Ceilings

Vi’s heartbeat pounded louder than the arena’s cheers. The cacophony of shouting fans, the scrape of skates on ice, and the relentless clock ticking down the final seconds of the game faded into the background. She was hyper focused, her vision narrowing to the puck on her stick and the opposing net ahead. There were exactly sixty seconds left on the clock, but it felt like an eternity.

This wasn’t just a game; this was the game. A win here meant a place in state championships. A chance for her team, for her family, to prove themselves. A tie in overtime meant the end of the road. But it was more than that for Vi. It was a shot at something bigger, something she’d dreamed about: college hockey, a scholarship, a future. The scout sitting up in the stands represented all of that. The pressure was enough to crush her. But then her gaze flickered briefly to the side, to the familiar figure sitting in the front row.

Caitlyn.

She felt a surge of warmth and confidence at the sight of her. Caitlyn’s elegant posture was tense, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, but her eyes were fixed on Vi with a gaze that was as intense as it was encouraging. Caitlyn believed in her. That thought steadied her. She wasn’t just doing this for herself. She was doing this for Caitlyn, for her brothers Mylo and Claggor who were hollering in the stands, for Powder, who was watching with wide, admiring eyes, and for Vander, the man who had given her a second chance when no one else would.

The puck glided smoothly over the ice, a lifeline tethered to her stick. She could feel the defenders closing in on her, their presence like shadows looming at her back. Her teammates shouted, calling for passes, but Vi didn’t look up. She was in the zone, every movement honed and calculated. She juked left, then spun right, evading a defender with practiced ease. Her skates carved sharp arcs into the ice as she advanced, pushing her body to its limits.

The goalie was watching her now, crouched low and ready, their eyes locked on hers. Vi felt the tension between them, a silent standoff. The arena seemed to hold its breath. Time slowed to a crawl. Every detail stood out in sharp relief, the gleam of the ice under the arena lights, the sweat dripping from her brow, the pounding rhythm of her heartbeat echoing in her ears.

She wound up for a shot, and for a split second, she hesitated. She thought about everything riding on this. Her future, her team, her family, Caitlyn. Her hands shook for a fraction of a second, doubt creeping in. ‘What if I miss?’

But then she heard Caitlyn’s voice, soft but unwavering, in the back of her mind: ‘You’ve got this.’

Vi’s grip tightened on her stick, and she exhaled, steadying herself. She could feel the puck under her control, the power in her muscles coiled and ready to release. With a final surge of determination, she swung her stick and sent the puck flying. It soared past the defenders, spinning like a bullet toward the net. The goalie lunged, stretching out as far as they could, but the puck sailed just past their glove and hit the back of the net.

For a heartbeat, there was silence, the entire arena frozen. Then the crowd erupted. Cheers, screams, and stomping feet filled the space, shaking the very walls of the rink. Vi barely heard any of it. Her vision blurred as adrenaline surged through her veins, her chest heaving with exertion. Her teammates swarmed her, shouting and laughing, pounding her back in celebration.

She glanced up at the stands, searching for Caitlyn. There she was, standing, clapping, and cheering with the biggest smile on her face. For a moment, Vi just stared at her, letting the noise and chaos fade away. That smile, it made every sacrifice, every moment of doubt, every drop of sweat worth it.

The clock ticked down to zero, and the final buzzer sounded. They had won. They were going to states. Vi felt a mix of emotions flood her. Joy, relief, pride, but above all, gratitude. She raised her stick in the air, a gesture of victory and thanks, before being pulled back into the celebratory chaos by her team.

Vi tried to catch her breath as the weight of what just happened began to settle in. Her teammates surrounded her, their cheers deafening as they yelled and whooped, pulling her into hugs and thumping her back. The energy was electric, the joy contagious, but amidst the chaos, Vi felt her focus begin to drift. She tried to glance up at the stands, where her family sat, but the crowd of teammates kept blocking her view.

Finally, as the group thinned out for a moment, she caught sight of Vander. He was standing, his arms outstretched, a proud grin stretched across his face as he clapped slowly but firmly. His approval meant everything to her. Vander had always been her rock, the one who taught her how to channel her anger and energy into something productive. Seeing him so genuinely proud made her chest swell.

Her gaze shifted, and she spotted Mylo and Claggor next. They were their usual rambunctious selves, celebrating in their own chaotic way, laughing loudly, bumping shoulders, and pointing down at her with exaggerated pride. Mylo was probably already planning to tease her mercilessly about this, but Claggor’s more sincere smile gave her some reprieve.

