Ceilings

Vi stood there, breathless, as Caitlyn’s lips left hers, the warmth still lingering on her skin. It was electric… no, it was more than that. It was like the world had tilted on its axis, and for the first time, everything felt aligned. She’d kissed girls before, of course. Plenty of times, with the boldness and flirtatiousness that came naturally to her. But this? This was something else entirely. It wasn’t just the kiss; it was Caitlyn. It was the way her hand rested so delicately on Vi’s cheek, steady but trembling, like she was anchoring herself to her. It was the way her eyes, soft, deep, and unrelenting, held Vi’s gaze afterward, as if daring her to say something, to run, to ruin it.

Vi didn’t run. She kissed her again, deeper this time, letting herself get lost in the way Caitlyn felt, warm and close and so impossibly real. She couldn’t stop herself, didn’t want to. The kiss was soft at first but grew in intensity as Vi leaned in, her hands sliding up to cradle Caitlyn’s jaw. It was messy and unpracticed, but it didn’t matter. Nothing else mattered except for this moment and the girl who’d stolen her breath and left her heart pounding in her chest like it was trying to break free.

When Vi finally pulled back, her forehead rested against Caitlyn’s. She whispered, her voice shaky, “Are you sure? Are you really sure you want this?” She searched Caitlyn’s face, her heart clenching at the thought that maybe, just maybe, Caitlyn would come to her senses and realize this wasn’t what she wanted. That Vi wasn’t what she wanted.

But Caitlyn didn’t hesitate. She didn’t falter. Instead, she looked at Vi with a kind of determination that took her breath away all over again. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” Caitlyn said, her voice steady despite the faint tremor in her hands. “I’m done living by their rules, Vi. I’m done letting them control me.” Her fingers tightened slightly on Vi’s arms as if grounding herself. “I want this. I want us.”

Those words hit Vi like a freight train. She felt her chest tighten, her emotions surging all at once, joy, disbelief, relief, and something far deeper, something she hadn’t even let herself admit until now. She wanted to say something, to tell Caitlyn everything she was feeling, but the lump in her throat made it impossible to speak. Instead, she nodded, a crooked smile breaking through her overwhelmed expression.

Caitlyn didn’t wait for her to gather her thoughts. “We need to leave,” she said, her voice growing urgent. “Now.”

Vi blinked, startled. “Leave? Like… right now?”

“Yes,” Caitlyn said firmly, already stepping back, her hands slipping reluctantly away from Vi. “I can’t stay here, Vi. I don’t care about the press, my coach, or what my mom thinks. I just want to go. With you.”

Vi hesitated, her brain scrambling to process the shift from an earth shattering kiss to Caitlyn’s sudden determination to bolt. “Are you sure about this?” she asked, her voice softer now, more cautious. “You'd be missing everything. Your award, your family…”

“They’re not my family if they don’t accept me,” Caitlyn interrupted, her voice cracking with emotion. “I've already won. A medal isn't setting that in stone. Please, Vi. I’ve already made my decision.”

Vi stared at her, her heart caught between admiration and worry. Caitlyn looked fragile but unbreakable all at once, like glass forged into steel. Her resolve was unwavering, and in that moment, Vi realized she couldn’t deny her anything. “Alright,” she finally said, her voice tinged with both awe and resignation. “Alright, let’s go.”

The relief in Caitlyn’s eyes was palpable as she grabbed Vi’s hand, pulling her toward the door. Vi followed without question, her mind already racing with thoughts of what came next. She didn’t have all the answers, and she wasn’t sure what kind of chaos awaited them. But for the first time in a long time, she felt certain about one thing: wherever Caitlyn went, she’d follow.

Always.

Vi’s heart was racing as they moved quickly through the hallways of the skating rink, Caitlyn’s hand gripping hers tightly. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting a harsh glow over everything, but it didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was Caitlyn, her urgency, her determination, and the way her grip on Vi’s hand never faltered.

When they reached Caitlyn’s dressing room, Vi pushed the door open and ushered her inside. Caitlyn immediately started grabbing things. She gathered her costume bag, a makeup pouch, her movements frantic and a little clumsy. Her hands were visibly shaking as she untied her skates. Vi stepped in close, gently placing her hands over Caitlyn’s to still them. “Hey,” Vi said softly, her voice calm despite the chaos of the moment. “Take a breath, alright? We’ve got time. You don’t have to rush.”

