Chapter 8
Chapter VIII
The weather was warm that morning, cheerful and serene. The bright sun sat in a perfect spot between the clouds, illuminating everything with a soft light that didn't bother her when walking. There was a cheerful atmosphere in the city that day, or at least, that's what it seemed to Caitlyn as she walked with quick steps, almost hurried through the streets of Piltover. Her heart was beating hard in her chest, pumping blood rapidly at an accelerated pace that made everything look clearer and brighter. But her faster pulse had little to do with the exercise and a lot to do with the reason she had set out on the streets so early.
She couldn't help it.
She was going to see Vi.
The thought filled her chest with a warmth she didn't know how to explain. The emotion that overwhelmed her was somewhat absurd, she knew. It had only been a couple of days since they were last together, and yet it felt like an eternity. Every minute without Vi had felt empty. Every moment that passed without hearing her voice, without seeing her, without being able to be near her… it was time wasted and Caitlyn didn't want to waste any of it.
The streets of Piltover blurred around her. She paid no attention to the pedestrians, the polite greetings, or the constant noise of the city. It was all secondary to the urgency she felt to reach the border between Zaun and Piltover. To reach the girl who occupied every corner of her being.
Mel had even questioned her about it the night before, at the weekly dinner she used to have with her and Jayce at their house.
/
“You look happy,” Mel had said, her pleased expression hiding behind a glass of wine.
“I’m happy,” Caitlyn admitted, unable to stop a shy smile from appearing on her lips.
Her friend leaned forward, resting both arms on the table in interest. Jayce and Viktor had retreated into the living room to discuss a new project, leaving the two of them alone. Caitlyn did her best not to fidget under Mel's intense gaze.
“Your girl from Zaun is treating you well, I see,” Mel commented.
“She’s not my girl,” Caitlyn replied, unable to help but feel a little disappointed about it. “We’re just friends.”
Mel raised an eyebrow.
“Anyone would think otherwise, with all the time you spend with her now,” she said. “Jayce told me you can barely be found at the gallery now. Don’t you have work to do already? No new artists to show?”
Caitlyn shrugged, stirring the piece of pie in front of her with a spoon.
“There’s not much to do these days until the next exhibition. He can handle everything at the moment; you and I both know he loves PR.” Caitlyn and Mel smiled at each other. “Besides, it’s been a while since I took any time for myself. Is it wrong for me to do it now?”
“Not at all.” Mel leaned back in her chair then, her expression more open and sincere. “You needed it. Besides, it’s good to see you like this. Relaxed. Different.”
Caitlyn smiled, feeling Mel's words echoing inside her. It was true, she felt different. Lighter, as if something inside her had changed without her realizing it.
“Different?” Caitlyn asked, arching an eyebrow in curiosity. “In what way?”
Mel took a sip of her wine before answering, as if she was choosing her words carefully.
“You don’t seem trapped in that bubble of perfection you used to love to maintain anymore,” Mel said, with a playful smile. “You used to be… how do I put it… meticulous. Everything had to be in its place, everything had to be perfect. But now…” she paused, watching Caitlyn with interest. “You seem more… human now. Freer.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, feeling Mel's words touch her in a way she hadn't expected.
“And that’s a good thing?” Caitlyn asked, a joking tone in her voice.
“Of course it’s good,” Mel replied, with a genuine smile. “It makes you more interesting. And, if you ask me, happier.”
Caitlyn looked down, fiddling with her wine glass. She couldn't deny that Mel was right. Ever since she met Vi, something in her had changed. Something she didn't know how to explain, but it felt right. Really amazing.
“It’s just…” Caitlyn paused, searching for the right words. “With Vi, everything is different. I don’t know how to explain it, but when I’m with her, I feel… more alive. Like I can be myself without having to worry about what other people think.”
Mel smiled, as if she had already guessed.
“That’s because she accepts you just the way you are,” Mel said, her tone soft but full of wisdom. “And that, my dear, is something you don’t find every day.”
Caitlyn nodded, feeling Mel's words resonate within her. It was true, Vi accepted her as she was, without pretense, without expectations. And that was something she had never experienced before.
“Yes,” Caitlyn said, with a shy but genuine smile. “With her, I feel like never before. Vi is… special, Mel. You can’t imagine how much.”
Mel smiled, raising her glass in a silent toast.
“Then let’s toast to that girl from Zaun who has achieved what no one else could,” Mel said, with a wink. “Because, friend or not, it’s clear that she has changed your life for the better.”
Caitlyn smiled, raising her glass as well.
“For Vi,” Caitlyn said, a gleam in her eyes that she couldn’t hide.
/
It was a liberating feeling that she couldn't help but share.
Caitlyn thought about what her parents would say about it if she told them. Although she was aware that her mother would probably have some reservations, even her father, she hoped to have their support at least in this as she had gotten from Mel.
Of course, it wasn't something she could think of telling them anytime soon. Even if her mother was far more open and empathetic towards the citizens of Zaun than the previous leaders of House Kiramman had been, there were still certain prejudices and misconceptions surrounding Cassandra's opinion on certain matters.
Caitlyn would have to wait a little longer to even begin to broach the subject with her parents about her new… friendship? She wasn't sure what word would accurately define what Caitlyn felt she had with Vi.
But that didn't really matter at that moment.
The woman only had to walk a few more minutes until she finally saw her.
Vi sat in her usual spot against the wall, leaning forward slightly, her elbows resting on her knees and her face half hidden by the shadow of her hair. Her cane held in her two hands gave her an additional point of support. She seemed to completely ignore the comings and goings of the people around her, immersed in her own world, trying to blend in; but Caitlyn always found Vi easily, the woman standing out in the crowd effortlessly.
The artist smiled, feeling something inside her rise at the mere sight of the girl. She approached without hesitation, the words of greeting ready on her lips.
But as she closed the distance, her smile began to fade.
Something was wrong.
Vi didn't react immediately. She didn't turn her head at the sound of her footsteps, didn't sense her nearby the way she always did, as if she could hear her from blocks away—something Caitlyn was still unsure she couldn't do. And when Vi finally looked up, Caitlyn felt a knot form in her stomach.