But then Vi saw her. Powder. Her heart clenched at the sight of her little sister, jumping up and down in the stands, her blue hair bouncing with every leap. Powder’s screams of excitement were drowned out by the noise of the crowd, but Vi could see the sheer joy radiating from her face. It was a sight she hadn’t been sure she’d see again, not like this. After everything Powder had been through, after all the dark times, seeing her here, cheering and smiling, filled Vi with an indescribable warmth.

Powder wasn’t perfect yet. Vi could see that in the slightly too wide eyes, the way her excitement bordered on frantic, but she was here. She was out of the hospital, trying, healing. And to Vi, that was enough. More than enough. She felt a lump rise in her throat, and she blinked hard to keep the tears from falling. Winning this game was important, sure, but seeing Powder like this, being part of a moment that brought her so much joy, meant infinitely more.

Finally, her gaze landed on Caitlyn. She was standing just a little to the side, her posture as elegant as ever, her clapping quieter but no less enthusiastic. Her smile, though, bright and genuine, was what caught Vi’s attention most. Caitlyn wasn’t jumping or shouting like Powder, but her eyes sparkled with pride, and Vi felt the unspoken connection between them even across the distance.

Vi’s stomach fluttered, and she almost laughed at how ridiculous she felt. She’d just won the biggest game of her life, but seeing Caitlyn standing there, cheering her on, was what truly made her feel victorious.

Her teammates pulled her back into the celebratory chaos, and for a while, she let herself be swept up in it, shouting and laughing along with them. But in the back of her mind, Vi’s thoughts kept returning to the stands, to the faces of the people who mattered most.

Vander’s steady support, Mylo and Claggor’s raucous joy, Powder’s uncontainable excitement, and Caitlyn’s quiet pride. They were all part of this moment, part of her victory.

Vi’s heart swelled as she held the puck, the roar of the crowd still reverberating in her chest. The final buzzer had echoed through the arena, but the weight of the moment settled deep in her bones. She glanced once more at the stands, her eyes searching for them amidst the sea of faces. Powder’s smile was almost as wide as the rink itself, and Caitlyn, standing next to her, looked up at Vi with a pride that made her chest tighten. She didn’t need to hear the cheers or the announcer’s voice to know that what had happened in the game mattered more than the win itself.

It was the culmination of years of hard work, but also a reminder of how far they’d all come.

Together.

Vi skated off the ice, her legs still buzzing with the adrenaline of the game. The victory was finally hers, but the real joy came from what lay beyond the win, the people who had stood by her, the ones she was fighting for. As she made her way off the rink, she felt a familiar pair of arms wrap around her, pulling her into a tight, jubilant hug.

“Vi! You did it!” Powder’s voice was full of excitement and pride, and it felt like every ounce of energy Vi had just expended was worth it for this moment.

Vi laughed, her chest rising and falling with the exhilaration. “You’re crushing me, Pow!”

“I don’t care!” Powder exclaimed, squeezing her tighter. “That was amazing! I’ve never seen you play like that. You were unstoppable!” Her voice was bubbling with pure joy, and her face was practically glowing with the same pride Vi had seen in the stands earlier.

Vi pulled back slightly, her hands on Powder’s shoulders, still taking in the rush of the game. “I couldn’t have done it without you cheering me on,” Vi said softly, her gaze softening. “With Caitlyn, of course.”

Powder grinned, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “I noticed. She was the most enthusiastic ive ever seen a piltie!” She leaned in conspiratorially, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I like her, Vi. I hope she sticks around.”

Vi’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected Powder to bring it up so casually, but the thought of Caitlyn sticking around, of their relationship growing, made her chest swell with something warm. She knew that Caitlyn had made the choice to be there for her, despite everything. And Powder, the person who had been through so much, was giving her the green light, something Vi hadn’t even realized she needed until now.

“I don’t think she’s going anywhere,” Vi replied softly, her tone steady but filled with quiet certainty. “She’s... well, she’s the one who stood by me today, and she’s been there through everything.” Her words seemed to settle in the air between them, and she felt a wave of gratitude, not just for Caitlyn, but for how far they had come as a family.

“You deserve that,” Powder said, her voice tender. “You deserve to be happy. And Caitlyn makes you happy. I can see it. I really hope you don’t let her slip away.”