Caitlyn’s hands trembled under Vi’s, and she looked up, her wide, tear bright eyes meeting Vi’s. “I just… I need to get out of here,”
Caitlyn said, her voice shaky but laced with urgency. “I need to leave before I change my mind or before someone stops me.”

“No one’s going to stop you,” Vi said firmly, giving her hands a reassuring squeeze. “And if they try, they’ll have to get through me first. Just breathe for a second, okay?”

Caitlyn nodded, closing her eyes as she took a shaky breath. When she opened them again, she seemed a little steadier, though her hands still trembled as she resumed packing. Vi watched her for a moment, then stepped in to help, grabbing items and carefully tucking them into Caitlyn’s bag. The room was small, cluttered with the remnants of Caitlyn’s preparation for her routine. A water bottle half empty on the vanity, tissues crumpled by the mirror, the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air.

As they worked, Caitlyn suddenly spoke, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant. “My dad… he came to see me before my skate.”

Vi glanced at her, surprised. “Your dad? I thought he was in Ionia.”

“He was,” Caitlyn said, pausing to fold her warmup jacket carefully. “But he came back. I didn’t even know he was here until he walked into my dressing room. He… he said he knew about us. About you.”

Vi’s heart skipped a beat, and she froze mid-reach for Caitlyn’s jacket. “Wait, what? And he was okay with it?”

Caitlyn nodded, a small, almost disbelieving smile playing on her lips. “He said he didn’t care about what anyone else thought. He said he loves me, no matter what. He even told me he’d talk to my mom, try to make her see reason.”

Vi exhaled a soft laugh, her lips quirking into a grin despite the seriousness of the situation. “Damn, Cait. Your dad sounds pretty cool.”

“He is,” Caitlyn said, her smile fading slightly as her eyes dropped to the floor. “It’s just… it made me realize how much I’ve been hiding. How much I’ve been letting other people’s expectations control me. And I don’t want to do that anymore.” She looked back up at Vi, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. “I don’t want to pretend anymore.”

Vi felt her chest tighten at Caitlyn’s words, a swell of emotion rising in her throat. She reached out, tucking a strand of Caitlyn’s hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to,” she said softly. “Not with me.”

Caitlyn’s gaze lingered on Vi for a moment before she nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Okay,” she said, her voice steadier now. “Let’s finish packing and get out of here.”

They worked together quickly but methodically, stuffing the last of Caitlyn’s belongings into her bag. As they zipped it up, Caitlyn glanced around the room one last time, her expression conflicted. Vi stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You ready?” she asked gently.

Caitlyn took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. “Yeah,” she said, her voice firm. “Let’s go.”

Vi nodded, slinging Caitlyn’s bag over her shoulder and leading her toward the door. The hallway was quiet now, the sounds of the arena fading into the distance as they moved. With every step, Vi could feel Caitlyn’s resolve growing stronger, and it filled her with a sense of pride and protectiveness she could.

The arena's fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, casting an artificial glow over the back hallways as Caitlyn and Vi moved quickly but quietly. The muffled sounds of the press and lingering crowd filled the air, distant but threateningly close. Vi walked a step ahead, her shoulders squared and her jaw tight, her body language screaming stay back to anyone who might come near. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure Caitlyn was keeping up.

Caitlyn, still in her skating outfit and carrying her bag hastily thrown together, felt her heart pounding in her chest, not from fear, but from a wild, heady excitement. She caught Vi’s eye, and they exchanged a small, conspiratorial smile. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn’t following someone else’s plan or playing a part. She was doing what she wanted, and she wasn’t alone.

“Stay close,” Vi murmured, her voice low and protective. Her hand hovered near Caitlyn’s arm, as though she was ready to grab her and run if anyone got too close.

Caitlyn nodded, her breath hitching as they turned a corner. For a moment, her stomach flipped at the sight of a few reporters lingering near an exit. Vi swore under her breath, her eyes darting around until she spotted another hallway.

“This way,” Vi said, her voice firm but quiet. She led Caitlyn down the less crowded path, her movements smooth and purposeful, like she’d spent her whole life avoiding attention.

Every so often, Caitlyn would reach out and brush her fingers against Vi’s wrist, a silent reassurance that she was still there, still with her. Each touch sent a small jolt through Vi, but she didn’t let it show, keeping her focus sharp.

When they finally pushed through a side door and into the cold night air, Vi exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Caitlyn shivered against the breeze, and without hesitation, Vi shrugged off her jacket and draped it over Caitlyn’s shoulders.