The young woman was pale. Too pale. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, and her breathing was subtly uneven. There was a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, and her expression, though neutral, had something absent about it. She didn’t just look bad, she looked sick.
The relief she'd felt at seeing her was replaced by a pang of worry, anything she'd had prepared to say forgotten in a flash.
“Vi?” she murmured, moving a little closer.
Vi blinked slowly, as if it took her longer than expected to register the other woman presence. Caitlyn had never seen her like this. And the fear that coursed through her body told her this was not something she could ignore.
She frowned, her concern growing with each passing second that passed without Vi doing or saying anything. Vi was not one to hesitate, not one to take long to react. But there she was, blinking slowly, her breathing a little heavier than normal, as if each inhalation took extra effort.
Caitlyn leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Vi's face, searching for any sign that would tell her what was happening.
“Vi… are you okay?” she asked, her voice soft but full of concern.
The girl seemed to finally react, as if her brain had finished processing that Caitlyn was there. Her body tensed subtly before she forced a carefree smile that didn't reach her eyes.
“Cupcake! Yeah, yeah. I was just… I kinda fell asleep,” she said, her voice sounding almost normal, but Caitlyn wasn’t fooled. There was something in the way she spoke, the way her jaw clenched slightly as she moved, that screamed that she wasn’t okay.
Vi slowly straightened up, squaring her shoulders as if trying to make it all seem natural. But Caitlyn noticed how her hands were shaking slightly as she gripped the cane, her face tilted downwards without even trying to look for Caitlyn.
“Better leave now. We have a tight schedule today, don’t we?” She tried to sound cheerful, but her voice lacked the usual energy.
But as she leaned on her cane to pull herself up, Caitlyn noticed the way her grip tightened a little too much. The slight imbalance in her movements. The slight wobble she tried to hide as she stood. Vi always moved with confidence, with absolute control and knowledge of her own body. But now… now it seemed like she was using every ounce of willpower to keep from falling.
Caitlyn felt her stomach tighten.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” she didn’t need to ask this time. It was a statement, almost a warning. Her voice was firm, but not harsh, just full of concern.
Vi gave her a lopsided smile, as if trying to make light of it.
“Relax, I'm just a little dizzy. It's no big deal.”
Lies.
Caitlyn didn't know much about Vi's condition, especially what her blindness meant or implied, but she knew how to recognize when someone was about to collapse. And Vi didn't look well. But instead of admitting it, she gritted her teeth and pretended. It was obvious that the young musician didn't want to cancel plans, didn't want to appear weak in front of Caitlyn, even if it cost her.
Caitlyn felt another pang in her chest. She couldn't just move and continue her day as if nothing had happened, she couldn't ignore this. Because something inside her told her that if they tried to go through with their plans, Vi was going to end up collapsing before they could even take a step out of there.
“Vi, please,” Caitlyn said, moving a little closer, her voice soft but insistent. “You don’t have to pretend with me. I can see you’re not okay.”
Vi turned her face to the side, as if she could avoid Caitlyn's concern. But Caitlyn wasn't deterred. She reached out and placed a hand gently on Vi's arm, feeling the way it trembled beneath her touch.
“It’s nothing serious,” Vi murmured, but her voice cracked slightly at the end.
“I don’t care if it’s serious or not,” Caitlyn replied, her voice firm but full of tenderness. “I care about you. And if you feel bad, we’re not going to ignore it. I’m not going to ignore it.”
Vi closed her eyes for a moment. Caitlyn could see the apprehension on her face, the way her eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if she were fighting a battle with herself. She clicked her tongue in frustration, exhaling impatiently.
“I don’t need you to take care of me, Cait” Her tone was sharp, dry, but Caitlyn didn’t back down. Not this time.
Not when Vi was literally wobbling in front of her.
“It’s not about taking care of you, Vi, it’s about not being completely irresponsible and letting you walk around the city like that.”
Vi pressed her lips into a tight line, her grip on the staff tightening, before letting out a sigh. Her shoulders slumped in apparent defeat.
“I don’t want to ruin the day,” she finally admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
“You’re not,” Caitlyn replied without hesitation. “At this point, being with you is all I really care about,” she admitted, noticing Vi’s brow furrow in uncertainty. “If you need to rest, we rest. If you need to go home, we will. But I’m not going to let you continue to suffer in silence.”
Vi slowly opened her eyes, and for the first time, Caitlyn saw more than resistance in her expression. She saw vulnerability and something very close to gratitude. She decided to press a little further.
“You know you don’t have to prove anything to me, right?”
Vi allowed herself to smile in response. A slight but genuine smile.
“Yeah, I know,” she muttered. “It’s impossible to argue with you, you know?”
“Yes, I know. The same way I know that you are extraordinarily stubborn,” Caitlyn replied, returning the smile, even though she knew Vi couldn’t see it. “But that’s not going to work on me. Now, shall we?”
Vi nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. But as soon as she tried to take a step forward, her body leaned dangerously to one side. Caitlyn reacted purely on reflex, gripping her arm tightly. She felt the weight of Vi's body sway slightly against her before she steadied herself with obvious effort.
Caitlyn felt a chill run down her spine. If she hadn't been there, Vi would have ended up on the floor.
She armed herself with patience, although inside her worry was turning to anger.
“Tell me something, Vi,” she said, her tone low but firm. “Did you really walk through Zaun in this state? Are you out of your mind?”
Vi twisted her face into a grimace, but didn't respond.
Caitlyn took a deep breath. “Unbelievable.”
“Hey! I’m still standing, right?”
“If you call this standing up, sure.”
The walk to Vi's house was longer than Caitlyn had anticipated. With each step they took, Vi seemed to need more time to move forward. Her body didn't move with the familiar agility Caitlyn had come to know. Each of her steps was unsteady, hesitant, as if the simple act of moving forward cost her more than it should.
Vi tried to keep her posture upright, but Caitlyn could see the sweat beading on her forehead, her skin growing paler. There was something about her face that worried her greatly, something beyond tiredness. The wind, which had seemed refreshing earlier, did nothing to ease the situation. Vi staff hit the ground with more force than Caitlyn was used to.
“Vi…” Caitlyn said, feeling like the silence was heavier than it should be. “Are you sure you don’t need to rest a little longer before we continue?”