Vi nodded, her throat tight with emotion. For all the things they had been through, growing up in the undercity, dealing with their troubled family, facing adversity together, this felt different. This felt like the beginning of something real. And Powder, the person who had been her rock, was giving her her blessing, not just in the form of words but in the warmth of her embrace.

The moment stretched, and Vi was about to respond when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw Caitlyn making her way toward them, her expression a mix of excitement and something else. something deeper. Her eyes locked with Vi’s as she approached, and without a word, Caitlyn wrapped her arms around Vi, pulling her into a tight embrace.

As Caitlyn wrapped her arms around Vi in the warm, tight hug, Powder recoiled dramatically with a groan, scrunching up her face as if she’d just bitten into something sour. “Ugh, gross,” she muttered, throwing her hands up in mock disgust. “You guys are so cheesy.”
Vi and Caitlyn broke apart from the hug, sharing a quiet laugh at Powder’s antics. But as Caitlyn took a step back, her eyes locked with Vi’s, a spark in her gaze that sent a rush of heat to Vi’s chest. Without hesitation, Caitlyn leaned in and kissed her.

Vi froze for a moment, surprised by the suddenness of it, her heart skipping a beat. It wasn’t that she wasn’t expecting it at some point, but the way Caitlyn’s lips pressed gently against hers made her mind momentarily go blank. For a second, everything around them disappeared. The noise, the lights, even Powder’s dramatic fake gagging. All that existed was the soft pressure of Caitlyn’s kiss and the undeniable rush of emotions it stirred.

When they pulled away, Vi’s breath caught, her mind racing with questions. She looked at Caitlyn, trying to read the emotion in her eyes, her voice low with curiosity. “Do you… do you care if people know? About us?” She felt a little self-conscious, uncertain about how Caitlyn felt now that they were on the verge of something much bigger than what they'd shared before. Their connection had always been so private, so intimate, but now things were different.

Caitlyn’s smile widened, and she placed a hand on Vi’s cheek, her thumb brushing gently over her skin. “Vi,” she began softly, her voice steady, “I don’t care what anyone thinks anymore. Not my mom, not anyone else. If being with you makes me happy, that’s all that matters. I want the world to know.” There was a quiet conviction in Caitlyn’s voice that made Vi’s heart swell, the weight of Caitlyn’s words sinking in.

The air between them seemed to shift, the tension of unspoken feelings dissolving. Vi swallowed hard, trying to process the flood of emotions rushing through her. It wasn’t just Caitlyn’s words, it was the certainty behind them, the way she stood tall, unafraid, even if it meant facing the judgment of others. That was a strength Vi admired deeply.

“Wow,” Vi said, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve got some guts.”

Caitlyn chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. “I think you know that by now.” She paused, her gaze turning soft and affectionate. “And your game today... it was incredible, Vi. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you play that well.”

Vi grinned, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “You were pretty amazing yourself. You were out there cheering me on like a pro.” She teased lightly, her voice laced with admiration. “And you didn’t even faint from all the excitement. Impressive.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes, nudging Vi playfully with her shoulder. “Oh, please, I can handle a little cheering. Plus, it was just so much fun watching you out there. You were unstoppable.”

Vi laughed, shaking her head. “I was pretty good, huh?”

“Pretty good?” Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “You were amazing. You’ve got a whole fan club now.”

Vi felt her cheeks flush at the mention of the crowd, the excitement of the game still buzzing in her veins. But Caitlyn’s next words made her smile even wider.

“I’m glad I finally got to meet Powder,” Caitlyn said, her voice warm as she glanced over at Vi’s sister, who was now leaning against a wall, pretending to inspect her nails. “She’s... something else.” There was a sparkle of amusement in Caitlyn’s voice.

“She’s... yeah,” Vi said with a chuckle. “She’s always like that. Can’t take her too seriously, but she means well. She’s been rooting for us the whole time, even if she makes it sound like the end of the world when she sees us kiss.”

Caitlyn smiled at that, her eyes softening as she met Vi’s gaze. “I think I can handle her. I really like her, though. I’m glad I got to see that side of you.”

Vi felt a sense of relief wash over her, the tension between them loosening as Caitlyn’s sincerity shone through. This was the moment she’d been waiting for. When everything, the relationship, the people in their lives, started to fall into place. For the first time in a long time, she felt like things were just right.

