Summer Together
Morning in the Last Drop was a noisy one, that meant instead of being woken up by a maid entering her room and opening the curtains to let the sun in, Caitlyn experiences the Wick wake up call. Which happened to take the form of an excitable 13 year old.
The door to her room burst open causing her to sit up, wide awake and reach for her wand at her bedside.
"CAITLYN!" Powder screamed and threw herself onto the poor confused girl, knocking the wind out of her.
"ACK- PoWdeR." Caitlyn wheezed. Only then did she notice the two other faces at the door.
"Mornin, princess! Hope you like the wake up call!" Mylo laughed and booked it out of there before she could cast at him.
Claggor on the other hand just shook his head in fond exasperation. "Good morning, Caitlyn. Vi and Vander are making breakfast, Aunt G is already up. Sis." Claggor gestured for the little gremlin to come over to him, which she did.
"See you downstairs! You better hurry though, Vi rips that apron off as soon as she's done cooking." Powder grins and closes the door behind her as they leave.
The whole time Caitlyn sat incredibly still. That was not how she was expecting to start the day but it was definitely a welcome surprise. With an excited shit eating grin on her face she changes from her sleep wear to casual house clothes, in other words, shorts and a shirt. Caitlyn would take this to the grave but since yesterday she'd been watching Vi. Her best friend in her element, wild, free and surrounded by those she loves. The way she smiled and laughed. The gentle way she handled the younger kids while still rough housing when she's called to play, and that was just what she'd seen on the hill.
She especially wasn't sure what to think of the fluttering in her stomach, the wild beating of her heart, and the heat that spread across her cheeks when she first laid eyes on Vi after all these weeks. From the cute little puppy she'd met to the now young dashing wolf. A wolf who happened to be a skilled cook. She tied her hair up, checked herself in the mirror, and booked it downstairs.
Vi woke early in the morning, she always did when she hadn't spent the night partying like the Snowdown eve celebration. She loved helping her mother make breakfast when she was younger, even if all she could do was watch and bring her ingredients, and now she shared that responsibility with her adoptive father.
Gently kissing her sister's forehead she leaves the room to head for the kitchen. Though slowly developing that future beefy-ness Vi was able to move silently through the bar.
"Mornin, dad." Vi greeted through a yawn.
"Mornin, little wolf." Vander smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "Apron." He quickly reminded her.
Vi groaned but relented and grabbed the apron hanging nearby. It was a matching pair to Vanders and it was honestly ridiculous. Vanders was meant to just be tied around the waist and on it were the words "Papa Wolf" while for Vi it was a full body apron with the words "Baby Wolf." Vi absolutely hated it but her siblings got it for the two of them when they found it in the thrift shop in Rye. It also made her dad happy- that's right, the Black Hound of London is an absolute cheesy dad -so she wears it whenever they cook together.
"What's on the menu?" Vi looked over at Vanders prep work.
"Garlic rice, longanisa, eggs, salad and the leftovers from yesterday." The man replied without looking away from the pan he was currently cooking on.
"Works for me." Vi started working in the eggs.
"So. My girl. Tell me." Oh how Vi hated that tone from him. It was his 'I'm your dad and I have the right to embarrass you' tone. "What do you think of miss Kiramman?"
In a split second Vi's mind went through exactly what she thought of her best friend. She was too perfect to be real. Her best friend had been a naive and sheltered kitten from day one and now she's??? What is she supposed to think??? She couldn't even fucking think when Caitlyn stepped out of that car. Where's the adorable little kitten she teased for years??? Well. She was still adorable but the point stands. She's beautiful and Vi would have to be blind as a bat to not see that. But Caitlyn's her Best. Friend.
So Vi huffed. "She's fuckin awesome and my best friend." That she could say without a doubt in her being.
Vander hummed. "Really? That's all? Nothing about cooking a whole feast but drooling over her instead of the food?"