There was no immediate response. Her breathing was uneven, and her body swayed slightly as if she were standing on a cliff. Finally, Vi spoke in a soft voice, almost as if it was harder for her than usual.
“I’m fine. We’re close anyway.” She sounded tired, but something in her words struck Caitlyn as defensive. As if she had to keep going, as if she couldn’t allow herself to show any weakness.
Caitlyn stayed by her side, holding her arm, helping her keep up.
“If you’re sure…” Caitlyn said, though she couldn’t help the worry that crept into her voice. “I still think we should stop, though.”
Vi gave a slight shake of her head, as if trying to dissuade her from insisting. But Caitlyn didn't let her. She paused for a moment in front of her, looking into Vi's eyes, even though she knew the girl couldn't tell.
“Could you tell me what’s wrong?” The question was soft, but there was something in Caitlyn’s voice that couldn’t hide her anxiety. Vi hesitated, her lips pressed together before she spoke, as if she didn’t want to admit what was happening, so Caitlyn added, “Please, I just… I just want to understand.”
With a sigh, Vi leaned toward her and Caitlyn welcomed her with open arms, supporting her weight as best she could. She helped her sit against a wall in an uncrowded corner where the sun couldn't shine directly on either of them.
Despite her previous refusal, Vi seemed to relax at not having to stand any longer for the moment.
“It’s a… aftereffects,” Vi murmured, just loud enough for Caitlyn to hear, but not so loud that she felt completely vulnerable. “Every now and then, I have bouts of vertigo. They’re not predictable… it just happens.”
Caitlyn nodded, but said nothing. There was sadness in her eyes as she heard those words, a pain that tightened her chest.
“How long have you had them?” Caitlyn asked cautiously, keeping a respectful distance, but wanting to understand more.
Vi remained silent for a moment, frowning, as if the question had made her think.
“Ever since I was little,” she said finally, her voice low but clear. “It’s something I’ve learned to live with, although sometimes…” Vi took a deep breath, seeming to calculate her words. “Sometimes it gets harder, not just because of the vertigo, but because of everything that comes with it. The nausea, the lack of control… I feel like I can’t do anything.”
Caitlyn crouched down in front of her then, staring at her face with deep empathy, even though she couldn't fully understand what Vi was feeling. What she did understand, however, was that Vi wasn't used to showing fragility, let alone admitting that something was beyond her. This new side of Vi left a bitter taste in her mouth.
The artist tentatively raised a hand, wiping some sweat from Vi's forehead before sliding her fingers down her face and lightly cupping her cheek. Vi inhaled sharply, surprised by the contact, but didn't pull away. Caitlyn wasn't sure where she got the courage to do that small act, but she didn't regret it in the slightest.
“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Caitlyn asked, her voice soft but full of curiosity. There was no reproach in her words, only a genuine desire to understand.
Vi frowned even deeper, as if she hadn't expected that question. Her fingers fiddled nervously with her cane, so Caitlyn moved her thumb slightly over the girl's skin, silently encouraging her to continue.
“It’s not something I talk about much,” Vi finally admitted. “It’s not exactly… nice. And I didn’t want you to worry about me.”
Caitlyn felt a lump in her throat.
“Well, I guess we’re a little late for that,” she said with a smile that she hoped Vi could pick up on. The younger girl let out a light laugh and Caitlyn finally dropped her hand onto the younger girl’s lap. “Vi… you don’t have to carry this alone,” she continued, her voice firm but full of tenderness. “You don’t have to pretend you’re okay when you’re not. I’m here for you, understand? Just like you’ve been here for me all this time.”
Vi closed her eyes for a moment, as if Caitlyn's words had hit her with a force she hadn't expected. She took a deep breath, trying to find the courage to say what she had never shared with anyone. Caitlyn noticed how her hands trembled slightly, how her jaw clenched and unclenched, as if she were battling against a greater force.
Caitlyn opened her mouth to say something, to clarify that they didn't need to talk any further at that moment, but Vi spoke first.
“It’s not just the vertigo,” she said finally, her voice so low that Caitlyn had to lean in slightly to hear her. “It’s everything. My… vision, or lack thereof. The dizziness, the headaches… it all comes from the same thing.”
Caitlyn frowned as she listened, confused but not interrupting. She knew Vi needed time, that each word was a superhuman effort.
“What do you mean?” she asked softly, almost in a whisper, as if she was afraid of scaring her.
Vi bit her lip, hesitant to continue. But something in Caitlyn's gaze, the way she held her without judgment, kept her going.
“When I was little…” she began, but her voice broke. Caitlyn noticed how her hands gripped the cane tighter, as if it was her only anchor at that moment. “When I was little, maybe 11 or 12, I don’t remember exactly, I was in prison. Just a year, but…” she paused, swallowing. “It was enough.”
Caitlyn felt a chill run down her spine. She didn't know exactly what she was expecting, but Vi's confession had caught her completely off guard. It took all her self-control not to be shocked at that moment. She squeezed Vi's hands in hers, her mind jumping to all sorts of conclusions, starting to paint a picture she didn't want to see.
“In prison?” Caitlyn repeated in a choked voice, unable to hide the disbelief in her voice. “But… why? What happened?”
Vi shook her head, as if she didn't want to go into details.
“It was a mistake, I think. It wasn’t supposed to happen. I just…” she stopped short. Though her voice was firmer now, she couldn’t hide the bitterness. “What matters is what happened there. I was beaten. A lot. Too much.” She paused, as if the words were burning her throat. “I don’t remember everything, but I know it was… constant. And one of those times, something happened. Something broke inside me.” She raised a hand and brought it to her head, touching her temple with trembling fingers. “…Here. I don’t know exactly what it was, but ever since then… one day I just woke up and I couldn’t see like I used to. And the vertigo, the dizziness… it all started after that.”
Caitlyn felt the air leave her lungs. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her mind tried to process Vi’s words, but it was as if each one hit her with brutal force, leaving her paralyzed. How could someone have done this? How could Vi, so strong, so full of life, have gone through something so horrible? And as a child?