“You okay?” Vi asked, her voice softer now as they made their way across the nearly empty parking lot.

Caitlyn nodded, pulling the jacket tighter around her. “Better than okay,” she said, her smile small but genuine.

Vi’s eyes softened, but she didn’t say anything. She just led Caitlyn toward the beat up truck parked near the edge of the lot. It stood out against the shiny, sleek cars that belonged to other skaters and their entourages, but to Caitlyn, it felt like freedom.

The truck door creaked as Caitlyn climbed in, and Vi slid into the driver’s seat, her chest still tight with the weight of everything that had just happened. The small cab of the truck was quiet except for the faint hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of Caitlyn settling into the passenger seat. Vi gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white, as she fought to ground herself. The warmth of Caitlyn’s presence next to her was both comforting and overwhelming.

“So,” Vi began, her voice rough but soft, “where’s your hotel? I’ll get you there, and you can rest.”

Caitlyn shook her head, her gaze fixed out the window as Vi ignited the engine. “I don’t want to stop,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with an urgency that caught Vi off guard. “I just want to go home.”

Vi turned to look at her, her brows furrowing. “You sure? What about your stuff? Your bags?”

She paused again. “And you're sure you want to skip the award ceremony?”

Caitlyn pulled her phone from her pocket, her fingers moving quickly across the screen as she typed something. “I don’t need the medal,” she said, her voice quiet but resolute. “Grayson just texted me, asking if everything was alright. I’m telling her I’m leaving. That I don’t care about the medal or the press.”

Vi blinked, processing Caitlyn’s words. It wasn’t just what Caitlyn was saying, it was how she was saying it. There was no hesitation, no second guessing. Caitlyn was certain, and that certainty made Vi’s chest ache in the best way.

Caitlyn set her phone down, exhaling a long breath before turning to Vi. Her eyes were softer now, shimmering with emotion. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I was so scared, Vi. I’ve been scared my whole life, but then you… you showed me that I don’t have to be.”

Vi felt a lump rise in her throat. She didn’t know what to say, so she reached out, her hand finding Caitlyn’s where it rested on the center console. Their fingers brushed, and then Caitlyn turned her hand, lacing her fingers with Vi’s without hesitation.

The warmth of Caitlyn’s touch spread through Vi like wildfire, grounding her and setting her nerves alight all at once. She gave Caitlyn’s hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes flicking to her as the city lights played across her face.

“I didn’t do anything,” Vi said after a moment, her voice barely above a whisper. “You were the one out there, Cait. You did that. You were amazing.”

Caitlyn shook her head, her lips quirking into a faint, bittersweet smile. “You were there,” she said simply. “That’s what made the difference.”

Vi’s heart clenched, and she looked back at the road, blinking hard to keep her emotions in check. “Well, I’m not going anywhere,” she muttered, her voice rough but sincere.

Caitlyn leaned back against the seat, her thumb brushing softly over Vi’s knuckles. “Good,” she said, her voice quieter now, almost a whisper.

The truck hummed softly as it rolled along the dark highway, the faint glow of the dashboard illuminating Vi’s face. The silence between them wasn’t heavy or uncomfortable. It was a quiet that felt... full. Full of unspoken emotions, shared glances, and the warmth of Caitlyn’s hand resting in Vi’s on the center console.

Vi didn’t know how long they’d been driving like this, but she didn’t mind. Every so often, she’d glance over at Caitlyn, catching the way the passing streetlights painted soft shadows across her face. Caitlyn was staring out the window, her expression thoughtful, her thumb brushing absently over the back of Vi’s hand.

Finally, Caitlyn broke the silence, her voice soft but steady. “You know,” she began, glancing toward Vi with a small, almost shy smile, “that was my first kiss.”

Vi’s grip on the wheel faltered for just a second, her eyes darting over to Caitlyn in surprise. “Wait, seriously? That was your first kiss?” Her voice was incredulous but laced with a playful edge. “No way.”

Caitlyn nodded, her smile widening just a little. “It was.” She hesitated, her gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. “I mean, there were... opportunities, I guess. Guys would ask me out all the time, especially at school or after competitions. But I always said no.”

Vi raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Why? I mean, not that I’m complaining or anything, but... you’re gorgeous. Smart. Pretty much the whole package. Why turn them all down?”