"DAD!" Vi whisper-yelled, not wanting to wake the others.
Vander chuckles. "Can you blame an old man for wanting to know about his daughter's love life?"
"Dad." Vi practically growled. "I told you we're friends… and you're not that old." That last part was mumbled but the man heard it loud and clear judging by the loving smile on his face.
"Alright alright I'll drop it. Oh. 4...3...2...1-"
"MORNIN!"
"FUC-"
Thump
"OUCH"
"POWDER!"
"Morning."
Insert hyena like cackling
"Right on time." Vi sighs fondly.
The sound of rushed footsteps signaled the arrival of her siblings who chorused a quick "Good Morning" before booking it upstairs to get Caitlyn and Grayson.
"Mornin!" Both Vi and Vander called back before continuing with breakfast.
Caitlyn stepped out of her room just in time to see Grayson heading down the stairs.
"Good morning, Caitlyn" She greeted with her signature husky voice and a soft smile.
"Good morning." Caitlyn chirped happily.
The duo made their way down where plates were now set up on the bar countertop. Plates piled with enough food for everyone were set down as well and everyone was sitting on bar stools shoveling food onto their plates.
"Save some for the guests, you animals." Vi barked with no real anger.
That's when Caitlyn saw the apron and promptly lost her shit.
"Caitlyn?" Vander asked, trying to figure out why the girl suddenly burst into laughter.
Caitlyn takes a moment to steady her breath. "I'm fine, Vander. Just admiring the outfits."
Vi looked down at herself only then remembering her dumb apron. The resounding groan had everyone laughing.
---
2nd Day In Zaun
---Morning---
First official day touring her town and of course they couldn't do it without the whole gang so first stop was Ekko's house, which was the closest. They ran through the streets, laughter filling the air, even Caitlyn was happy to lose herself in the freedom.
The pick up was supposed to be straight forward. Grab Ekko, say hi to his parents, and go, but life is not that easy.
"Um… Ekko, dear? W-whats happening?" Miss Iterum asked with a shaking voice.
"Ma. Da. This is Caitlyn, the friend I keep telling ya about." Ekko beamed.
"Y-yes but-"
Miss Iterum is silenced by her husband's hand resting comfortably on her shoulder. "Times still ticking kids, off with you now. Enjoy your day." He said with a warm smile.
The next stop was Abby's but even then the trip wasn't simple. They picked up snippets of whispers from passersby.
"Again?! What are we going to do?!"
"Have the Wicks lost their fucking minds?! Accepting another one?!"
"We need to talk to Vander… She has to go."
"I never knew I'd have to pull out the emergency run away bag."
Vi instinctively stepped closer to Caitlyn who smiled, happy for the reassurance. When they arrived at Abby's place even her own parents seemed hesitant. The Day Of Ash nearly took her from them, luckily the killing curse missed.
Vi decided Caitlyn needed a break and prompted Powder and Ekko to take them to their lab. Said lab could be described as a shack rebuilt several times over and filled with control muggle and magic chaos. There they shared stories until Vi got silent confirmation that she was ready to go
---Afternoon---
Now knowing what to expect the gang head back into the streets and b-lined it for the original Jericho's!
"Hey there kiddo- huh." Jericho's eyebrows rose in surprise when he saw Caitlyn amongst them.
"Hello. I'm visiting for the summer." Caitlyn greeted with a smile.
"Well any friend of the Wicks is welcome here." He beamed and set to work on their regular orders.
"Vi!"
There was a chorus of little voices headed towards the group as they settled to wait for lunch. Twin girls who looked around 10 and a small boy around 6.
"Hey ya rascals!" Vi grinned and kneeled to hug the little ones.
The trio greeted the gang then turned their attention to Caitlyn. Around them passersby slowed, wondering what this pureblood would do. They trusted the gang to protect the kids but purebloods were unpredictable.
"Hello, darlings. I'm Caitlyn, a friend." Her smile and voice were soft and warm.