“Vi…” Caitlyn whispered, her voice shaking “I didn’t know… I had no idea…”
Vi shrugged, as if trying to make light of it, but Caitlyn could see the pain in her eyes, the way her body tensed at the memory.
“Only my family knows… at least, all the big details,” Vi said, with a gloom Caitlyn had never heard from her before. “It’s not exactly something I like to talk about.”
“But…” Caitlyn swallowed, trying to find the right words. “How could they do that to you? How could they hurt you like that?”
Vi was silent for a moment, as if unsure how to respond. Finally, she whispered:
“It doesn’t matter how. They just did it. And now I have to live with the consequences.”
Caitlyn felt her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't imagine the pain Vi had endured, the fear she must have felt at such a young age. She reached out and placed a hand gently on Vi's arm, feeling her tremble beneath her touch.
“I’m so sorry,” Caitlyn said, her voice thick with emotion. “You shouldn’t have had to go through that. You didn’t deserve it.”
Vi lowered her head, as if she couldn't bear the intensity of Caitlyn's gaze.
“You don’t have to feel sorry for me,” she murmured. “It’s over. I can’t change it.”
“It’s not that,” Caitlyn replied quickly, her voice firm. “It’s… it’s anger. It’s pain. It’s… I don’t know, Vi. It’s horrible to think that someone did that to you. And I don’t want you to carry it alone. You don’t have to.”
Vi was silent for a second, as if Caitlyn's words had left her without an answer. Finally, she whispered:
“I don’t know how to do it any other way.”
Caitlyn felt her eyes sting and had to blink back tears several times. She reached out with both hands and placed them gently on Vi's shoulders, forcing her to raise her head again.
“You don’t have to know,” Caitlyn said, her voice soft but full of determination. “I’ll help you. You have me now, do you hear me? No matter what it is, we can face it together.”
Vi closed her eyes for a moment, as if Caitlyn's words were too much to process. But when she opened them again, there was something in her gaze that Caitlyn hadn't seen before. Something that looked like hope.
“Sounds good, I think”
Caitlyn smiled.
“Just good?”
Vi let out a low laugh, barely a whisper.
“I don’t know.” Her voice was still heavy with exhaustion, but Caitlyn could hear the softness in her tone. “I’m not very good at this.”
Caitlyn tilted her head slightly.
"At what?"
Vi exhaled slowly, running a hand absentmindedly through her hair.
“Letting people help me. Letting someone else carry some of this with me.” she admitted “With my sister it’s… it’s different, she’s always been there, but with others…”
Caitlyn watched her intently, feeling like every word Vi spoke was a piece of her soul she was giving to her, even if it was just a little at a time.
“Well, then I guess you’ll just have to practice. I’ve been told I’m very good at teaching.” Her tone was light, but the meaning behind her words was clear. She wasn’t going to leave. She wasn’t going to leave her alone in this.
Vi lock her eyes with hers for a second, in one of those rare moments when she managed to connect her gaze with Caitlyn's without much effort, with that expression somewhere between amused and exhausted that Caitlyn was beginning to recognize as her way of accepting something without admitting it out loud.
“I guess so.”
Caitlyn felt the heat spread in her chest at the small gap Vi was allowing her to cross. Not a grand declaration, not a promise, but it was enough.
“That sounds better,” she said with a smile.
They sat there for a couple more minutes before Vi insisted on continuing. Caitlyn helped her up, supporting some of her weight the rest of the way. By the time they finally reached the building where Vi lived, it seemed like an eternity had passed.
The building was like any other in Zaun, in a residential area that seemed a little more orderly and cleaner than others, but with the facade clearly old and in urgent need of repairs. Worn out, with an air of simplicity and lack of resources that made it seem even more humble compared to the less organized neighborhoods of Piltover. Without saying anything, Caitlyn gently guided her, step by step, until they reached the third floor. Vi, although she tried to walk by herself, seemed to lose strength with each step.
They finally reached the door to Vi’s apartment, which was right in front of the stairs. Vi, barely able to stand, allowed herself to lean fully on Caitlyn, not complaining, but clearly feeling the weight of discomfort. The door creaked open, and the tiny living room was the first thing Caitlyn saw upon entering. A small, but warm and characterful place, with secondhand furniture, a small wooden table in the center, and a floor lamp on to provide some light to the place. There was no television, no modern decorations beyond an assortment of eclectic sculptures bearing Powder’s personal stamp hanging on the walls, just the essentials.
“Home sweet home,” Vi murmured, trying to smile, though her face was still tense from the effort.
Caitlyn held her firmly, closing the door behind them with a soft slam. She looked around, taking a moment to absorb the ambiance of the place. It was modest, but had a welcoming air, as if every object told a story.
“I like it,” Caitlyn said with complete sincerity. There was something about the way Vi talked about the place that told her it meant a lot to her. “It’s very you.”
Vi nodded weakly, leaning further on Caitlyn as they slowly made their way inside.
“Yes,” she replied, with a tone of pride that contrasted with her physical weakness. “I know it’s not much, but it’s mine. You know?”
Caitlyn noticed how Vi clung to those words, as if they were a reminder of something important to her. She carefully guided her to a nearby couch, but Vi shook her head.
“No, my room is better,” she said, pointing slightly toward a half-open door at the back of the apartment.
Caitlyn nodded, adjusting her grip to help Vi forward. As they walked, she couldn't help but ask,
“Do you live alone here?”
Vi paused, as if the question had taken her by surprise. Then, with a tired smile, she replied:
“Basically, yes. Powder and Ekko live upstairs, but… this place is all mine. It’s the only space I feel like I truly own.”
Caitlyn nodded, feeling a mix of admiration and sadness at those words. It was clear that Vi deeply valued her independence, but there was also something lonely in the way she spoke of her home.
“It’s nice to have a place like this,” Caitlyn said, trying to sound encouraging. “A refuge where you can be yourself.”
Vi smiled weakly, but didn’t respond immediately. When they finally reached the room, Caitlyn carefully pushed the door open, revealing a small but tidy space. A simple bed took up most of the room, with a hand-woven blanket and a slightly worn pillow. In one corner, there was a small nightstand with scattered papers and carving tools, probably Powder’s. The walls were bare, save for a couple of blurry photographs that Caitlyn couldn’t quite make out and a thin wire that ran up the ceiling, disappearing into the wall, and connected to a worn button that rested on the corner of the nightstand.
