6-4-3
It’s the Tuesday before the start of the season which means the 6-4-3 show was doing their two-hour season kickoff special. They’d preview the top four teams in the pre-season poll that had released a few weeks prior. For the first time in about twenty years, Piltover opened the season at number 1.
Piltover
Ionia
Demacia
Noxus
It seemed bringing in an ace pitcher really had catapulted the Commodores to the forefront of the collegiate softball world. When the polls had been announced, Vi had made sure to lay out why it was a team effort before their next practice. She’d spouted off offensive stats and compared pitching arsenals of all four teams. Her goal was to make sure the team knew they’d earned the accolade honestly and it wasn’t just because of one player. It made Cait respect her more as a teammate.
When the interview request came through, everyone knew Vi and Caitlyn would be the ones talking to the cameras. No one cared. Honestly it was a blessing not to get grilled about the pressure they were feeling. Anyone who had been there three years ago knew that Piltover was struggling to produce wins. The first time they’d played Ionia and Caitlyn pitched, they’d lost 13 – 1. As time progressed and the team started getting better under Sevika’s tutelage, they’d taken the same Ionian pitcher down to the wire in the national championship game. It was odd for most of them to feel like their every move and play was now being watched.
The hosts of the show would start at 4th place and then work their way up to number 1. Each team was represented by two players and the coach. Of course, Vi and Caitlyn would be the player representatives for Piltover. Ionia was their catcher Sarah, and some new freshman Caitlyn didn’t know, but had apparently been creating a buzz. Demacia had two outfielders, neither of which seemed to impress Vi much and it made Cait chuckle. Then of course Mel Medarda would be joined by none other than Maddie Nolen.
“I swear she’s like a bad cough that lingers, and you can’t get rid of her.”
“Now now, Cupcake. Don’t get too crazy with your insults.” Cait simply rolled her eyes and ignored Vi’s sass. The two had battled about not wanting to watch the Noxus interview, but Vi was convinced Maddie would make a fool of herself. She didn’t expect Maddie to outright attack her or Cait either. It was too bold of a move for someone who had ran back home when word started getting around that she was a shitty human.
“Maddie, this is Toni. I just wanted to ask you if you’re concerned if your suspension might cause any issues for you at the start of the season?”
Maddie chuckled, “No, I’ll be ready. It’s only 5 games, but I’m going to be swinging away when I come back.”
Vi cackles. “See, dumbass. Can’t have any issues if you can’t hit to begin with.”
Demacia’s interview was about as interesting as watching paint dry. “Those outfielders are mediocre at best. Why not pull in that tall first baseman that can literally launch the ball to Ixtal? Also, she at least has a fucking personality.” Vi snarked as she got up to grab a snack, growing more impatient by the minute.
Caitlyn watched Ionia’s interview top to bottom. Greyson handled all the questions directed at her with grace and respect, including the one about the loss of her ace. “Kiramman is a wonderful player, but more importantly a wonderful person. I’m happy that she has found her place in Piltover. She’s the happiest I’ve seen her since she was a freshman.”
“Ooooo Nolen won’t like that comment.” Vi responds, nudging Cait in the ribs. Caitlyn can’t help but smile. She truly believes Greyson means what she says. Caitlyn had found her place. It had taken some time to get used to, but she truly enjoyed the bond she’d made with her teammates. They all had their quirks, but at the heart of it all they cared about each other as though they were blood. But most importantly, coming to Piltover led her to the woman sitting beside her.
Ionia was finished and it wouldn’t be long before they’d receive the link to the online call. When Sevika had told them to do their interview from one of their apartments because she was heading home early to pack for opening weekend, Caitlyn was the one panicking. They’d been staying at her place. On occasion they’d stay at Vi’s, just enough so it looked like someone still lived there. Would people read a lot into them being separated from their coach? She’s not sure why the question panics her because everyone knew by now, they were a couple. It’s just a quirk that lingers from her upbringing.