Caitlyn let out a soft laugh, though there was a nervous edge to it. “Because it never felt right. I didn’t know why back then; I just knew I wasn’t interested.” She paused, her expression becoming more serious. “There was this one time, though. A guy I knew. He was sweet, I guess. Tried to kiss me. It was at some school dance. He leaned in, and I just... froze. All I could feel was this overwhelming sense of... wrongness. Like every fiber of my being was screaming at me to get away.”

Vi’s grip on Caitlyn’s hand tightened protectively. “What did you do?”

“I pulled away,” Caitlyn said simply. “I made some excuse, said I wasn’t feeling well, and left. But it stuck with me, you know? I kept wondering if something was wrong with me, if I was broken or incapable of feeling what other people felt. For so long, I thought... maybe I was just too focused on skating, too career driven to care about anyone like that.”

Vi didn’t say anything right away, letting Caitlyn’s words hang in the air. She could hear the vulnerability in her voice, the way she was baring something she’d probably kept buried for a long time. Vi’s chest ached for her.

“And then,” Caitlyn continued, her voice softer now, almost like a confession, “I kissed you. And it wasn’t just that it didn’t feel wrong. It felt... right. It felt like something I’d been waiting for without even realizing it. Like something finally clicked into place.” She turned her head to look at Vi fully now, her eyes searching hers. “Does that make sense?”

Vi swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt like she couldn’t breathe, like Caitlyn’s words had reached a part of her she didn’t even know existed. “Yeah,” she managed to say, her voice thick with emotion. “Yeah, it makes sense. It makes perfect sense.”
Caitlyn smiled again, this time brighter, more certain. “I don’t know what it is about you, Vi, but you make me feel... safe. You make me feel like I can finally stop pretending. Like I can just... be.”

Vi let out a shaky laugh, squeezing Caitlyn’s hand again. “That’s all I want, Cait. For you to be yourself. No masks, no pretending. Just you.”

They fell into silence again, but this time, it was even warmer than before. Vi’s hand remained in Caitlyn’s, their fingers laced together, as the truck carried them closer to home. For the first time in a long time, Vi felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be. And judging by the way Caitlyn’s thumb brushed gently against her knuckles, she knew Caitlyn felt the same.

The light filtering through the windows lit Caitlyn’s face as she leaned back in the seat, finally looking a little more at ease. Vi glanced over, her lips curving into a grin she couldn’t suppress.

“So,” Vi began, her voice teasing, “are you gonna tell me how you pulled that off, or are you actually superhuman? Because, Cait, that was insane. I mean, that triple spin combo? Come on.”

Caitlyn laughed softly, the sound light and a little shy. “It’s not that impressive. I’ve been working on it for years.”

“Not impressive?” Vi shot her a disbelieving look. “Are you kidding me? The crowd was losing it. I was losing it. I was this close to throwing my popcorn at the announcer just to shut them up so I could focus on you.” She gestured dramatically with one hand, earning a giggle from Caitlyn.

“You had popcorn?” Caitlyn teased, raising an eyebrow. “I didn’t take you for the type to snack during a life changing moment.”

Vi smirked. “Hey, gotta fuel the nerves somehow. Besides, I didn’t even touch it. I was too busy watching you absolutely own that ice.”
Caitlyn flushed, the pink on her cheeks barely visible in the dim light. “You’re just saying that.”

“Nope,” Vi said, popping the “p” for emphasis. “I mean it. You were... damn, Cait. I’ve never seen anything like it. You looked like you were born to do that. Like the ice was begging you to show it some mercy.”

Caitlyn laughed again, hiding her face with her free hand. “Stop. You’re making it sound way cooler than it was.”

“I’m just telling the truth,” Vi said, her tone softer now. “Seriously, Caitlyn. You were incredible. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

Caitlyn peeked at her through her fingers, her lips twitching with a smile. “You’re really laying it on thick, aren’t you?”

Vi shrugged, her grin widening. “Hey, if the truth sounds like flirting, then I guess I can’t help it.”

Caitlyn dropped her hand and turned to look at her fully, her expression amused but touched. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“And you’re amazing,” Vi shot back without missing a beat. “I mean it, Cait. Watching you out there, it was like... like you were telling a story. Like the whole world stopped just to listen.”

Caitlyn’s teasing demeanor softened, her smile turning a little wistful. “I don’t think I’ve ever skated like that before. It felt... different. Like I was doing it for me. For the first time in a long time.”

