The Meeting
Caitlyn walks in late to the rehearsal dinner, her hair disheveled and out of breath. Her eyes fall on her betrothed, her soon to be mate, and they widen in surprise. She straightens her appearance and approaches you. "You must be Vi."
“And you’re late, but don’t worry cupcake, I stalled everyone until you could make it. I know how busy you must be commanding all the enforcers to make the daily life of the undercity as hard as possible” Vi says with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. She searches Caitlyn’s eyes trying to get a read on her, not knowing what her true feelings about this arranged marriage or even her as a person are.
Caitlyn smirks, not at all bothered by the sarcasm. "Well, I appreciate that you didn't let everyone starve while waiting for me," she replies dryly. "Commanding enforcers is a job that requires dedication," she continues, her expression hardening slightly.
"And for the record, I don't make life difficult for the undercity just for the sake of it." Caitlyn adds
“Okay cupcake then enlighten me, we will be married after all. Please tell me what it is you do. From where I’m standing, my parents are dead because of Enforcers. I spent 7 years in prison because of Enforcers. So if this marriage is to work please enlighten me” Vi says as her chest starts heaving up and down as the memories that haunt her dreams come out in the open onto an almost complete stranger.
Caitlyn’s expression softens as she listens to Vi’s words. She can see that this is a sensitive topic for her, and she understands that the trust between them was going to take a significant amount of work.
"The actions of some enforcers does not reflect the morals of the organization as a whole," Caitlyn starts. "I want to change things, and I won’t deny that the system has flaws, but I believe we can fix them together."
Vi rubs the back of her neck almost embarrassed at her sudden outburst “I guess that is the whole purpose of this arranged marriage thing huh?” She says giving Caitlyn a half smirk
“Look I’m sorry for putting my past trauma on you, it’s just not easy for me” Vi says as she takes a deep breath, too deep of a breath as she inhales air but the only scent stuck in her nose is Caitlyn’s intoxicating scent. Vi digs her finger nails into her palms to try sedate any thoughts that could jeopardize their current and delicate situation.
Caitlyn watches Vi closely as she speaks, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying her compassion for the woman in front of her. She can see the struggle on Vi’s face as she tries to keep her emotions in check.
Caitlyn takes a step towards Vi, her voice soft and earnest. "It’s okay, Vi. I understand that this isn’t easy for you." She hesitates for just a moment before reaching out to gently touch Vi’s arm. "We don’t have to talk about it right now."
Vi lets out a sigh of relief but only for a moment, as Caitlyn touches Vi’s arm it send electricity bolts through her skin. Awakening something she’s never felt before. She quickly tries to change the subject.
“You know, you’re actually pretty easy to talk to. I have to be honest I thought you’d be this battle hardened, stern, prissy, rich heiress that only cares about herself. But to be perfectly blunt I’m genuinely surprised” Vi says as she gives Caitlyn a friendly smile.
Caitlyn chuckles softly, her hand still resting gently on Vi’s arm. "Well, that's the stereotype, isn't it? The privileged topsider with a silver spoon in her mouth, living in luxury and looking down on everyone else." She gives a small smile.
"I suppose life has a way of defying expectations."
Vi matches her small smile “I suppose it does, wha-“ the married couple to be is interrupted by the clinking of silverware on glass cups. Caitlyn removes her hand from Vi’s arm but not wanting the contact to end Vi reaches under the table and finds Caitlyn’s hand and holds it. Caitlyn’s father starts to give a speech to everyone at the rehearsal dinner
Caitlyn is caught off guard by the sudden gesture, but she doesn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she lets her fingers interlaced with Vi’s as her father begins his speech.
Despite the awkward circumstances of their arranged marriage, Caitlyn finds herself appreciating the unexpected comfort of Vi’s touch.
Caitlyn’s father stands at the head of the room, his voice commanding everyone’s attention. He clears his throat and begins to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of my daughter, Caitlyn, and her future mate Vi. Today is a day of hope and new beginnings not just for them, but for the undercity and topside as well. This union marks a significant partnership, one that could bring lasting peace and change for all who call our beloved city home."
Caitlyn's father continues his speech, his words resonating with the gathering.
"Through this marriage, we have the opportunity to bridge the gap between two vastly different worlds and pave the way for a brighter future. We recognize the challenges that lie ahead, but we also acknowledge the incredible potential that this union holds."
Her father concludes his speech, his words lingering in the air.
"May this union serve as a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all united by common hopes and dreams. Together, let us raise a toast to the future of our city, and to the happiness of Caitlyn and Vi."
With that Caitlyn and Vi clink their glasses together as the rest of the room does the same. They both take a sip of their wine, as their eyes don’t leave each other’s.
Vi rubs her thumb across Caitlyn’s hand as the alcohol starts to make her body feel warm. They sit there together still holding hands under the table while the waiters bring the food out
Caitlyn feels the heat building in her cheeks from the warmth of Vi’s touch. She tries to remain composed, but the wine and the feeling of Vi’s thumb caressing her skin have a strangely soothing effect on her.
She sips daintily from her wine glass, glancing at Vi over the rim. "Cheers," she murmurs, her voice softer than she intends it to be.
As different party goers go up to Caitlyn and Vi’s table to congratulate them on their marriage and sacrifice, Caitlyn can’t help but think of her mother and if she would support this arranged marriage.
“It’s strange isn’t it?” Vi says pulling Caitlyn out her deep thoughts “It’s strange we are being congratulated on basically being forced into a marriage” she finishes
Caitlyn glances at Vi, her expression thoughtful. "It is strange, isn't it?" She agrees. "I never thought I'd be congratulated for being sold off into a loveless marriage for the sake of the city."
Caitlyn lets out a sigh. "My mom... She's always been more interested in what's good for the city than what's good for me."
At the mention of being sold off into a loveless marriage, Vi lets go of Caitlyn’s hand as her whole demeanor changes. A brutal reminder of the reality they are in. Two strangers being forced into a marriage neither of them wanted for the agenda of people with more power.
Vi stays quiet, choosing to down her whole wine glass and pick at her food rather than say something. When more party goers come up to them she gives them a fake smile and as soon as their backs are turned she goes right back to staring at her food with a blank expression.
Caitlyn notices Vi's sudden change in demeanor when she mentions their situation, and she can see the pain in Vi's eyes, can almost feel it herself. She watches as Vi drinks the rest of her wine and picks at her food, and her heart aches for her.
She wishes they had met under different circumstances, that they could explore this connection between them without the looming threat of a loveless marriage.
When the party goers leave, Caitlyn reaches out to gently touch Vi's arm. "Vi, are you okay?"
Vi pulls away from Caitlyn’s touch “yeah just having the time of my life being forced to marry a complete stranger that doesn’t want this. What could be better?” Vi says in an angry voice
Caitlyn's heart sinks as Vi pulls away from her touch. It's a stark reminder of the animosity Vi still feels towards their arrangement. "I don't want this any more than you do," she says softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "I know it's hard for you, Vi. But can we at least try to get to know each other? We're going to be spending the rest of our lives together, like it or not."
“I know, I know cupcake. But can we just do it in private. Not under the microscope of all these topside officials and celebrities” Vi lets out throwing her hands in the air.
Caitlyn can't argue with Vi's reasoning. Being watched by all these people is a constant reminder of the fact that this marriage is just a show, a spectacle, and not a genuine union.
"You're right," she agrees. "We don't need an audience for this." She glances around the room, assessing the number of people still around. "We have some time. I know a quiet place nearby if you want to go somewhere private."
Vi let’s out a small smile “lead the way”