Caitlyn helped Vi sit on the edge of the bed, feeling her body finally give in to exhaustion. Vi let herself fall back with a sigh, closing her eyes for a moment as she caught her breath.
“Thank you,” Vi murmured, her voice barely a breath.
“Nothing to be thankful for,” Caitlyn replied, kneeling in front of her to carefully remove her shoes. “Do you need anything else? Water? Something for the dizziness?”
Vi shook her head, but Caitlyn noticed her hands shaking slightly.
“I’m fine,” Vi said, though her voice didn’t sound very convincing. “I just need to rest for a while.”
Caitlyn nodded, but didn't move. She stood there, watching Vi with a mixture of concern and affection. Finally, she said,
“I can stay a while, if you want. Just to make sure you’re okay.”
Vi opened her eyes slowly, turning her head in Caitlyn's direction with an expression that was hard to decipher. There was gratitude, but also something else, something Caitlyn couldn't name.
“You helped enough already,” Vi whispered, her voice cracking. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re not,” Caitlyn replied without hesitation. “You never would be.”
Vi closed her eyes again, as if Caitlyn’s words had somehow calmed her. Caitlyn sat on the edge of the bed then, close to Vi but not invading her space. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with a mutual understanding that needed no words.
“Thank you,” Vi finally said, her voice firmer this time, “for… being here.”
Caitlyn smiled softly, placing a hand over Vi's. Silently and allowing Vi to recover, she looked around, detailing and categorizing every aspect of the space for herself. Her eyes fell back on the button on the table, which looked completely out of place in the space.
Intrigued and taking advantage of the openness of sincerity that Vi had granted her that day, she couldn't help but ask.
"What's that?"
Vi frowned slightly, opening her eyes again.
“You need to be a little more specific, cupcake,” she said jokingly.
Caitlyn blushed a little.
“The button on the table,” she clarified, “I’ve never seen anything like it. Is it for the lights?”
“Oh, it’s for emergencies. Powder installed a bunch of them around the apartment when I moved in.” Vi paused, searching for the best way to explain, her eyes wandering aimlessly around the room. “If I ever feel too sick, or get dizzy so bad I can’t move, I press one of those. The wires go to Powder’s house, and I think they send a signal to her cell phone too, I’m not sure. When they activate, She and Ekko will know I need help.”
Caitlyn raised her eyebrows, surprised by the creativity. Despite any negative opinion Caitlyn might have of Vi's sister, she couldn't deny that the woman was incredibly intelligent and resourceful in finding solutions to various problems.
“Do you use it often?” she asked softly, trying to pick up more details.
Vi shook her head, but the gesture was slower than it usually was.
“Only when I really can’t deal with the discomfort.” Her tone was lower and a little melancholy, Caitlyn noticed. Vi seemed to not want to talk about this, but the small window that had opened allowed her to continue cautiously. “Since yesterday… I’ve been feeling bad. And even though I thought about it, I didn’t want to call Powder.”
This puzzled her. Powder and Vi's relationship seemed so stable and close that the artist found it hard to imagine Vi not turning to her sister if she needed help.
“Why not?” Caitlyn asked, her tone gentle but full of curiosity, wanting to understand more of what was going on.
Vi gestured with her hand, a small movement that conveyed discomfort.
“We’ve been having some trouble lately.” Vi’s voice cracked slightly as she said that, and Caitlyn felt even more sympathetic.
Something was wrong between the sisters; she could see Vi's conflict on her face. Caitlyn felt a pang of guilt in her chest.
“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” wasn’t a question that needed an answer, though the way Vi tensed told Caitlyn all she needed to know. “I’m sorry…”
“It’s not your fault”
“Powder doesn’t want me here…”
“And that’s her problem,” Vi interrupted firmly.
Caitlyn looked down, feeling the weight of Vi's words. She didn't want to be the cause of trouble between the sisters, but at the same time, she couldn't deny what she felt for Vi. She wasn't sure how to name it yet, but she knew it was something deep, something that went beyond friendship.
“I don’t want to be a reason for you and Powder to be distant,” Caitlyn said, her voice soft but full of concern. “She’s your sister. Your family. I don’t want to ruin that.”
Vi sat up then, leaning forward a little, as if to close the distance between them, pushing the discomfort aside for the moment. Her eyes, though unable to see clearly, fixed on Caitlyn with an intensity that made her hold her breath.
“Powder is my sister,” Vi said, her firmness leaving no room for doubt. “And I love her, always will. But that doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything she does or thinks. It also doesn’t mean I have to choose between her and…” she paused, as if weighing her words. “Between her and the people who are important to me.”
Caitlyn felt her heart beat faster. Vi's words were clear, but there was something else in her tone, something she couldn't ignore.
“Am I important to you?” Caitlyn asked, almost in a whisper, as if afraid to break the moment.
Vi didn’t respond immediately. She looked down, as if she were struggling. But when she finally raised her head, there was a determination in her expression that Caitlyn hadn’t seen before.
“Yes,” Vi said, her voice firm but gentle. “You are. And I’m not going to let anyone, not even Powder, tell me otherwise.”
Caitlyn felt the air drain out of her. Vi's words echoed through her mind, filling every corner with a warmth she didn't know how to describe. She reached out and placed a hand gently over Vi's, feeling the warmth beneath her touch.
“You don’t know how much that means to me,” Caitlyn said, her voice shaky but full of sincerity. “But I don’t want this to cause you any more trouble. I don’t want you to hurt yourself because of me.”
Vi smiled weakly, as if Caitlyn's concern touched her in a way she couldn't put into words.
“Don’t worry about me,” Vi said, her voice soft but full of determination. “I know what I’m doing. And I know what I want.”
Caitlyn felt her heart pounding. She didn't know what to say, how to respond to something that felt so big, so overwhelming. But she didn't need words. Right now, she just needed to be near Vi, to feel her presence, to know that they were okay.
“Thank you,” Caitlyn whispered, gently squeezing Vi’s hand. “For… for being you. For helping me these days, for teaching me so much.”