The email popped through on the computer and Cait clicked. When everything loaded, she was greeted by the two hosts, Toni Miller and Jane Bilts. Sevika soon followed and before everything went live, Sevika simply said, “For the love of all things, don’t embarrass me.”
“Welcome back to 6-4-3. I’m your host Toni Miller, joined today by my lovely co-host Jane Bilts. We’ve reached the final half hour, and I know this is the interview you all have been waiting for. Joining us now are the lovely ladies representing Piltover Coach Sevika Jericho, Vi Lanes, and of course the Ionian transfer Caitlyn Kiramman. Welcome ladies and thanks for joining us. I know you all need to get packing to head to the Demacia Classic that starts Thursday, so we really appreciate you guys taking some time out of your schedule.”
“Happy to be here, Toni.” Sevika responds, sounding friendly for once.
“We’re happy to join you as well, Toni.” Caitlyn adds.
“I notice you all aren’t together. Do you all fly out tonight?”
“We just left practice a bit ago and because we have an early flight out in the morning, Sevika granted us permission to do the interview from our apartment so we can immediately pack and get some shut eye.”
The comment garners visible reactions from everyone, but the author of the sentence. Caitlyn feels her pulse quicken and the hard gaze Sevika is giving her through the computer. She is sure her mother has just spit out her tea. Maddie has probably thrown whatever toy she’s playing with off to the side in order to pay attention.
“Great planning ahead there. Early flights are always the worst.”
Vi chuckles “As someone who isn’t much a of a morning person, I can agree with you on that.”
That garners a laugh from Toni who starts hot of out the gate. “Alright, let’s get to it. I know the people are dying to hear what your thoughts were when you saw that number 1 beside your school. Coach, this is the first time in twenty years the Commodores have opened at number. What’s that mean to you?”
“You know we’re really honored that everyone thinks that we have that much talent this year, but it’s like I told my girls when we saw it – preseason polls don’t mean anything. The only thing that matters is the number beside your school at the end of the year. Our goal is to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament this year so that’s what we are focusing on.”
“Sevika, it’s Jane. Having played against you, I got the privilege of watching you get the strikeout record. How does it make you feel knowing you’re most likely going to see that record broken this year?
Sevika chuckles and smiles. Vi can’t believe what she’s seeing. This woman has never cracked a legitimate smile around Vi in her entire time as a player. “You know, a lot of people have asked if I’m upset about it and honestly, I’m not. Kiramman is a great player and a great kid. There’s no one else I’d rather see take me down. Like I’ve told her, I’m just glad it’s going to happen while she’s playing for me instead of against me.”
All the ladies laugh, but Caitlyn can’t seem to regain her full focus. Vi turns and gives her a quizzical look, still not sure what’s going on.
“Caitlyn, same question of sorts. What’s it like to know you’re going to probably beat your coach’s record?”
It takes Vi kicking her under the table to bring her back to reality. “Sorry, I was too busy imaging what that day was going to be like. May be Coach will finally let me call her by just her first name.” The hosts and Sevika all laugh. Vi breathes a sigh of relief and Caitlyn continues with her response. “No, it’s an honor to play for her, but I’m not focused on the record. I want another title. Like I told you the last time, I’m focused on bringing that title here. Records are great, but they’re meant to be broken. No one can take the title of ‘champion’ away from you.”
“You might just earn yourself a spot at the captain’s table, Kiramman if you keep talking like that.” Sevika’s quip once again sends laughter through the group.
“You guys are heavy on the inspiration tonight. Okay, Vi. I know fall was a bit rough for you. How’s the shoulder? Can you share anything with us as to what happened?”
Vi blushes and can feel Caitlyn’s muscles tighten next to her. Sevika’s eyes widen to give her the signal to not be stupid. “Well, my shoulder is fine. I’m fully released and don’t seem to have any lasting issues with throwing or hitting. Just have to watch because sometimes the cold causes a little pain, but hey, I’m a catcher on my knees all the time so they hurt constantly already.”