Children being children felt she was a good person and greeted her with kindness in turn. Around them towns folk felt a little of their fear die down. Only the barest amount. The whole group, including the children, ate together sharing stories and smiles. Caitlyn was even able to show off some spells like turning the used tissues into birds.
That was the confidence boost they needed to continue their tour through the town. As they did they slowly picked up more kids and folks who wanted to know more about Caitlyn and just hang out in general. Through this the more open minded residents seemed to relax. The rest of the day was spent out in the shoddy Quidditch pitch and Vi proved to Caitlyn that she's got a lot to learn in backyard brutality. The rest of the players learned never to let Vi and Caitlyn play on the same team because that is terrifying.
---Evening---
At the end of the day Ekko and Abby broke off to go home, leaving Caitlyn and the Wick siblings. When they returned to the Last Drop they were tired, sweaty, and covered in filth, but smiling like suns. The bar was in full swing. Residents and travelers alike, drinking and eating to the sound of the jukebox. Behind the bar Vander pours drinks and talks to customers with his usual charisma. Silco must be in the office having business meetings as per usual. To Caitlyn's surprise Grayson sat with a few other wizards, drinking and laughing over a joke she'd missed.
The family and guest stride through the bar greeting patrons and friends as they pass; however, Caitlyn noticed the way many would glare at her, their gazes both cautious and condemning. Thankfully they were smart- and sober- enough to hold their tongue in front of their leader.
Dinner was calmer than breakfast, the group much too tired to rave about their day. Instead, once they finished, Powder, Mylo and Claggor retreated to their room while Vi brought Caitlyn back to hers.
---
Vi stopped outside the door, pushing it open for Caitlyn. "Hey, Cupcake? Can I come in?" Vi asked softly.
Caitlyn smiled. "Of course."
The two enter the room, Vi closing the door behind them before sitting on the bed beside Caitlyn. For a moment they simply enjoyed each other's company, letting their muscles and minds relax after a long day.
"How are ya?" Vi asked.
"Honestly? It wasn't as bad as I'd thought." Caitlyn chuckles softly.
Vi tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"
"Well I honestly expected to have people demanding I leave. I'm a pureblood and a Councilwoman's daughter. The wounds of that night are still fresh I'm sure." Caitlyn answered factually.
Vi gave her a proud but tired smile. "You're amazing. They'll warm up to you, I promise. You just gotta show you're not like the others and we'll be here the whole way, Cupcake."
Caitlyn beams. "Thank you, Vi. Now, off with you, I need rest for whatever you plan to make me do tomorrow." She giggles as he pulls Vi up by the hand and ushers her out the door.
Both girls go to bed with smiles and light hearts.
3rd Day In Zaun
The third day was spent showing Caitlyn around the best stops in Rye and their hidden magical counterparts. They traveled by car and train, wands hidden away. Caitlyn experienced the Nature Reserve and the hidden Magical Creature Reserve. They taught her how to cross roads full of cars and traffic lights. Introducing her to different muggle tech (they held off on the internet. She wasn't ready for that just yet) and when it all got too much they taught her how to parkour over the rooftops. (Many near fatal mistakes there.)
In the muggle site of the Last Drop the word of the Kiramman heiress being in Rye spread quickly through the magical residents and travelers. Lunch was spent greeting friends and threatening nosy strangers. By the end of that lunch Caitlyn's standing amongst the Rye magic society was more to the positive end. Seeing this figure of top brass in a pub, with the street kids, remnants of died mud and dust on her clothes, you can't help but find it endearing.
The rest of the day was spent touring Rye castle to which Caitlyn gladly drank in the muggle history. Vi found it incredibly cute seeing Caitlyn be weary of the unmoving staircases, glance at the paintings waiting for them to move, and listen for passing ghosts.
