingled in the cool air, both of them flushed and a little unsteady. Vi's forehead rested against Caitlyn's, her hand still lightly resting at the nape of her neck, fingers curling like she couldn't quite let go. Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes opened slowly, meeting Vi's gaze. She didn't say anything at first, her chest rising and falling as she tried to find words. But nothing seemed right for the moment, and so she simply stayed quiet.
Vi smirked softly, her voice low and rough as she broke the silence. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."
Before Caitlyn could respond, the soft clatter of something hitting the ground shattered the quiet. Both Vi and Caitlyn's heads snapped toward the rooftop door, their wide eyes locking onto a group of familiar faces frozen in place.
There, standing just inside the doorway, was Powder, her pale blue eyes impossibly wide as she stared at them. At her feet was a fallen soda can, still rolling slightly from the impact. Beside her, Ekko stood with his jaw slack, while Mylo and Claggor exchanged looks of stunned disbelief. For a moment, no one moved. It was as if the entire rooftop had plunged into silence.
"Uh…" Powder finally broke the spell, her voice hesitant and unusually small. "Were we… interrupting something?"
END OF CHAPTER NINE