Vi’s chest tightened at the quiet vulnerability in Caitlyn’s voice. She reached over, her hand finding Caitlyn’s on the center console. “Well, whatever it was, it worked. You killed it out there.”

Caitlyn squeezed her hand gently, her smile growing. “Thank you, Vi. For being there. For... everything.”

Vi grinned, her playful tone returning. “Hey, you’re welcome. But don’t think this means I’m not gonna bring it up every chance I get. ‘Remember that time you won nationals and I got to say I knew you before you were famous?’”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but the laugh that escaped her was genuine. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Yeah, but you like me,” Vi quipped, her voice light but her heart full.

Caitlyn glanced at her, her expression softening as she said quietly, “Yeah. I really do.”

The highway stretched out farther in front of Vi, an endless ribbon of asphalt illuminated by the dim glow of her truck’s headlights. The soft hum of the engine was the only sound, broken occasionally by the faint rustle of Caitlyn shifting in the passenger seat. Vi glanced over, her heart squeezing at the sight of her. Caitlyn, fast asleep, her head tilted toward the window, her chest rising and falling in the rhythm of peaceful slumber. Their hands were still intertwined on the center console, Caitlyn’s grip slack but present, as if even in her sleep she didn’t want to let go.

Vi’s thumb brushed over Caitlyn’s knuckles absentmindedly as her thoughts began to spiral. She couldn’t believe how much had changed in such a short span of time. Just a few days ago, she had been at her lowest, struggling to piece herself back together after everything that had happened with Caitlyn. The argument. The distance. The unbearable silence. She had told herself that walking away was for the best, that Caitlyn deserved more than whatever Vi could offer. But then Caitlyn had kissed her. Caitlyn, who had just won nationals, kissed her.

Vi’s chest tightened, and she gripped the wheel a little harder with her free hand. That kiss. It had been unlike anything she’d ever experienced, a jolt of passion that had coursed through her veins and left her completely unmoored.

She thought back to the competition, to the way Caitlyn had commanded the ice, her movements so graceful and precise, her expression full of determination and something even deeper that Vi couldn’t quite name. She had never been more in awe of anyone in her life. And then Caitlyn had turned to the stands, her eyes finding Vi, and it was like the whole arena had fallen away. It was just the two of them. Vi had never felt so sure of anything as she had in that moment.

And now they were here, driving away from the competition, from the cameras, from Caitlyn’s overbearing mother, from everything that had tried to pull them apart. They were heading back to Zaun, to Vi’s home, to a place where Caitlyn could breathe for the first time in what felt like forever. Vi couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry about what might happen next.

By the time they finally pulled into Zaun, the sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving the city bathed in dim, flickering neon. It was very late, and the long drive had taken its toll. The truck groaned to a stop outside her place, and Vi sighed in relief as she turned off the engine. The familiar hum of Zaun surrounded her. The clatter of machinery, faint bursts of laughter from nearby streets, and the comforting, chaotic rhythm of home.

She glanced at Caitlyn, still half asleep in the passenger seat, her head lolling gently as the truck stilled. Vi smiled softly. She looked so out of place here, her pristine figure skating jacket a sharp contrast to the grime covered world of Zaun. And yet, something about her felt like she belonged, at least to Vi.

“Hey, Cupcake,” Vi murmured, brushing her knuckles lightly against Caitlyn’s arm.

Caitlyn stirred, her lashes fluttering as she blinked sleepily at Vi. “Are we here?”

“Yeah,” Vi said, her voice warm. “Let’s get you inside.”

Caitlyn nodded groggily and slipped out of the truck, clutching her bag as Vi took her hand to steady her. They moved quietly toward the narrow stairwell leading to Vi’s place, the sound of their boots muffled against the worn metal steps.

Vi was halfway through the door when—

“Well, well, look who finally decided to show up.”

Vi froze mid step, her jaw clenching as Mylo’s voice rang out in front of her. She lifted her head slowly to see him leaning against the wall, arms crossed and a smirk plastered across his face. Claggor stood beside him, his expression more curious than smug, but there was no mistaking the glint of interest in his eyes.

“Seriously?” Vi muttered under her breath. She tried to move past them, tugging Caitlyn gently along, but Mylo stepped in front of her with theatrical flair.

“Not so fast,” Mylo said, his tone mock serious. His eyes flicked to Caitlyn, and his brows shot up. “Wait a second... Is this...?”