---
Later that night in Vander's office with Grayson, Vander and Silco:
G: "I can't thank you both enough for letting Caitlyn come here. I haven't ever seen that girl so happy during summer break."
V: "Thank Vi. Little wolf is very convincing and even got the others to agree."
S: "She'll make a fine Hound but the complaints from the town haven't stopped. They are scared, as they very well should be."
G: "Caitlyn has a way with people who are willing enough to give her a chance. She got your kids to soften after all. Not to mention she's got Vi wrapped around her pinky." She laughs
V: "She really does. Our bets still stand? 6th year for me."
S: "7th"
G: "This year."
4th Day In Zaun
A break from the big city had Vi introducing Caitlyn to two more games they enjoyed. The first? Well, it's the reason why Vi knew how to guide a Hippogriff. Vi led Caitlyn and the ground through the protective barrier. A short walk brought them to an expanse of fields, silos, barns, and grazing animals.
"Several of these belong to Zaun and the rest to residents of Rye." Vi explained as they walked towards a stable.
She pushed open the doors and the horses inside gave a mix of reactions.
"Mornin everyone." Vi greeted with a smile and Caitlyn watched the group split off to different horses while Vi stayed at her side.
"This stable belongs to Deke, a muggleborn with a halfblood wife. These horses? We basically grew up with most of them."
Vi led her deeper into the stable, pointing to each horse and their riders. "That's Gizmo." Vi pointed to Powder and her horse, a brown Hackney stallion with black color points, and white socks. Its mane and tail were braided and Caitlyn noticed the neon blue streaks of hair amongst the black.
"That's Cloud." Vi pointed to Abby and her chestnut Cleveland Bay mare.
"That's Ebony." Ekko stood with his Welara mare, it's black coat, white mane and black socks were a unique beauty.
"Those are the twins Lock and Load. Lock's Mylo's, Load's Clag's." The brothers were bushing their respective brown England stallions.
Finally they reach the last two horses. Their sections had been merged into one. The horses inside were massive to say the least. Shire horses that easily tower over both girls. A pure white mare trotted to Vi at the sight of her.
"This is my girl. Her name's Lily and she was born and raised here. She never lets anyone but me, and those I give permission, ride her. Over there?" Vi gestured to the pure black stallion lying on the ground, completely ignoring the duo.
"That's her mate, Ghost. He's a rescue from a really nasty place. Wanted nothin to do with anyone but Lily here kept trying to make him feel comfortable. Now they're basically inseparable. Whenever I take Lily out, he has to come along, no rider. Anyway, I think Lily will be happy to be your first ride." Vi gently patted the mare's neck but when she looked at Caitlyn the bluenette and the black stallion were staring at each other.
"Can I try?" And Vi wasn't sure if Caitlyn was asking her or the horse but she nodded anyway.
---
"... THE DISNEY PRINCESS THING WORKS WITH NORMAL ANIMALS?!" Abby lamented as they all watched the naturally aggressive, headstrong and erratic stallion bend to the whims of Caitlyn, even visibly working to make the ride easier on her.
"No no. I think Cait just has a way with stubborn animals." Powder teased and everyone looked at Vi who was riding beside Caitlyn and Ghost, giving her instructions.
---
They spent most of the morning on horseback, riding around and giving Caitlyn a view of the countryside. At some point a Wizarding family called them over for lunch. The group was a regular sight so offering them food was normal. In exchange the kids were happy to help on the farm. This time was no different. The group worked into the afternoon. Watering plans, plowing fields, picking fruits, the whole nine yards and Caitlyn was happy to help. The act alone would reach the ears of Zaun and her standing with them would rise drastically.
Vander and Grayson would come to pick them up later on two of their own horses saying they finally have enough free time to take Caitlyn to the range. This had the whole group grinning from ear to ear.
---
"Okay, Cupcake. What the actual fuck?!" Vi was thoroughly floored after Caitlyn down all the disks fired in only her 3rd round of skeet shooting. The rifle looked so fitting in her arms.