Vi smiled, this time more forcefully, as if Caitlyn's words had given her some relief.
“No need,” Vi said, her voice soft but full of affection as she lay back down on the bed. “Just… stay. That’s all I need for now.”
Caitlyn nodded, feeling a peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. She didn’t know what would happen next, how they would work things out with Powder, or how they would handle everything that was brewing between them. But right now, all that mattered was that they were together. And that was enough.
Time passed slowly as Caitlyn and Vi continued to talk, though the pace of their conversation changed. Vi spoke softly, her breathing somewhat irregular but calm, and Caitlyn, absorbed in her words, didn't notice at first that Vi's voice was slowly fading away. Their conversation had jumped from one topic to another, sometimes playful, other times more profound. But Caitlyn was no longer so focused on the content of her words, but rather on the softness of her voice, the subtle change in her tone. Vi was exhausted.
And just as Caitlyn began to speak of something else, she realized that Vi was no longer responding. She watched her closely, noticing that her breathing had become more regular, that her body was relaxed on the bed. Vi had fallen asleep. Caitlyn watched her for a few moments, feeling her chest fill with silent affection. Vi, so full of life and courage, now lay there, vulnerable, in the midst of a peaceful sleep. Caitlyn had never seen her like this, so small, so fragile in her rest. Something in her heart tightened.
The affection for Vi grew even more at that moment.
Caitlyn stayed there for a while, watching her, not wanting to lift a finger, as if the mere fact of not interrupting that moment was the most important thing. However, after a few minutes, she decided to go out for some fresh air. Silently, she left the room, carefully closing the door.
She walked through the small living room and headed towards the kitchen, one of the few areas she hadn't explored yet. At first, her first impression was that the space was completely functional. But as she began to look more closely, she noticed something that caught her attention: everything was in a particular order. Not just organized, but carefully arranged.
There was a small gas stove, next to a work table with utensils Caitlyn would never have imagined Vi using. And the arrangement was impressive. Nothing was out of place; everything had its specific position. Caitlyn stopped in front of a small box on the table: containers with spices neatly lined up, a couple of sharp knives, metal pots that looked quite used, but were neatly stored and clean. The contrast with the image she had of Vi was so striking that Caitlyn couldn't help but feel fascinated.
Vi, even with her blindness, could cook.
Caitlyn had never stopped to think about how Vi fed herself until now, she had vaguely assumed that she lived off of orders - her enthusiasm for Zaun's fast food was obvious - or off of her family's food. But now that she knew she lived alone and could observe her home, her refuge, up close, she was able to understand much more.
Caitlyn smiled, biting in her lips.
But before she could ponder it further, she heard a noise coming from the entryway. The jingle of keys and the sound of the deadbolt being unlocked. The door opened with a soft creak, and Caitlyn automatically tensed, spinning on her heels.
Powder.
The eldest sister stood in the doorway, staring in genuine surprise at Caitlyn. Her blue eyes widened in shock and disbelief, as if she couldn't comprehend what was in front of her. A huge shopping bag with groceries dangled in her hand.
“What are you doing here?” Powder’s voice came out raspy, as if she were holding back something much bigger. Her eyes shone with barely contained resentment and insecurity.
Caitlyn sat up instinctively, equally surprised by Powder's abrupt entrance, and was unable to hide the discomfort she felt at being in this intimate space of Vi's without Powder knowing about it beforehand.
“I was just with Vi,” Caitlyn explained cautiously and firmly, trying to hide the nervousness inside her.
Powder didn't seem satisfied with the explanation.
“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed,” she exclaimed sarcastically, her gaze sharp. There was something tense in her words, a mixture of distrust and something much deeper.
Caitlyn tried to stand her ground, but the air between them was heavy, thick with conflict.
“Vi wasn’t feeling well, and I was just looking after her, Powder. I didn’t want to leave her alone.” she explained cautiously, feeling like she was somehow dealing with a dangerous animal that could jump on her at any moment.
Something changed on the other woman’s face, it was subtle, but her expression softened into a look that Cailtyn couldn’t immediately read. Powder let out a sigh, looking down at the bag of food she was carrying and then back at Caitlyn, not saying another word. She took a step inside, closing the door firmly behind her.
“Is she okay?” Powder asked, her tone lower than Caitlyn had expected. She didn’t hide her anger, but there was palpable concern in her voice.
Caitlyn, relieved that the conversation had started off civilly, took a deep breath before answering.
“Yeah, she’s resting now,” Caitlyn said, keeping her cool. “She had a really bad bout of vertigo, but I think she’s better. I helped her get here and she laid down. It looks like she just needs some rest.”
Powder nodded slowly, but her gaze didn't soften at all. She placed the shopping bag on the table carefully, as if she were measuring every move. Caitlyn found it impressive that she hadn't exploded until now, considering that the last time they met, they hadn't ended on good terms.
But there was something in Powder's gaze that told Caitlyn something else was up - she looked conflicted, her hands clenching and unclenching into fists over and over again.
“Thank you for taking care of her,” Powder said after a few seconds, though her tone didn’t sound entirely grateful “But you didn’t have to stay. I was just about to get here.”
Caitlyn frowned slightly, sensing the tension in the room slowly rising.
“Neither Vi nor I knew you were coming,” Caitlyn replied, trying to remain calm. “Besides, I couldn’t just leave her alone in that state.”
Powder crossed her arms, looking at Caitlyn with an expression that was difficult to read. There was concern in her eyes, but also something else, something that seemed to be simmering beneath the surface.
“I understand you want to help,” Powder said, her voice firmer now. “But you’re not her family. You’re not the one who should be here when she needs help.”
Caitlyn took a deep breath. Powder's words weren't overtly hostile, but there was a harshness to them she couldn't ignore.
“I’m not trying to replace you, Powder,” Caitlyn said cautiously, noting how that statement only made the other woman angrier. “I just want to be there for Vi when she needs it, as any friend would do. Like someone who cares about her. I just want to support her, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”
Powder let out an exasperated sigh, as if Caitlyn's words weren't enough to calm his frustration.
