Chapter 17
The tension in the air from the argument with your mother still lingered, thick and uncomfortable, even days later. Your mom's words had stung more than you wanted to admit, but you couldn't let that stop you. You couldn't let her fear and misunderstanding dictate the course of your life any longer. You had chosen to be true to yourself, and that meant standing up for the people you loved—Vi most of all.
Vi had been more than supportive in the days that followed the argument. She was strong and unwavering, as she always was, but there was something different now. Something that had changed in the quiet moments between you two, when you shared glances, when your fingers brushed, when you knew the other was there—always. It felt like a deeper connection than ever before.
But you also knew that there were still bridges to build. The world Vi came from, and the world you came from, were vastly different, and for everything Vi had done for you, there was one thing you still hadn't done for her. You hadn't shown her where you came from—not really.
So, you came up with a plan. It was a low-key one, a small step, but it was a start.
"Hey, Vi," you said one afternoon, after a quiet moment in the living room. The sun was starting to set outside, casting a golden glow over the room, and you had that familiar, nervous feeling in your stomach—the same feeling you had when you were about to face something important.
Vi turned from where she was leaning against the doorframe, looking casually cool as always, her tattoos visible against the faint light. She raised an eyebrow, her pink hair slightly damp from a morning run. "What's up?"
"I, uh, I've been thinking about something," you said, trying to steady your breath. "I want you to meet someone. Someone important to me."
Vi crossed her arms over her chest, her stance proud yet open. "Yeah? Who?"
"My grandpa," you replied, your voice steady but tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "He's the only one in my family who really understands. He's... he's different, you know? He's the one who doesn't judge me for who I love."
Vi's eyes softened for a moment, and you noticed the shift in her expression. She knew how hard this had been for you, the push and pull between family and your own desires. "I'd like that," she said, her voice low but warm. "Where's he at?"
"His place," you said, nodding toward the door. "It's not too far. I'll drive us."
The drive was quiet, but comfortable. Vi had her elbow out the window, letting the cool wind mess with her hair. The car hummed along, the world outside moving by in a blur, but in here, you and Vi were in sync. You couldn't help but feel a sense of calm as the road stretched out ahead of you, the city bustling around you while the two of you shared a space of your own.
When you arrived at your grandpa's house, it was a simple, one-story building that had been there for as long as you could remember. It wasn't fancy, but it was always warm and welcoming—just like your grandpa. You parked in the driveway and took a deep breath, looking over at Vi, who had already unbuckled her seatbelt.
"You ready?" you asked.
Vi grinned, her fierce eyes sparkling. "Born ready."
You chuckled and stepped out of the car, Vi following close behind. The air was cooler here, the smell of freshly mowed grass in the air, mixed with the faint scent of wood from the porch. You walked up the familiar steps to the front door and rang the bell.
It only took a few moments for the door to open, revealing your grandpa in his wheelchair. He smiled up at you, his wrinkles deep with age but his eyes still sharp and filled with love. He had a warmth about him, something that put everyone around him at ease.
"Hey there, kiddo," he greeted, his voice rough from age but still strong. He gave you a quick hug, and you could feel the comfort of it wrap around you like a familiar blanket. "And who's this?"
You stepped aside, gesturing toward Vi. "Grandpa, this is Vi."
Vi gave him a small wave, her typical brashness toned down in the face of someone who could see through all the tough-guy armor she wore so effortlessly. She smiled softly, her fierce eyes holding your grandpa's gaze. "It's nice to meet you," she said, her voice steady but respectful.
Your grandpa's eyes twinkled as he looked from you to Vi. "Vi, huh?" He gave you a knowing look, then grinned. "She's got a good handshake, kid. I like that."
Vi chuckled, taking his hand firmly and shaking it with respect. "I'm not one for weak handshakes," she said, giving him a wink.
You saw a soft smile spread across your grandpa's face, the kind of smile that only came when he was genuinely happy. He had always been open-minded and accepting, even when the rest of the world hadn't been. He was the one person in your family who had never batted an eye when you came out to him all those years ago.
"Come on in," he said, gesturing for you both to enter the house. "It's a bit messy, but I'll get the kettle on."
The inside of his house was cozy—pictures lined the walls, most of them faded with time, but each one held a story. It wasn't extravagant, but it was filled with memories, with love. Vi stepped inside, glancing around with curiosity as you led her into the living room.
"I've been hearing a lot about you, Vi," your grandpa said, settling into his favorite chair and nodding toward the couch where you both sat. "Kid here speaks highly of you."
You froze for a moment, the mention of you talking about Vi in front of her making you blush slightly. "Uh... yeah, well... Vi's kind of amazing."