Powder was just as amazed, raving about someone who can finally go against her. Ekko was good but definitely not as good as her. Until now she never had a challenge.
"It just feels natural." Caitlyn shrugged but Vi could see she's glowing with pride.
Grayson came over to which Caitlyn put on her own kitten eyes. "Can I take one home?"
The Sheriff chuckled and replied with a curt- "No."
5th Day In Zaun
This would be the turning point day because the Wicks would introduce her to the most important muggle invention. The Internet. Let's just say they lost most of the day to sitting inside watching Caitlyn gawk over basically everything on Vi's phone. When they did go out it was to play in a computer shop out in Rye. Once again, Caitlyn was a master of FPS games.
The other big part of that day is when Vi convinced Babette to let them add Caitlyn to the backstage crew of "The Storymaster's Tales Interactive Theatre."
It was known amongst the magical community that the place was run by Zaun. Magic disguised as special effects made it an incredibly popular attraction and no one would think real magic was taking place. It was one of the most important places to Zaun and people often took shifts to work. Their group was scheduled for that afternoon up till the late night shows. The people of Zaun witnessed how earnestly Caitlyn worked. How driven she was to help and learn and how she was happy to use her skills with them.
Word travels fast in Zaun. Many had begun to accept her presence as one that could be connected to Grayson. An ally.
6th Day In Zaun
This day was spent in town. Vi wanted to show Caitlyn what a day for her was like. Powder was out with Ekko, Mylo and Claggor were helping Vander and Abby was at home with her family. Vi on the other hand hated sitting still too long so on quiet days she would go around town and find places where she was needed. Caitlyn was happy to come along and spend time together help.
"Good morning miss Opal. Do you need help with the mowing again?"
A few children were playing together, one tripped and fell on the stuffed toy cat she was holding, causing it to rip. Vi came over and soothed the child. "Hey Cupcake. You've got the mending spell down." Vi handed her the toy and Caitlyn was quick to repair it and pass it back to the now not crying child. "Thank you miss!"
"Vi! Can ya help?"
"Vi! Just the girl I wanted to see!"
"Oh hey old man Burk! Did ya need help with the garden gnomes again?"
Everywhere they went Vi was accosted by townsfolk of all ages. If she was not called then when she noticed someone was struggling she was quick to offer help and gods Caitlyn wanted to beat her poor weak heart into the ground. There was just something in Vi's smile that made her think of an excitable puppy, it wasn't wasn't hard to picture the upright ears and wagging tail. She especially loved it when that smile was pointed at her. She was happy to help however she could, basically being Vi's assistant, but she had also noticed a few people needing help and offering it before Vi could.
They passed by Abby's house and to Caitlyn's surprise Mrs Hearth called them in for lunch. Word got around quickly and the muggleborn-halfblood couple were far more welcoming. They even asked how Hogwarts was and what Piltover is like. Caitlyn missed the fond look Vi gave her every time she glanced her way but Abby caught it just fine and wiggled her eyebrows whenever Vi and her locked eyes.
After lunch Vi continued to lead Caitlyn down the streets of Zaun but there was a hesitance in her usually confident gait.
"I think it's time to take you to one of the two places in Zaun you haven't visited yet. I had to wait to bring you cuz if I brought you there while everyone wanted you gone I'm sure they would have chased you away."
Caitlyn nods in understanding. "Is there anything in particular I have to do?"
Vi smiled softly. "Be yourself."
---
As they walked Caitlyn watched Vi buy a bouquet of flowers and, though she didn't know why, she bought one herself without Vi's prompting.
Vi led her to what looked like a stone monument. Flowers, candles, and pictures surrounding it. As they approached Caitlyn caught the weary- but not aggressive- glances of passers by. Where were they? She followed Vi until they stood before the towering stone square.
