Managing the Narrative
For the first time since her first year of college, Caitlyn is nervous walking toward Grayson’s office. The two haven’t spoken since the day Caitlyn announced her departure from the team. While they’d met in person for Caitlyn to have the initial conversation, she’d called Grayson from her parents’ home when she informed the media.
About twenty feet from the room, she can see the door is open and the light is on, a clear signal her old coach was there. Slowly, she approached the entrance and knocked on the door frame. When the older woman looks up from her desk, Caitlyn sees she has her reading glasses on indicating she was working on something important.
“Caitlyn! I was hoping you might stop by in your return. Please, come in.”
Her voice is huskier than Caitlyn remembers. Years of shouting from across the field at players and umpires have left damage to the woman’s internal tissue that produce her voice. She sounds a lot like the women Caitlyn used to party with in The Lanes. The ones who smoked more tobacco and other drugs than Caitlyn cared to admit.
“Hello Grayson. I wanted to stop and say hello. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
As Caitlyn enters, the coach stands and greets her with a hug. It’s a long embrace that feels more like family reuniting as opposed to a coach and player.
“Nonsense! You are always welcome here! My, how I have missed you, young Kiramman.” When the women separate, they both have tears in their eyes. It was amazing how since arriving at Ionia all those years ago, Grayson had acted like more of a caring motherly figure than Caitlyn’s own mother. “Please, sit. I want to hear all about Piltover so I can try to convince you to come back.”
Caitlyn chuckles through a genuine smile. “You know I love you dearly, but I don’t regret my decision.”
Grayson smiles. “Nolen left. Does change anything?”
Did it? There was some spot in the back of Caitlyn’s mind that thinks she could run back to Ionia and escape the new hell that is her family life. It would free her from her mother’s grasp again. That had been the biggest benefit of going to a university that wasn’t under the watchful eye of the head of her house.
Then she thinks of Vi. Despite the revelations at the party, they had left things on good terms before Caitlyn’s departure. They’d even messaged each other a few times since. Caitlyn did slightly worry that now Vi had her rediscovered bravado with women, would her eyes stray as Maddie’s had?
The betrayal of Maddie was different though. Caitlyn had since realized Maddie never truly loved her, so it was easy for the Noxian to take what she wanted from other women and Caitlyn without any remorse. It still hurt Caitlyn to think about though. She wondered if she’d always have the fear of being hurt in a similar fashion again.
No, Nolen leaving didn’t change anything because Piltover had something Ionia didn’t. Piltover had Vi. “As lovely as that is, I think I’ve found a new home at Pilt.”
Grayson raises an eyebrow and studies Caitlyn’s demeanor. A raspy laugh escapes her throat, and she smiles. “A new home or a new companion?”
Cailtyn blushes having been caught. No one could read Caitlyn quite like Grayson. After three years together, Caitlyn often found her coach knew what she was thinking before Caitlyn even did. It’s why they had been so successful together. Grayson could sense when Caitlyn was starting to lose her focus and always signaled for a timeout to recenter her pitcher. It was no different at practice. Before Caitlyn had even thrown her first warmup pitch, Grayson could sense what sort of day the ace was going to have.
“Nolen was never good enough for you. I hope this one is. I assume a new teammate?”
“It’s Vi Lanes.”
Grayson’s eyes widen at the admission. “You expect me be to believe the national player of the year and the national pitcher of the year are…together? All that ego?” Caitlyn simply nods which is rewarded with a raspy chuckle from Grayson. “I wondered if you’d tell me. You forget, Sevika and I are long time colleagues. She called to inform me that you stood up to her. I don’t think you understand how smart of decision that was. You’ve earned her respect.”
Caitlyn had been convinced her outburst before leaving the day she and Vi had been caught acting friendly with one another instead of throwing had hurt her. Knowing how rough and gruff Sevika’s style was, it did make sense that Caitlyn responding to fire with fire would earn a place on Sevika’s circle of trust. Plus, it was Caitlyn affirming she had no intentions of hurting Vi who seemed to be to Sevika as Caitlyn was to Grayson.