Sevika closes her eyes and just shakes her head. Caitlyn prays for death but knows it won’t come.
“As far as the event in the Noxus game, I think it was made out to be more than it actually was. Nolen and I are competitors and sometimes moments between competitors get heated. I have no ill feelings towards her because of what happened in the game. Like I’ve told Cait a little smack talk is good because it reminds you why you hate certain teams and want to beat them so bad. It’s all good. We’ll get our chance again. They come here this year, so it’ll be fun to welcome Nolen to Piltover.”
It's a threat and everyone knows it. Caitlyn is sure her mother has gone from shock to smirking at the words her daughter’s lover has just boldly announced to the entirety of the audience. Sevika looks less than pleased that her catcher has all but outright welcomed more trouble for their next encounter with the Noxus Warriors.
The interview continues with more questions about the upcoming season and how they are handling the pressure. Vi once again glides through the questions like a butcher knife through butter. Caitlyn may be more impressed than she was the first go around with 6-4-3. Sevika adds input when necessary, making sure to focus on the team as a whole instead of just the top reigning players that are on the call. Caitlyn is sure to echo that sentiment as well. She wants to ensure Toni and Jane realize this is a team sport and while having key cogs is great, you can’t win with just two players.
“I do want to say, Caitlyn, when we spoke to Coach Greyson, she mentioned you were the happiest she’d seen you and I must agree. What’s your response to her?”
Caitlyn blushes and sees Sevika smirk. “Well, as I’ve it made known, I was in an awful headspace by the end of last season. I was ready to throw in the towel and quit, but coming here truly has helped me refocus my mind and life on what’s important.”
“Vi, I wanted to ask last time but didn’t know how to bring it up. How have you been since everything that happened last off season?”
All three Piltovian reps freeze. It’s not a softball question. In fact, it’s something they’ve not prepared for at all. Caitlyn latches on to Vi’s hand, knowing it’s in full view of the audience. She feels Vi’s pulse quicken and her breath begin to shake. If she could, she’d reach through the computer and strangle the woman.
She hears Vi swallow and takes a deep breath. “You know, I’m not big on displaying my personal life and issues out for the world to see, but I’m also no fool that media gets ahold of stories. People watch us play and pick their favorite players. They want to know more about who they are because they love that we are just kids playing a game. Yet, the little limelight we get as female college athletes is hard to live in sometimes and when you go through something so painful and it’s out there for everyone, you feel like you’re drowning, and everyone is just watching it happen.”
Sevika and Caitlyn make eye contact, sharing the same pained grimace knowing this must be miserable for the catcher. Sevika starts to get nervous and begins to fiddle with a pencil that’s on her home office desk. Caitlyn latches on tighter to Vi’s hand, attempting to give her the reassurance she needs to keep going.
“Nothing prepares you to lose someone like that, especially not someone who meant so much. But my team was there last year for me and there still they're for me this year. Coach S is always in my corner, even if most days she’s a grumpy old woman I know she cares.” Sevika returns the sentiment with a scoff, but smiles knowing Vi is speaking from the heart. “And I know the whole reason this question came up is because of the person next to me and I’m not going to lie, it’s been nice being given a second chance at feeling the way I do, but I’m not going to put that burden on her because she’s got her own stuff she’s recovering from. So, yea. Life goes on and we all just find a way to make it another day.”
Cait feels Vi shut down as soon as she utters the last word.
“Well, I don’t know about these ladies, but I need to pack so I can be at the airport at 5 am. It’s a pleasure as always and I know we’ll be seeing you in Demacia.” Sevika jumps in like a mother protecting her cub.
“A pleasure as always. See you all at you opening game Thursday against Ixtal.”
A black screen stares back at Caitlyn and Vi. The catcher hasn’t moved a muscle since answering the unnerving question. Caitlyn desperately feels the need to say something but she’s unsure where to start.
“Vi...”