"This is the remembrance stone. On this are the names of everyone we lost that night." Vi's voice had gone down to a whisper but the words struck Caitlyn to the core. Her eyes scanned over the names etched into the stone.
….
Eleanor & Amaranth Fait
Louie Orborn
Gendri Damien
Maris & Regis Yoltov
Rena Marie Yoltov
….
"Vi… where are…" Caitlyn struggled to speak, her throat actively fighting down the sobs building in her chest.
Vi nodded silently and took her hand. A few steps to the side and she ran her fingers over the stone.
Adam & Tiza Revan
"Claggor's parents." Vi whispered then pointed to two names higher up the stone.
Geremy & Dianna Ernandez
"Mylo's parents." Vi then led Caitlyn to the far side of the stone.
Sorrel & Amarinth Anderson
"...Mom and Pops." Vi smiled somberly.
Vi let go of Caitlyn's hand and placed her flowers down at the foot of the stone. Since they'd arrived everything felt like a dream. Reality hovered around Caitlyn but never hit. It was only then, when Vi placed the flowers down with the others, did realization crash into her. A violent sob wracked her body, shaking from the effort of trying to hold herself together.
"Cupcake?" Vi stepped closer to her, concern clear on her face.
Tears ran down her cheeks and strained whimpers kept her from speaking. She'd heard the story, Grayson and her mother confirmed it all, but it never truly hit until now. She stood in front of the physical mark of the sins of her people. Names upon names of fallen innocents. Her mother was part of this. She was part of this one way or another.
She took a hesitant step forward and placed her own bouquet beside Vi's. She returned to her side, head down, eyes closed, and hands clasped together in front of her. Others who'd come to visit the memorial and those who were passing by stopped. They watched and listened with both awe and confusion. Why would this pureblood weep for them? Why would she care? They waited.
"I'm sorry." Caitlyn said through heaving breaths.
Vi reached out to place her hand on Caitlyn's shoulder. "Cupcake no-"
"No, Vi. I need to say this." Caitlyn kept her eyes shut.
"I'm sorry. All of you. I'm sorry my people did this to you. I'm sorry my people used and abandoned you. I'm sorry that they still do it now. I'm sorry that you've had to leave your loved ones behind. I'm sorry that you had no justice.
I wish with everything I am that I could turn back time. Or that I could bring you all back… but I can't… I'm just… I'm so sorry."
Caitlyn finally gave into the pain, her legs buckling and hands reaching up to cover her face and wipe her eyes. Vi caught her before she fell and pulled her close. Though Caitlyn was taller than her now Vi still wrapped her arms around her, letting her lean down and sob against her shoulder. Vi slowly guided her to sit on a nearby bench until she'd let it all out.
"Hey, kids."
Vi looked up at the person who approached them. She knew him, of course she did, it was the baker, Juliard Winston. In one hand he held a cupcake with pink frosting and a bright red cherry on top, in the other was a paper cup of what smelled like tea. Vi gently shook Caitlyn who slowly and hesitantly looked up to face the man.
"Ya stop yer crying now, little miss. I can tell ya mah wife would have forgiven you right quick. Ya were just a kid, ain't nothin ya could'a done. I judged ya a bit too harsh when ya showed up, glad t' see I was wrong. Yer a good kid." He smiled and handed the tea and treat to Caitlyn, who took it without thinking, before walking away.
People returned to their day. Some of the kids they'd met had seen them and checked up on Caitlyn who smiled for them. Eventually she would calm down enough for them to head home. Vander, Silco and Grayson didn't question Caitlyn's red puffy eyes. If something truly bad had happened Vi wouldn't hesitate to tell them. They spent the rest of the day in Caitlin's room watching videos and scrolling through memes.
---
Vi spent a little more time with Caitlyn in her room after dinner but soon it was time for both of them to tuck in. Before Vi could leave Caitlyn spoke.
"Earlier… what did you mean by 'be yourself' when I asked you what I should do?" She seemed hesitant to ask.