Vi groaned audibly. “Don’t.”

“Oh, I knew it!” Mylo crowed, pointing a finger at Caitlyn. “This is the girl you’ve been freaking out about, isn’t it? The one you wouldn’t shut up about a week ago?”

Caitlyn stiffened, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. She looked at Vi in a silent plea for escape, but Vi just pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience rapidly wearing thin.

“I wasn’t ‘freaking out,’” Vi snapped, glaring at Mylo.

“You were definitely freaking out,” Claggor chimed in, though his tone was far less teasing than Mylo’s. He tilted his head, giving Caitlyn a once over that wasn’t judgmental but curious. “So, this is her, huh?”

“Her?” Caitlyn finally managed to croak out, her voice a mix of mortification and confusion.

Vi shot Mylo a murderous look. “You wanna keep talking, or do you wanna live to see tomorrow?”

Mylo ignored her, his grin widening as he turned to Caitlyn. “She was pacing around the room like a caged animal, muttering stuff like, ‘What if she hates me?’ and, ‘What if I ruin everything?’ It was actually kinda adorable.”

Caitlyn’s blush deepened, and she pressed her lips into a tight line, looking like she wanted to melt into the floor.

“I swear to god, Mylo,” Vi growled, stepping forward.

Claggor put a hand on Mylo’s shoulder, his expression softening. “Alright, alright. Chill out, Vi. We’re just giving you a hard time.” He looked at Caitlyn with a small, genuine smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Claggor, and the loudmouth is Mylo.”

Caitlyn managed a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. “Hi.”

“C’mon, guys, let us through,” Vi said, exasperated.

“Not so fast,” Mylo said, leaning in conspiratorially toward Caitlyn. “You gotta tell us… what’s a girl like you doing with her?”

Caitlyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before she glanced at Vi. Vi’s posture was tense, her body positioned slightly in front of Caitlyn like a shield. Something about it made Caitlyn’s embarrassment ebb just a little, replaced by a flicker of confidence.

“She’s...,” Caitlyn started softly, her voice steady despite the heat in her cheeks.

Mylo opened his mouth to push her farther, but Vi shoved past him with an annoyed huff, pulling Caitlyn along. “Alright, show’s over. Move.”

Claggor chuckled, stepping aside with a mock bow. “Welcome to Zaun,” he said to Caitlyn, his tone friendly.

“Thanks,” Caitlyn murmured, her grip tightening slightly on Vi’s hand.

As they disappeared into the hallway, Mylo’s voice echoed after them. “You better tell us everything later, Vi!”

Vi didn’t dignify that with a response, slamming the door to her room shut behind them. She glanced at Caitlyn, who was leaning against the wall, her face a mix of amusement and lingering awkwardness.

“They’re... lively,” Caitlyn said, her lips quirking into a small smile.

“They’re idiots,” Vi muttered, though her tone was fond.

Vi flicked on the dim overhead light, its faint glow illuminating the small space cluttered with random belongings, clothes strewn on the chair, and a couple of weights in the corner. It wasn’t exactly glamorous, and she suddenly felt self conscious about bringing Caitlyn here after everything she’d seen of Piltover’s pristine elegance.

Vi opened a drawer and rummaged through it, pulling out a soft, oversized hoodie and a pair of sweatpants. She held them out to Caitlyn, who hesitated before taking them with a small, grateful smile.

“Thanks,” Caitlyn said softly.

“No problem,” Vi replied, scratching the back of her neck. “They might be a bit big on you, though. I, uh, don’t really have anything fancy.”

“They’re perfect,” Caitlyn assured her, her voice sincere.

Vi nodded and turned her back, giving Caitlyn privacy to change. She busied herself with folding a stray jacket and tossing it onto the chair, her mind racing. She heard the faint rustle of fabric behind her, and despite herself, her thoughts wandered. When Caitlyn was done and mumbled a quiet “Okay,” Vi turned back around.

Her breath hitched.

Caitlyn stood there in Vi’s hoodie and sweatpants, the fabric slightly baggy but somehow fitting her in the most endearing way. She had rolled up the sleeves and pulled the hoodie tight around her, her hands tucked into the front pocket. Her hair was still very disheveled from the drive, and her face still had some residue makeup she wasn't able to get off quickly. She looked... soft, comfortable, and completely out of place in Zaun, but at the same time, like she belonged here with Vi.