Powder, now pretending to be overly dramatic again, cleared her throat loudly from a few steps away. “Okay, okay, you two. I’m out of here. You’ve got your moment,” she said with a wink, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. “I’m going to go find something that’s not gross to do.”

Vi rolled her eyes as Powder headed off, but Caitlyn’s laughter drew her attention back. “You know, she’s kind of cute in her own way,” Caitlyn said, a smile still playing on her lips.

Vi nodded, her chest feeling lighter than it had in a long time. “Yeah, she’s a pain sometimes, but she’s my sister. And she loves me.”
“I can tell,” Caitlyn said with a knowing smile, her hand still resting on Vi’s arm. “She’s got your back. Just like I do.”

As Caitlyn and Vi stood there, their hands still intertwined, a bubble of contentment surrounding them, the sudden approach of Sevika broke their moment. She sauntered over, her steps confident, and a mischievous grin played across her face. Vi’s smile faltered for just a second as Sevika’s eyes flicked between her and Caitlyn, clearly taking in the scene.

"Well, well," Sevika drawled, her voice low and teasing. "I see you two have finally figured it out." She raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eyes, her smirk widening. "You know, the whole rink pretty much figured it out, too."

Vi’s stomach flipped, but she couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement at the thought of what Sevika might be referring to. Still, she tried to hold her composure, her mind still buzzing from Caitlyn’s kiss. “What do you mean?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Sevika’s gaze flicked over to Caitlyn before returning to Vi, her grin widening. “Don’t play coy with me, Vi. Everyone has seen you two. Not exactly subtle.” She looked at Caitlyn, offering a quick but genuine nod. “Hey, Caitlyn. Good to see you again.”

Caitlyn gave a small wave, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Hey." she said, trying to keep her composure. "How have you been?"

Sevika tilted her head, an unreadable look crossing her face. “I’ve been good. Busy, you know? Anyway," she shifted her weight slightly, glancing back at Vi. “The scout wants to have a word with you. They’re waiting in my office.”

Vi blinked, her heart skipping a beat. The scout? She’d almost forgotten all about the college recruiter she’d caught glimpses of earlier, watching the game with a look of professional interest. Now that it was finally happening, everything seemed to fall into place. This was it. the opportunity she had been working toward.

A rush of nervous excitement bubbled up inside her, and she could feel Caitlyn's excited energy as well. She squeezed Caitlyn’s hand tighter, her eyes sparkling. "Wait, what? Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Sevika nodded, a satisfied look on her face. "Yep. They said it’s time to talk, Vi. So get in there and make it count."

Vi's breath caught in her throat. She was on the verge of something that could change everything, and Caitlyn’s presence made her feel like she could do anything. She turned back to Caitlyn, her heart racing.

“You’ll wait for me?” Vi asked, her voice vulnerable but hopeful. She didn’t want to leave Caitlyn just yet, not after everything that had happened, but this was a huge opportunity.

Caitlyn’s smile was warm and full of encouragement, her hand squeezing Vi’s before letting go. “Of course I will,” she said, her tone steady, her eyes filled with pride and support. “Go do your thing, Vi. You’ve earned this. I’ll be waiting with the family, cheering you on.”

Vi nodded, her chest swelling with a mixture of gratitude and excitement. She leaned in and kissed Caitlyn quickly on the cheek, the gesture soft but full of meaning. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t go anywhere,” she teased, her lips curving into a grin.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Caitlyn replied, her voice full of affection. She waved as Vi turned toward Sevika, her heart still racing. Vi could hear the smile in Caitlyn’s voice, the kind of support she had always dreamed of. As she walked toward the back room where the scout was waiting, Vi felt a renewed sense of purpose. No matter what happened next, she had Caitlyn, and that made everything feel possible.

Sevika, sensing the weight of the moment, gave Vi a quick pat on the back. "Go get 'em," she said, her voice a bit softer now. She didn’t need to say much more; the unspoken understanding between them was enough.

Vi took a deep breath, pushing the door open to the back room. The scout was there, waiting with a firm handshake and a welcoming smile. This was it. She had the chance she’d always dreamed of. And as she stood there, Vi knew, win or lose, that she would be making this next step with Caitlyn by her side.

She could hardly wait to see what the future held.