Vi chuckled and gave her a heart melting smile. "I knew you would show how much you care. Show everyone that you aren't like the rest. You're just special like that."
And oh did that send Caitlyn's inner gay spiraling into a panic. Gods she was weak for this girl. They exchanged goodnights and Vi left to join her siblings in their room. Unbeknownst to Caitlyn, Vi was also having an internal gay panic episode.
Final Day In Zaun
There wasn't anything grand planned for their final day. They simply did everything Caitlyn wanted to do again. They went horseback riding, explored Rye, played backyard quidditch, shot to their heart's content, and simply enjoyed being in Zaun. By now the towns folk had gotten used to Caitlyn’s presence with the Wicks and the more welcoming ones waved in greeting when they passed.
There was just one more place Vi wanted to bring Caitlyn. It wasn't long to sunset when Vi led Caitlyn closer to the center of town.
"Vi? Where are we going?" Caitlyn asked as they walked.
"There are two more people in Zaun you haven't met yet and I want you to see them before we go." The pinkette left it there, refusing to give caitlyn any clues on what to expect.
They walk down the paved sidewalk only for it to be cut short. Caitlyn felt like something was missing but visually it just seemed like the road ended here. Without warning Caitlyn felt Vi whisper in her ear (lucky for Vi, Caitlyn didn't see how she had to tiptoe slightly to do it.)
"6th Chem Street, Zaun, Anderson House."
Caitlyn shivered and jumped back in surprise. "Vi?" She squeaked. In response Vi simply gestured for her to face the end of the street.
Caitlyn gasped, watching as the illusion of the road faded away revealing a garden. A beautiful plot of flowers, vegetables, berries, and in the center, two apple trees twisted around each other like a lovers embrace.
"When the fire settled we didn't know where to put all the bodies. So they're all buried under the monument. A few were sent home as ashes to their other kin. Others were taken to a muggle cemetery. And mine?" Vi spoke softly.
She strode forward past Caitlyn, and down a path of stepping stones towards the trees. The bluenette took a moment to get her bearings and follow after Vi. To the outside world both girls had simply vanished. As she came closer she heard her speaking, hand resting on the tree trunks.
"Hey mom. Hey pops."
Caitlyn froze. Her mind and body refused to break the sentimental moment.
"I've brought someone I know you'd like." Vi turned to face her and held out her hand. Caitlyn stepped forward, laying her hand upon the other's and standing beside her.
"This is Caitlyn Kiramman. Before you get mad she's better than all those other purebloods. She's my best friend and Powder adores her. I know you would have loved her." Vi smiles, warm and gentle. Hardships over the years temporarily ebbing away. She was beautiful.
"It's nice to meet you both." Caitlyn begins. "Vi is a wonderful friend even if she is a doofus every now and again."
The comment garners a huff and soft "Hey." From Vi.
"I'm… I'm sincerely sorry for everything that's happened to you and yours because of my people. I promise I won't let anything like this ever happen again, I'll keep Powder and Violet safe." Caitlyn looked to the trees with a glint of determination in her eyes.
Vi chuckled. "That's my line, Cupcake."
The duo shared smiles that needed no words to convey how much this meant to them, especially to Vi. Then, as if some kind of bullshit fantasy fairytale cliche, the leaves of the trees rustled in a breeze that danced around the duo. A warm comforting embrace of something unseen.
"Wanna help me with the garden? Miss Meridith next door takes care of this place while Powder and I are gone but I wanted to share this with you." Vi gestured to the ripe blueberries.
"Gladly."
The 7th day came and went. The next morning everyone rushed off to make the two hour ride to Kings Cross.
Caitlyn experienced a unique world for merely a week and as they drove out of Rye she looked back with sorrow.
"Hey." Vi placed a hand on her shoulder causing her to turn and face the rest of the group who sat in the back of Benzo's old pickup truck.
"You're always welcome in Zaun."