“I can sense there’s more to your visit than just coming to gossip like a schoolgirl. What is it my child?”
Sighing, Caitlyn plans her words carefully. Grayson and her mother had been long time friends. In fact, they had been roommates in college. Though their paths had diverged, they remained in close contact. Cassandra had pulled some strings to get Grayson the coaching job at Ionia. The only favor the Kiramman woman requested in return was a spot for Caitlyn on the team. Luckily for the ace, she had proved herself worth of the spot without the need of a political favor.
“It’s my mother. I’ve discovered some troubling information from her past that I am trying to grapple with. I want to confront her, but I know if I do it puts someone I care about in a terrible situation with my mother. I’m not sure I can ever forgive her for this, Grayson. I mean, there’s no borderline about it. Her actions weren’t just illegal, we’re talking actual war crimes against civilians. She’s just lucky the person who was a child at the time wasn’t there to suffer the same fate.”
Graves removes her glass and leans forward on to her desk. It was a classic tell that the coach was about to give the Kiramman heir a speech. “Caitlyn, your mother is an intricate woman. I fully know there are sins in her past that she could never possibly fully repent for. She knows that as well. Just know every decision she has been made was with the good of the many in her mind.”
“The possibility of killing a child is okay if it benefits the council?”
“Are things better between Piltover and Zaun?” The question comes as a surprise. Surely this woman she has regarded as a mentor for so long is not defending the actions of a deranged war criminal.
“Mostly. There’s still the few amongst the nobility who will never respect any Zaunite. I still don’t believe the death of innocent civilians can simply be overlooked because it allowed Piltover to win the war. The terroristic act left two children orphaned and nearly killed one of them before she got a chance to truly experience life. Peace should not be a justification for violence.”
The coach leans back and smiles. Her arms fold into one another across her chest and she puffs her shoulders up with pride. “That sentiment is why you will be a far better leader of your house than your mother could ever dream of being. I can’t tell you how to handle your mother from here. You are the only one that knows what you are willing to sacrifice for what you stand for. Just remember, if you stand for nothing, you fall for nothing.”
The ace hums in response. Grayson was testing her, and she should have known better to allow a single ounce of doubt to creep into her mind. She was still unsure how she would handle the situation with her mother, but it did help hearing affirmation that she was indeed on the correct path regarding in beliefs in the situation.
Whatever she decided she had to tread lightly. Cassandra had threatened Vi with the freedom of the killer of Lex. Caitlyn knew if the man stepped foot outside of Stillwater as a free man, she’d lose Vi to either the prison or insanity. She was not about to let that happen. So, for now, Caitlyn decided to let the issue stew, taking into consideration the advice Vi had given her about living in the moment.
Fourteen weeks from now, she’d be starting her final year of college at Piltover. In twelve weeks, she’d have to report to campus for her first meetings with her new team. There were high expectations from them. Media outlets were already contact Caitlyn, Sevika, and Vi about doing interviews separately and together. As much as she had wanted to quit not that long ago, Caitlyn desired to return to the diamond because it always helped provide her with a distraction. She needed to throw.
“So, aside from asking for advice, I also came because I’m looking for someone that can handle catching my pen sessions while I’m here. Got anyone in mind?”
The two women smiled, and Grayson immediately shot up to volunteer. After another hug and a few more pleasantries, the coach sent Caitlyn on her way with a planned out daily schedule for workouts. It amazed Caitlyn how the more things changed, the more things stayed the same.
- - - - - - -
Week 5 of 10 was the busiest week back at Ionia for Caitlyn. In between midterm exams and papers being due, she’d been hitting the gym more than usual to help focus on a strained muscle she’d suffered her first week back during a bullpen session. It finally had healed enough for a doctor to release her to return to workouts. It would be another two weeks before she could start throwing again.
Lost time. Caitlyn was extremely frustrated and had been avoiding contact with people. She had tried to avoid Vi, but in true Vi fashion, she hadn’t allowed it. The Zaunite had threatened if Cait tried that shit again with her, she’d show up in Ionia to kick her ass. It was the lighthearted moment the pitcher had needed to get through the rehab.