Vi swallowed hard and forced herself to act normal, shoving her hands into her pockets. “Looks good,” she said casually, though her voice came out quieter than she intended.

Caitlyn smiled, a small, tired grin that didn’t quite reach her eyes but still managed to tug at Vi’s heart.

Vi gestured toward the bed. “You can take the bed. I’ll crash on the floor or something.”

“No,” Caitlyn said quickly, shaking her head. “There’s plenty of room for both of us. I don’t mind.”

Vi hesitated. “You sure?”

Caitlyn nodded, already climbing onto the mattress and curling up on one side. “We've done this before.” Vi exhaled slowly and followed, lying down beside her.

“I’m sorry about Mylo and Claggor,” Vi said after a moment, her voice low in the quiet room. “They’re... a lot.”

Caitlyn turned her head to look at her. “It’s fine,” she said. “They’re... protective of you. I get it.”

“Still,” Vi muttered, her hand fiddling with a loose thread on the blanket. “They shouldn’t have grilled you like that. I’ll talk to them tomorrow.”

Caitlyn chuckled softly. “You don’t need to. Honestly, it was kind of sweet. Embarrassing, but sweet.”

Vi glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, well. They mean well.”

They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before Vi broke it, her voice tentative. “So... how long are you planning on staying? I mean, not that I’m kicking you out or anything. Just wondering.”

Caitlyn sighed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. “I don’t know. I need to let my mother cool down first. If I go back now, it’ll just... make things worse.”

Vi nodded, understanding. “Makes sense. You can stay here as long as you need.”

Caitlyn shifted beside her, and Vi turned her head, catching the flicker of emotion in Caitlyn’s expression. She looked like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, her usually composed demeanor cracking under the strain.

“My mom’s probably on the verge of calling the cops,” Caitlyn said suddenly, her voice small and trembling. “I can just imagine her pacing the house, fuming, demanding answers from my dad.” She paused, her hands twisting the edge of the blanket. “And he’s probably trying to keep her in check. He always does.”

Vi frowned. “Your dad seems cool, though. Like, he’s got your back.”

“He does,” Caitlyn whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “He always has. But this... this might be too much, even for him. My mom has a way of making everything seem so... absolute. Like it’s her way or no way.” She glanced down, her fingers nervously fidgeting. “I hate the thought of them fighting because of me.”

Vi didn’t know much about parents, or at least, not the kind Caitlyn had, but she could see the pain in Caitlyn’s eyes, the guilt eating away at her. It made her heart ache. Without thinking, she scooted closer, wrapping an arm around Caitlyn’s shoulders and pulling her in.

“Hey,” Vi murmured softly. “None of this is your fault, alright? Your mom’s just... intense. And your dad? He sounds like the kind of guy who’d move mountains for you. He’ll handle her. You don’t need to carry all that by yourself.”

Caitlyn leaned into Vi, her body trembling slightly as she tried to hold back tears. “I just… I don’t want to be the reason they fall apart.”
“You won’t,” Vi said firmly. “They’ll figure it out. And if they don’t, that’s on them, not you. You’ve spent your whole life trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations. You deserve to live for yourself now.”

Caitlyn didn’t say anything, but Vi felt her relax slightly, her head resting against Vi’s shoulder.

For a long moment, they just sat there, the silence wrapping around them like a protective cocoon. Then, Vi tightened her hold, pulling Caitlyn closer until they were lying side by side. Caitlyn nestled into Vi’s chest, her arms wrapping around Vi’s waist as if holding on for dear life.

“Thank you,” Caitlyn mumbled, her voice muffled against Vi’s hoodie.

“For what?”

“For... everything,” Caitlyn replied, her breath warm against Vi’s collarbone. “For being here. For being you.”

Vi swallowed hard, her throat tightening. She rested her chin lightly on top of Caitlyn’s head, breathing in the faint scent of her shampoo. “Always,” she whispered.

They stayed like that, intertwined, as the weight of the day finally began to melt away. Vi could feel Caitlyn’s breathing slow, her body growing heavier as she drifted off to sleep. Vi stayed awake a little longer, her own thoughts swirling.

She thought about Caitlyn’s mom, her dad, the competition, and everything Caitlyn had been through to get to this moment. But mostly, she thought about how natural it felt to hold Caitlyn like this, to be the one she leaned on.

Eventually, Vi’s eyes grew heavy, and she let herself relax, her arms still wrapped protectively around Caitlyn. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

In Caitlyn's arms.