“Of course,” Powder exclaimed, her tone bordering on sarcasm. “Do you really think you’re helping? If it weren’t for your damn sightseeing trips around Zaun, Vi wouldn’t have had to go out today. She wouldn’t have had to work so hard. She wouldn’t be like this.”
Caitlyn felt Powder's words hit her like a hammer. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
“Are you saying this is my fault?” Caitlyn asked, her voice shaky but filled with outrage and disbelief. “That I’m the reason Vi is sick?”
Powder didn't respond immediately, but her silence was enough to confirm what Caitlyn already suspected.
“I’m not saying it’s your fault,” Powder said finally, though her tone didn’t sound very convincing. “I’m just saying that if you hadn’t butted into her life, things would be simpler. Vi wouldn’t be risking so much just to please you.”
“I’m not forcing her to do anything,” Caitlyn replied, her voice firm but full of emotion. “She’s choosing to hang out with me because she wants to. Because she likes me. And I’m not going to apologize for wanting to spend time with her. Or is it that you can’t stand her having a life outside of you?”
Powder was silent for a moment, as if Caitlyn's words had taken her by surprise. But then, her expression hardened even further.
“Don’t you dare,” Powder said, her voice low but filled with anger. “Don’t you dare insinuate things you have no idea about, that I’m the one limiting her. I’m the one who’s been there for Vi her entire life! I’m the one who looked out for her when no one else would. And you? What have you done, other than appear out of nowhere and pretend you know what’s best for her?”
“And what do you know about what she really needs, Powder?” Caitlyn replied, her tone just as strong, her voice cracking with anger. “She’s not broken or a fucking porcelain doll! Can’t you see that? She’s an adult who can make decisions on her own. Vi needs support, not to be kept locked away in her pain, and if no one else will, I’m going to. What you’re doing, Powder, is keeping her tied down.”
The words hung in the air like a heavy poison, making the atmosphere even more tense. Powder's apparent calm finally broke, her face contorted with anger while coming dangerously close to her. Caitlyn's muscles contracted, instinctively preparing for anything.
“If you think I’m going to allow…” Powder’s voice was abruptly cut off by another.
“I think that's enough”
Vi stumbled slightly as she left the room, placing a hand on the door frame before taking a few more steps towards the center of the room. Powder and Caitlyn's argument came to a screeching halt. Neither of them had noticed Vi had stood up until they saw her there, still pale, breathing heavily, her brow furrowed in obvious annoyance.
Powder was the first to react, the anger she had felt moments before vanished in an instant, replaced by intense concern.
“What the hell are you doing out of bed?” she exclaimed, quickly reaching out to grab Vi by the shoulders.
“I’m fine,” Vi muttered raspily, though the slight wobble in her posture gave her away.
Caitlyn, still standing by the table, watched silently, her heart pounding against her chest. Vi wasn't okay, you didn't have to be a doctor to see that, but her determination to stay on her feet was almost painful to witness.
Powder clenched her jaw.
“No, you’re not. You haven’t even taken your medicine, have you?” her tone was a mix of frustration and unease as she tried to guide Vi back to her room. “Go back to bed. You shouldn’t be standing up; you shouldn’t even have gone out today. Do you know what would happen if you passed out in the middle of the street and no one was there?”
Vi pushed her sister's hand away more roughly than she intended.
“I’m tired of this,” she said with a tired exhale. “I don’t need you telling me what to do every second.”
Powder narrowed her eyes.
“I’m not telling you what to do, I’m reminding you to take care of yourself because, clearly, you’re not.”
Vi let out a humorless laugh, her face turning in Powder's direction with a grimace.
“So what? Now you’re going to say that Caitlyn is to blame for that too?”
The mention of her name made Caitlyn straighten her shoulders, but she remained silent, watching the tension between the sisters. For the first time since she had known her, Caitlyn watched Powder turn angrily to Vi, almost glaring at her.
“If it weren’t for your stupid and irresponsible exploration, you wouldn’t have had to go out today and you wouldn’t be like this.”
“And that makes you feel better? Huh?” Vi replied in a raised voice, clearly irritated. “Blaming Caitlyn for something she has no responsibility for? Because I assure you that doesn’t change the fact that I decided to go.”
Powder clenched her fists, frustration evident in her eyes.
“You don’t understand, Vi,” her voice trembled slightly, as if she were holding back, “You don’t understand what’s at stake here.”
“No, I don’t understand, Powder!” Vi raised her voice, more than she intended, and for a moment she seemed to lose her balance. Caitlyn instinctively stepped forward, ready to catch her if she fell, but Vi managed to steady herself, moving further away from Powder when she sensed her attempt to touch her. Her breathing was getting more labored, though, and Caitlyn could see the beads of sweat on her forehead. “Because you never tell me anything. You just keep making decisions for me.”
Powder's expression hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line.
“I’m protecting you.”
“From what?” Vi spread her arms in frustration. “From someone who has proven, time and time again, that cares about me?”
Caitlyn felt a lump in her throat at those words.
Powder glanced at Caitlyn resentfully before turning her attention back to Vi.
“From the Kirammans,” she whispered angrily. “They just like to play and pretend they want to help…”
Vi ran a shaking hand over her face, exhausted.
“I can’t do this anymore,” she said at last, her tone lower, more tired. “I’m not going to walk away from Caitlyn just because you say so.”
The room fell silent.
For the first time in a long time, Powder didn't know what to say.
Caitlyn stood there, feeling the weight of the conversation sink into her chest. There was something more to all of this, something she didn’t quite understand yet. But what she did know for certain was that Vi had taken a step toward her, and that meant far more than either of them could admit at the moment.
Powder took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a brief moment, trying to calm herself. But when she opened them again, her anger was there, more intense than before, a storm ready to break loose.
“You going to walk away…” he repeated bitterly, each word dripping with disbelief. “Just like that? Are you just going to ignore everything her family caused? What they did to you?”
Caitlyn suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her. Her mind seemed to collapse at that moment, trying to keep up with the conversation as it was going a mile a minute, drawing conclusions and fitting together pieces of a puzzle that until that day she hadn't known where to begin. She wanted to say something, anything, but the sudden lump in her throat prevented her from being able to formulate any words.
Vi narrowed her eyes, her jaw tense.
“Caitlyn is not her family.”