On Wednesday of mid-term week, Caitlyn had been contacted by one of the journalists that worked for one of the national sports news networks to do a joint inter with Vi. They’d both video call in since they were in different regions, but it would still be good to get to see Vi and talk shop with her. Their evening conversations had devolved into stories from each other’s days, learning new details about their upbringings, and discussions of their plans post college.
“Your mother said once you graduate, you’re going to work with your dad?” Vi had asked the night before.
Caitlyn sighs. “I don’t want to, but it’s what is expected. It’s not my preference working in trading, but it’s what they’ve prepared me for my whole life. What about you?”
“Physical education is my major. I’d love to coach at the collegiate level and it’s not impossible. I’ve already talked about it with Sevika. Either way I just want to do something where I feel like it matters. I think teaching is a great way to do that. Sometimes teachers are the only friendly faces kids see in a day.”
“That might be the most wholesome thing I’ve ever heard anyone say.”
Vi chuckled nervously. “Eh, I just swore I’d make the world a better place for when I’m gone.” After a brief pause, Vi continues the inquiry. “ So, if you don’t want to deal with trade, what do you want to do?”
Caitlyn thought for a minute. If she could do anything without restriction, what would she do? “Cold case investigator. I’d want to bring closure to families who have spent years wondering what happened to their family members. I’ve always wanted to do something in the Criminal Justice field and that seems like the perfect thing for me to be able to help.”
“Fuck that’s deep. See, leaving the world a better place than you found it.”
Caitlyn knew the interview questions wouldn’t be as philosophical as the conversation she and Vi had been experiencing, but it still excited her. She’d missed listening to Vi ramble about stats and player profiles. No one knew the game like her and Caitlyn had no doubt one day, Vi would make an excellent coach.
“Welcome back to 6-4-3. I’m your host Toni Miller and we’ve got a fantastic treat for you today as we have the newest power battery in the league. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about Vi Lanes and the newest Commodore Caitlyn Kiramman. Ladies! What an absolute honor and privilege it is to have the reigning national player of the year and reigning national pitcher of the year on our show TOGETHER. I think this might be a first for us.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here, Toni.” Caitlyn responded. She planned on trying to make sure her responses would be pleasant and well-thought out.
“Hey, Toni. Long time no talk. Hope the fam is well.” Vi was a natural. Caitlyn remembered watching and interview with this same woman prior to the final world series game. They’d asked Vi if she felt ready to face Kiramman again and if Vi was nervous. Vi had simply responded, “Any day you get the opportunity to face a pitcher like that, you seize the day and enjoy it.”
“So, ladies. We are 7 weeks out from report day and the buzz around your team is louder than it has ever been. How does that make you feel?”
“I’m going to let Vi handle that since she was at Piltover last year.”
Vi chuckled. “Cait’s just trying to be modest. She doesn’t want to tell you that we’re more excited than a couple of kids at a candy shop.” The interviewer gives Vi a genuine laugh in response. “I mean, I feel we’ve earned that buzz. We were a heck of a team last year. Our offense was unstoppable. Unfortunately, we were thin in our bullpen by the time the series rolled around, and Ionia took advantage of it. In the final, they earned their only run off Amik when she started getting tired. The pitch should have been outside, but it didn’t curve enough and somehow Nolen managed to barrel it up for a double, scoring the runner on third. But now that Kiramman has graced us with her presence, I think we stand a good shot at the title because our pitching will be stronger.”
Cait notices the mention of Nolen’s name caused Vi’s composure to break slightly. That tells her all she needs to know about Vi’s faithfulness as well as how determined she’s going to be to shutting that bitch down at the plate.
“Speaking of Kiramman, you have a lot of hardware that you bring with you to Piltover. What made you decide it was time to change?”
Panic. Is she honest or does she lie? She sees Vi’s eyes widen and she nods in reassurance. “I went through some pretty personal stuff leading up to my season last year that sort of lingered throughout the rest of it. After we won the title, I took a hard look at my life and decided I needed a change of scenery for my mental health more than anything. I sat down with Coach G and had a long talk with her. We both agreed it was for the best.”
