Chapter 5
The morning sun filtered through the window of your bedroom, casting long shadows across the floor. The day had arrived—the day you'd finally be picking up your car. You had been counting down the hours ever since you had left Vi's shop a few days ago, and now, you couldn't ignore the feeling of nervous anticipation gnawing at your insides. It wasn't just the car you were anxious about; it was the fact that you would see Vi again.
You had tried to push the thoughts of her to the back of your mind, but it was futile. Her presence had lingered in your mind since the moment you'd left her car that day. The way she'd handled herself behind the wheel, her rough charm, the way her fierce eyes softened just a little when she spoke to you—it had all created a complex puzzle that you weren't sure how to piece together.
You didn't know what you were expecting when you arrived at Vander's shop, but you definitely weren't prepared for the wave of emotions that hit you as soon as you stepped inside. The familiar smell of motor oil and grease filled your nostrils, but something about the atmosphere felt different this time. You had come in expecting the same gritty, utilitarian space, but this time, there was an undercurrent of something else—something warmer.
Vi's shop had always been functional, but today, it felt... cared for. The tools were neatly arranged, the floors were swept, and the air had a certain crispness to it that made it seem as if the place had been given a fresh coat of life. It was as if Vi had poured her energy into not just fixing the car, but into making the place feel more like a space she could be proud of.
"Hey there," Vi called from the back of the shop, her voice familiar and easy. She was already halfway to you, wiping her hands on a rag as she approached, her tattoos peeking out from the sleeves of her shirt. There was that same brashness to her stance, but it was softened by the flicker of warmth in her eyes.
"Hey," you responded, your voice just a little more uncertain than you meant it to be. You stood there for a moment, your feet glued to the floor as you took her in. She looked as striking as ever—her pink cropped hair, her muscular frame, her tattoos that seemed to tell stories all on their own. She was a presence, someone who seemed completely at ease in her skin, and you couldn't help but feel that same sense of awe that you had felt the first time you'd met her.
"You're here for the car, right?" Vi asked, her tone easy and casual, though there was a hint of pride that laced her words. "It's all ready to go."
"Yeah, I... I was just admiring the shop," you replied, glancing around. It felt almost absurd—who could have thought that a place like this, so far removed from your world of polished cars and gleaming marble countertops, could evoke such admiration?
Vi chuckled, clearly catching onto your hesitation. "Yeah, it's not much. But it gets the job done. And I guess it's got its own charm, huh?"
You nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of your lips. "It definitely does."
She led you over to the car, which sat gleaming in the far corner of the shop. As you approached, you felt your stomach flutter. The car had always been an extension of yourself, a symbol of your status, and seeing it now, with all the repairs complete and the engine humming smoothly, brought a wave of relief. But it wasn't just the car that stood out—it was Vi's work.
She had gone above and beyond in a way that you hadn't expected. The engine sounded smoother than it had in months, the body was cleaner than you remembered it, and the detailing was impeccable. She had fixed more than just the mechanical issues. She had taken the time to make sure everything was in top condition. It was clear that she cared about her work in a way that transcended the job itself.
"I didn't expect you to do all this," you said, genuinely impressed. "You really went above and beyond."
Vi gave a modest shrug, as if it were nothing. "Just doing my job. Cars are my thing, you know? If I'm gonna fix something, I might as well make it run like new."
But there was a quiet pride in her voice, a flicker of something more when she spoke. You couldn't help but admire her. She didn't need to explain herself; the effort was obvious in the way she had transformed the car and the shop. You had come here expecting a quick fix, but what you had received was much more—Vi's attention to detail and passion for her craft were written all over it.
"Well, I'm definitely impressed," you said, meeting her gaze. "This is more than I could've asked for. I really appreciate it."
Vi's eyes softened just slightly, but she gave a small, knowing grin. "It's what I do. Anyway, all set to get you back on the road."
The words hung between you for a moment, the tension rising as you stood there, the familiar sense of awkwardness from the first time you'd met returning, though this time, it was tinged with something else. Something unspoken.
You handed her the payment, though it felt strange somehow. There was no small talk, no elaborate exchange of pleasantries, just the simple handoff of money in exchange for the work she'd done. But as her fingers brushed yours for a split second, the spark of electricity between you both was undeniable.
The gesture felt mundane, but the connection that pulsed in the air was anything but. Vi didn't say anything, but she didn't need to. The quiet understanding between you both was enough.
"Well, that's it then," she said, her voice breaking the silence. "You're good to go."
You nodded, your throat suddenly dry. "Thanks again, Vi. I really mean it."
She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "No problem. You take care of that car, alright? Don't make me have to fix it again anytime soon."
You laughed, despite yourself. "I'll do my best."
For a moment, neither of you moved, both of you standing there, looking at one another in a quiet moment of mutual respect. It wasn't the kind of relationship you had expected to develop with Vi, but it was one that felt oddly comforting. She was blunt, sure, and she had a way of challenging you that you weren't used to, but there was a sincerity to her that drew you in.
And that was when she spoke again, breaking the silence in the way only she could.
"Hey, I've got an idea," she said, her voice suddenly lighter. "Since you're all set, why don't I show you around the city for a bit? You've probably seen the fancy part of Piltover, but there's a lot more to this place than what you're used to. I could show you some of the spots I like."
You hesitated for a moment. The thought of spending more time with her was enticing, but you weren't sure what that would mean. Still, the offer lingered in the air between you, and you felt an undeniable pull to say yes.
"I don't know..." you started, unsure of what you were about to agree to. "I mean, I don't really know the area that well. I'm not exactly used to the rougher parts of town."
Vi raised an eyebrow, that familiar smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "I won't bite. Promise. But it'll give you a different perspective of Piltover, that's for sure. You might be surprised what you find."
Something about the offer felt right, despite the hesitation. Maybe it was her ease, her confidence, or perhaps it was the way she made you feel like you were actually seeing something real for the first time.
"Alright," you said with a sigh, a reluctant smile forming on your lips. "I'll go. But only because I want to see what you think is so special about this place."
Vi's grin widened, a look of triumph in her eyes. "Good choice. You're gonna love it."
And just like that, the atmosphere shifted. What had been a simple exchange of services turned into something more—a possibility of something unexpected, of discovering a side of the city and each other that neither of you had anticipated. The tension was still there, hovering just below the surface, but it was no longer a barrier between you. It was a part of what was unfolding—something raw and real.
As you both headed toward the door, you couldn't help but feel that this was the beginning of something entirely new. Something you couldn't have predicted, but that you were willing to explore—together.