“I’m fine.” The words are short and filled with pain. Caitlyn may have her own things, but she will never grasp the brevity of what the woman sitting beside her has been through. Muscles move instinctively and she wraps her arm around Vi’s shoulder, pulling her into an embrace. She rests her chin on the catcher’s head and opts to change the subject.
“You called it our apartment.”
Vi’s eyes widen and she jolts her head up to face Caitlyn. “Shit! I’m sorry. It’s not and I know that. Shit.” The pain and hurt have migrated to her eyes and are now mixed with fear. Everything in Cait sympathizes for the despondent body language she sees in front of her. She’d have her heart shattered by Maddie a million times if it means Vi didn’t have to experience this.
“Why isn’t it?”
“Cait…”
“I’ve already told you. My mother won’t be happy with anything I do. At least now we’d only have on rent payment to worry about.”
“Wow, that might be the most unromantic way to sell this.”
The ace laughs. “I don’t want to push. I know that you’ve got memories where you are and I’m not trying to replace them or her. I’m just trying to help you make new ones.”
Vi pauses. Caitlyn can see the wheels turning in her head, unsure what her lover is thinking. It takes the pink haired woman a few moments, but she finally works up the courage to ask her question. “Cait, do you want kids?”
This is what Caitlyn has been avoiding since she talked to Powder. She remembers that night at the bar, Powder coaxing her into questions related to what exactly happened with Lex. It was the same night her mother had Thaddeus Baxter released. She’d also found out Vi had taken all of the blame in the incident with Maddie in the Noxus game. Luckily her mother had corrected at least one error.
Even knowing Caitlyn’s mother had been directly involved in the killing of her parents, Vi had fallen for her. It was love and until that point, they’d never discussed their future. Then Vi had gone and called it “their apartment” and Caitlyn wondered why it wasn’t. This was a hell of a lot of personal issues to be tending to with the start of the season looming.
“I do.” She answers honestly. Perhaps it hadn’t been in her deck of playing cards when she’d left for Ionia. Who coming right into college begins by thinking about settling down and having kids. Yet now, they weren’t 18-year-olds fresh out of high school anymore. They’d soon be graduating and starting their adult lives beyond softball once the last pitch was thrown. Cleats would be hung up. It was painful to think about, but it was the truth. “I’m sorry.”
There’s another silence that suffocates Caitlyn. Vi’s eyes are unmoving. Caitlyn’s unsure what thoughts are racing through Vi’s head. All these months together and everything Vi said earlier, Caitlyn is convinced they are gone.
“Vi...”
“Okay.”
Powder’s face flashes in Cait’s mind. “She worries about what happens if something would happen to both of them. Vi knows what it’s like to be an orphan…”
“Vi, I know that’s what you talked about with Lex that night. You don’t have to bend because of me. I don’t want to force anything on to you.”
She feels Vi’s hand on her cheek. Instinctively as she always does, Caitlyn closes her eyes and leans into the touch. “Cait, look at me.” The woman forces her eyes open and sees a slight smile. “I want this and whatever it brings. If it’s kids, then it’s kids. I mean you gotta admit, with us as parents any girl we have is probably going to be a badass player. I mean, most likely a catcher, but I’ll accept a corner player.”
Caitlyn relaxes and chuckles. “You’re daft if you think she’d be anything other than a pitcher.”
As the tension eases Vi nestles against Caitlyn’s shoulder once more. “Okay. I’ll talk to the landlord when we get back.”
There’s another silence and the two just sit, staring blankly again at the computer screen. “I can’t believe you made a joke about being on your knees all the time.”
“Hey! Any good catcher is going to take the opportunity. My personal favorite was my wholesome welcoming of Nolen to fuck around and find out again when they play here.”
Cait can’t help but laugh. “I absolutely love that you rarely if ever call her by her first name.”
Vi faces her and leans in until their lips are millimeters apart. It causes Cait’s entire body to warm. “Because she doesn’t deserve that respect.” Vi closes the remainder of the gap and gives Cait a long, deep kiss. When she pulls away, she simply adds, “And she never deserved you.”