“We love Coach G and hope she’s doing well,” the woman tacked on to Caitlyn’s statement.
“Oh, most definitely. I’ve seen her a lot while I’m finishing up my school year here at Ionia. She and Coach Sevika have talked a lot about my practice regime and workouts while I’ve been here. I sort of tweaked a muscle going a little harder than I should have when I first arrived, and the two women have worked together to ensure I’m ready for the first of September. Afterall, fall ball is just around the corner and I’m excited to get to share the field with my new teammates.”
“And how do you feel about getting to be on the same field as the great Caitlyn Kiramman, Vi? And Cait, just be prepared to answer the same question about Vi. I know the true fans of the game are more excited for this season than any other in the past because we are going to watch probably the best catcher and best pitcher in the history of the game play together. That doesn’t often happen.”
Vi blushes. She’s never been one to take these sorts of compliments well. Caitlyn’s heart sores seeing how appreciative Vi is of the compliment and how it makes her smile. “First off, Toni, I think saying I’m the best catcher in the history of the game is a stretch but thank you for the sentiment. As far as catching Kiramman here, I can’t tell you how excited I am for it. We’ve actually not had a chance to actually work together. I warmed her up one day, but we got interrupted and couldn’t finish the full session. So, I can’t wait to get the opportunity to see her at work.”
Caitlyn and Vi make eye contact and smirk. Anyone with half a brain will be able to figure out the word interruption means something more. “But yea, I mean, she’s a true ace and we are so lucky she chose to come join us. I’ve never seen a pitcher that can hit her corners as well as her. Her drop and screw balls are nasty. She’s got a great rise ball and no batter knows how to react when you go from a fastball that can clock 71 mph to a change up that barely breaks 50. It’s insane. I’m just glad it’s me she gets to throw to this year. It’s going to be a true honor to get to play with someone like her.”
“Vi, come on. As Coach S said you don’t have to keep trying to recruit me. I’ve already signed the paperwork.” The three women laugh, and she knows wherever Sevika is, she’s rolling her eyes. It brings an evil grin to her face.
“Same question, Caitlyn. I know you had a great catching staff at Ionia, but you’re about to finish out your career with the reigning national player of the year who has only allowed two passed balls, ever. Not to mention anyone who tries to steal on her is a sitting duck. What’s that feel like?”
“You can rely on her to get the job done. There’s not a better framer in the game. Her pitchers can live on the outside and inside of the zone comfortably because they know she has a gift of getting the call. She’s also not afraid to hold the pitch longer and dare the empire to call it a ball. I love that boldness. Sarah was great and I’m so fortunate I got to play 3 years with her, but I’m excited to see where this season goes.”
“I know you ladies are busy and I don’t want to take up much more of your time. I fully expect to see you all plenty throughout the season and hope we will get to chat again like this. I do have one final question, and this is one that comes from rumors swirling around social media.”
Oh no. Vi and Caitlyn awkwardly make eye contact at the word “Rumors”. Surely their relationship hadn’t already been leaked to the press.
“There’s a rumor that Coach Ambessa Medarda personally called you, Caitlyn on the same day that you’d committed to Piltover. Is that true?”
They both release a sigh of relief. “Yes, that’s correct. She offered me a spot on her roster. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Ambessa and I think they will have a great season. I just felt Piltover was going to be my new home.”
“The rumor also states the reason you chose Piltover is because you’re now in a relationship with Vi.”
Motherfucker.
Vi let’s out an awkward laugh. “Woah woah woah. I know I’m a catch, but dang I’m not that powerful. Caitlyn chose Piltover because of our talent on the field, not what she wants to do off the field. Our relationship is our relationship. We’ve only known each other for what, two months now. I consider her someone very dear to my heart, but I highly doubt whatever sort of relationship we actually have is what lead her to choose us. She’s a winner and winners like to win. That’s what we brought to the table for her. We have a track record of winning and with her, we can finish the job this year. So, I say to social media, don’t get too caught up in the gossip and look at the statistics. Our numbers were just better last year, and we stand a good chance to repeat that this year, if not exceed it. If my charm and sarcasm is what sealed the deal than so be it, but I don’t think that’s the reason and I don’t think we need to be worrying about that.”