“Yes, it is!” Powder raised her voice, taking a step closer. “It’s a Kiramman, Vi…”
“Perhaps,” Vi interrupted angrily, almost spitting out the words, “I might be able to understand your point of view a little more if you weren’t so intent on hiding things from me that clearly concern me.”
“Violet…”
“No! I think it’s time you listen to me, dammit!” Vi snapped. “I’m not going to live my life avoiding the one person who makes me feel like I could be more than this.”
Powder was silent for a moment, as if Vi's words had hit her with a force she hadn't expected. But then, her expression hardened even further.
“More than this?” Powder repeated, her voice full of sarcasm. “And what is ‘this’, exactly? A life where I’ve taken care of you, where I’ve been there for you, where I’ve done everything, I can to protect you?”
“I didn’t ask you to protect me!” Vi screamed, her voice cracking but filled with fury. “I didn’t ask you to make all the decisions for me! I just want to live my life, Powder! And if that means being with Caitlyn or anyone else from Piltover or Zaun, then that’s what I’m going to do!”
Powder clenched her fists, her eyes shining with a mix of anger and pain.
“You don’t understand,” she said, her voice shaking. “You don’t understand what’s at stake. You don’t understand what the Kiramman are capable of. You don’t understand what they’ve already done!”
“Then tell me!” Vi shouted, throwing her arms out in frustration. Both Caitlyn and Powder instinctively took a step back in surprise. “Tell me what it is you’re keeping from me! Because I’m tired of living in the dark, Powder! Tired of having people make decisions for me!”
Powder looked as if she had been slapped, her expression suddenly pale.
“Y-you can’t trust her,” she insisted, almost in a whisper.
“I’m doing it…”
“I have seen both of you, she is not qualified to know what you need”
That revelation brought another moment of silence in the apartment. Powder's eyes widened in surprise, finally realizing what she had said. Vi frowned deeply, her face fixed on Powder's as if she were carefully analyzing her statement.
“What do you mean, ‘you have seen us’?” she asked then, her voice lower.
Powder didn't answer, but she didn't need to. Caitlyn felt herself gasping for air. Vi, for her part, seemed to be struggling to process it all. Her face went from disbelief to anger in a matter of seconds.
“You’ve been spying on me?” Vi asked, her voice shaky but filled with fury. “Really, Powder? Really!?”
Powder crossed her arms, defying her reaction. “I was trying to protect you.”
Vi felt a wave of emotions hit her hard. Anger, frustration, pain.
“You have no right.” Her voice was low, shaky with rising anger. “You have no right to do that.”
Powder let out a dry laugh.
“Oh, no? And who is supposed to do it then? Caitlyn?”
“That’s not what I’m saying! You aren’t listening!” Vi raised her voice suddenly, her body shaking from both rage and the unease that still enveloped her. “I’m saying that you can’t keep controlling everything I do!”
“If I don’t do it, no one else will!” Powder screamed, her voice cracking between anger and something deeper, something more painful. “Don’t you understand, Vi? You’re all I have! I almost lost you once and I can let that happen again!”
Vi then felt the world begin to spin rapidly.
It was too much.
It was all too much.
Vi felt her blood burning in her veins, her breathing uncontrolled, her pulse pounding with a suffocating force in her temples. It was as if the rage, frustration and pain had tangled inside her, becoming an unstoppable storm that she could not contain. Her breathing was erratic, and each beat of her heart felt like a deafening drumbeat in her head.
But she couldn't keep quiet.
Not this time.
Vi clenched her fists, rage overcoming any sense of exhaustion.
“Don’t do this to me, Powder!” Her voice came out louder than she intended, but she didn’t care. For the first time, fury overcame her need to be patient. “I'm sick of you making decisions for me, of you thinking you have the right to watch me like I'm a fucking prisoner!”
“It’s not like that…”
“Yes it is!” Vi interrupted without hesitation. “Do you know what it feels like to know there are things I’m not being told? That everyone seems to know a piece of my story except me? Do you know what it’s like to live without answers, without even being able to see the truth for myself?!”
Powder froze.
Vi felt her own voice shake with frustration.
“I’m trapped, Powder.” Vi put a hand to her chest, as if she needed to contain the suffocating feeling inside her. “Trapped in a body that doesn’t respond to me when I need it the most, trapped in a life where everyone decides for me. And now you want to decide who I can or can’t be with too!”
Caitlyn didn't move, her heart pounding as she stared at Vi, each word piercing her with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. She debated whether or not she should intervene.
“Caitlyn hasn’t done anything to hurt me! She’s not your enemy, Powder. Stop treating her like one!”
Powder trembled, her lips parted, but she couldn't find the words. Everything Vi was saying… Everything Vi was feeling… She didn't want it to be like this. She didn't want to make her sister feel trapped.
But she didn't want to lose her either.
However, before she could say anything, Vi staggered.
“I’m tired, Pow. I’m so damn tired...”
And then, the world tilted violently around her. Vertigo came like a brutal wave, overwhelming her without mercy. Her stomach turned, the ground seemed to disappear beneath her feet, and the tightness in her chest became unbearable. The shadows in her vision became even more distorted, silhouettes became blurry spots that danced meaninglessly, completely disorienting her.
“VI—!”
Caitlyn and Powder's voices sounded distant, but in the midst of the confusion and chaos inside her, she felt them both moving at the same time.
Vi's knees buckled, and Powder immediately lunged at her, grabbing her by the waist before she could fall to the ground. Caitlyn caught up to them a second later, holding Vi face in her hands. Cold sweat was running down the younger girl's skin, and her breathing became erratic. She couldn't quite make out the voices around her, her body was too heavy, and the feeling of falling wouldn't go away.
“Vi, can you hear me?” Caitlyn exclaimed, her voice firm but charged with urgency, her thumb gently brushing her cheek in a desperate attempt to anchor her in the present. “Hey! Hey! Stay with us, okay? Violet?”
Powder held her firmly, but her hands were shaking too, her eyes locked don Vi's face with guilt.
“This is my fault…” she muttered, her own breathing ragged with desperation “Fuck, sis…”
“Violet!”
But she couldn't answer.
Not when her whole world was crumbling into darkness.