Vi looked at you, her lips curling into a soft smile. "She's a good kid. Better than most I know," she said, glancing back at your grandpa. "You raised her right."
Your grandpa laughed, a low chuckle that echoed through the room. "I'd like to think so. But mostly, it's her mom's doing. Me, I was just there to provide the stories." He turned his focus back to Vi, his tone becoming more serious, though still warm. "You've got a good soul, Vi. I can see that."
Vi's expression softened at the words. You could tell she was surprised by how quickly your grandpa accepted her, but the walls she had built around herself started to crack just a little. She didn't say much in response, but the glimmer in her eyes said it all—this was the first time, in a long time, that someone had welcomed her without judgment.
The kettle whistled in the kitchen, breaking the silence, and your grandpa motioned for you to follow. "How about some tea?" he asked, his tone light as he wheeled himself to the kitchen.
You and Vi followed him, settling around the small kitchen table. The conversation turned to lighter topics—stories from your grandpa's past, old family anecdotes, and plenty of laughter. For the first time in a while, you felt the weight of the world lifting. Your grandpa had created a safe space for you, a place where you didn't have to hide who you were. And now, for the first time, you were sharing that space with Vi.
It was peaceful here, and you could feel the world outside melting away. You weren't fighting anything anymore. You weren't fighting to be accepted. You weren't fighting to make everyone see what you saw in Vi. You were just... living.
As the evening wore on, your grandpa turned to Vi and, with a gentle smile, said, "You take care of her, okay? She's a good kid. I can tell."
Vi's lips curled into that familiar grin. "I always do, Grandpa," she said, her voice low but full of sincerity. "I'll take care of her."
And just like that, you realized that for the first time, your two worlds—Vi's and yours—had started to merge. It wasn't perfect, and there was still a long way to go, but this was a step. A big one.
As the night wound down and you both prepared to leave, you felt a warmth in your chest, a feeling of hope you hadn't realized was missing. Your grandpa had made it clear that there was one person in your family who truly saw you for who you were, and who accepted you without question.
And Vi—Vi had made the effort to be part of this, to step into your world and embrace it with the same fierce loyalty she showed in every other part of her life.
"Thanks for tonight," you said to your grandpa as you helped him back into his chair by the door. "This means a lot to me."
"Anytime, kiddo," he replied, giving you a wink. "Anytime."
And as you left your grandpa's house with Vi by your side, you knew that things had shifted. Slowly but surely, you were building bridges between the life you had come from and the one you were now living. And in the end, that was all that mattered.
Bonus: Text Messages to Grandpa
March 12th
You:
Grandpa, you would NOT believe the girl I met today. She's amazing. She can fix cars like you wouldn't believe. I swear, it was like watching magic in action. Her name's Vi—super tough, but she's got this smile that's... gorgeous. 😳 I can't even explain. I think I'm in trouble.
Grandpa:
Ha! That's a good sign, kiddo. Sounds like she's someone special. Keep me posted!
March 15th
You:
Okay, so Vi took me on a date tonight, and it was honestly perfect. She's way too cool for me, Grandpa. She took me to this dive bar in Zaun, and I thought it was going to be all loud and chaotic, but she made it feel like it was just the two of us. She laughed at my jokes (even when they weren't funny), and we just clicked. I feel like I've known her forever.
Grandpa:
Sounds like she's got your heart, huh? I like her already.
You:
You'd like her. She's strong, not just physically, but in her heart. She really listens. I don't know how to explain it, but everything about her feels real, you know?
Grandpa:
That's how it's supposed to feel, kid. Hold on to that.
April 3rd
You:
Grandpa, you're not going to believe this—Vi stood up to my mom today!! And you know how my mom is... she's not exactly the most open-minded.
Grandpa:
You mean, she's still trying to tell you what to do?
You:
Yep, same old. But Vi? She didn't let my mom get away with it. She actually fought for me. For us. And my mom? She just... didn't have an answer. I thought I was going to lose it, but Vi was there, and she didn't back down. She's got my back, Grandpa. She really does.
Grandpa:
You know what, I'm proud of her. That takes guts.
You:
You have no idea. But I'm proud of myself, too. I didn't back down either. It feels different with her. Like I can actually be myself.
April 10th
You:
I can't stop thinking about her, Grandpa. I know I've said this a million times, but I really think I've found something special. She's not like anyone I've ever known. She gets me.
Grandpa:
I'm happy for you, kid. And don't be afraid of feeling what you feel. It's real.
April 17th
You:
Vi's incredible. She's been so patient with me through everything with my mom, and I can't believe how much she's done for me. Grandpa... I think I'm falling for her.
Grandpa:
Kid, I think you already have. And you know what? That's okay. She sounds like a keeper.