“Caitlyn?”
“It’s nothing personal, it’s just business. It’s no secret I had a relationship with a previous teammate that ended very publicly. It caused a lot of early season drama, but in the end that was my team I was carrying on my shoulders. Now we’re both at different institutions. I don’t want to repeat mistakes. I chose PIltover because I want a third title, and I feel they afforded me that opportunity. So, Piltover got a pitcher who is 142, 143 strikeouts away from breaking a record. Meanwhile, Noxus got a player who switch hits which they needed. It’s business. Sorry to burst the bubble of the shippers.”
Toni laughs at the last statement Caitlyn makes for a solid 30 seconds before thanking them one final time. “Listen, I’m serious guys, we want you back on here to chat prior to the start of the spring season.”
“Of course! We know that the fans love it, and we want to show the future girls of the game they can be just like us one day if they put in the work.” Vi adds.
“That’s an awesome sentiment. Really appreciate you both. Have a great rest of your day.”
- - - -
To say Caitlyn wass furious was an understatement. As soon as the conference call ended, she immediately calls Vi to start ranting and apologizing. Vi just lets her blow off some steam. She blames Maddie. She blames Ambessa. She blames Toni Miller for creating the narrative. “I should have known that woman was going to play this game. She basically admitted she was going to pull something like this when I turned her down.”
“Cait, it’s okay. A little jabbing amongst rivals is healthy. Makes you remember why you hate them when you play them.”
“How are you okay with this? I mean she basically implicated that I chose Piltover because you spread your legs for me.”
“Fuck, Cait. That got graphic really quick.”
The pitcher wipes her face in an attempt to quell her anger. She lets out an exacerbated groan. “Sorry. That was a little much. Still, this is a chess move to destroy our reputations.”
“Exactly, Cupcake, but no one’s going to buy in to it and if they do fuck em. They don’t matter. People want a show. They want to be entertained. Ambessa knows that. She’s attempting to bring attention to her program to make them look better than they are. She’s writing a narrative so that when we play them this fall at the Ionia Harvest Fest Tournament, they can spin the Kiramman and new flame face off against the ex-fiancé. Again, it’s a business move. You and I are called ticket sellers and if there’s even more to the story, that means more tickets being sold.”
“Are you okay with this? I mean we’ve never exactly discussed what we are and how public we want to be about it?”
Vi doesn’t hesitate. “Cait, I’m leaving that up to you. You’re the one with more to lose. I’m good with calling this what it basically is, a monogamous relationship between two woman who care a hell of a lot about each other. We just happen to play ball together.”
Caitlyn can’t help to smile, “So, I’m your girlfriend?”
Vi barks out a laugh. “Yes, I guess so.”
As soon as the happy feeling hits, it dissipates when the memory of her mother comes to mind. “My mother has probably already seen the interview.”
“And I’m sure she shit chickens, but that is what it is. I’m not losing you because of fear. Besides, some little lesbian somewhere probably just found her new favorite ship for the season.” A booming laugh leaves Caitlyn’s chest and Vi can’t help but smile. “Look, I’m heading to the gym. Core day so please, by all means, imagine that tonight when you go to bed tonight.”
Caitlyn rolls her eyes. Ignoring the teasing invitation, she feels she needs to let her concern be known. “The last thing I’m going to say is don’t underestimate Ambessa. She’s got a lot of connections. This may be a game, but I don’t want you hurt because of this.”
Vi scoffs. “Please. Just motivates me more to pound that egotistical war pig and her short, mediocre pet into the ground. I know you don’t believe in it, but plunking Nolen just once might be a good option in one of our games against them.”
Through a chuckle, Caitlyn says, “Text me later.” The screen goes dark, and the pitcher is left with her thoughts once again. However, this time, some are a little more pleasurable than they had been before.