Vi stepped into the office, her nerves spiking in the moments before she closed the door behind her. The scout was sitting at Sevika’s desk, paperwork in front of him, his glasses perched at the tip of his nose as he glanced up at her with a mix of curiosity and professionalism. Vi felt a slight flush of anxiety creep up her neck, but she quickly squared her shoulders, determined to make a good impression. This was her moment. No time for doubt, no time for hesitation.

The scout stood up and extended his hand toward her, his face neutral but warm enough to be inviting. “Violet, right? We’ve been watching you for a while,” he said, his voice calm but filled with a quiet authority. Vi took his hand, shaking it firmly, her pulse quickening.

“Yes, sir. I’m Vi,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

He nodded, taking a seat again, gesturing for her to do the same. “I wanted to speak with you. Your performance today was exceptional, and you’ve shown that you’ve got the skills and the drive we’re looking for in a player. But what interests me more is your commitment, your heart.”

Vi’s mind was racing, but she kept her expression composed, her gaze locked on the scout. This was it. This was the opportunity that could change everything.

“I’ve watched you from the sidelines, Vi. You’ve got the potential to go far. But I need to know one thing before we move forward. Why do you play? What’s driving you?”

Vi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. Why did she play? It felt like such a simple question, yet so complicated at the same time. But she knew, deep down, what the answer was. It wasn’t just about the game. It wasn’t just about the thrill of victory or the adrenaline that coursed through her veins when she stepped onto the ice.

She took a deep breath and answered with sincerity. “I play because it’s who I am. Because it’s the one thing that’s always made sense to me. It’s where I can feel alive, where I can truly be myself. But I also play for the people who’ve always believed in me, for the ones who’ve stuck by me through everything.”

She thought of Caitlyn in that moment, standing outside with the rest of the family, her unwavering support fueling Vi’s every step. Caitlyn had always believed in her, had always pushed her to be better, to not just settle for the bare minimum, but to reach for more. Vi owed so much of who she was to Caitlyn’s love and encouragement.

The scout nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “I see. That’s exactly the kind of mentality we need in our program. Passion. Commitment. And the ability to fight for what you believe in. You’ve got something special, Vi. Something that can’t be taught.”

Vi felt her heart swell in her chest, a mix of pride and excitement filling her veins. She had worked so hard for this, had pushed herself through every obstacle, every challenge, and now, she was being recognized for it.

“I’m offering you a spot on the North Piltover team, Vi, as soon as you graduate.” the scout continued, his voice steady and sure. “I think you’re ready. We’ll need you to sign a few things, of course, but I’d like to get you started on the next steps. Welcome to the team.”

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The words barely registered in Vi’s mind at first, as if they were too good to be true. She had just been offered a place on a D1 team, the very team she had been dreaming of for so long. It was happening. Everything she had worked for, all the sacrifices, the sweat and the tears, it was all finally paying off.

“Thank you,” Vi said, her voice shaking slightly. She had to clear her throat before she could continue. “Thank you so much.”

The scout smiled, a rare expression of warmth on his face. “It’s my pleasure, Vi. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll bring to the table. Now, go celebrate. You’ve earned it.”

Vi stood up, shaking his hand once more, her heart racing with excitement. She barely heard the scout’s words as she made her way toward the door, her mind reeling with everything that had just happened. She had made it. She had actually made it.

As she stepped back out into the hallway, she saw Caitlyn standing there, waiting for her, her eyes bright with anticipation. She didn’t have to say anything; her smile told Vi everything she needed to know. She had Caitlyn by her side, and that made every victory, every challenge, every moment worth it.

Before Caitlyn could even speak, Vi was rushing toward her, her arms open wide. Without hesitation, Caitlyn wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly, as if afraid she might disappear. Vi felt a rush of warmth and relief wash over her, and for a moment, the weight of everything else, the pressure, the doubt, the uncertainty, faded away.

“I did it,” Vi whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

“I knew you would,” Caitlyn replied, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so proud of you, Vi.”

The words meant more to Vi than she could ever express. She pulled Caitlyn even closer, kissing her softly, tasting the sweetness of their victory together. In that kiss, Vi knew that no matter what happened next, they would face it side by side. They had already come so far together, and there was nothing that could stop them now.

As they pulled away, Caitlyn’s eyes sparkled with pride. “So, what now?” she asked, her tone playful but soft.

Vi grinned, feeling lighter than she had in ages. “Now? Now we go celebrate. Together.”

And with that, they turned toward the rest of the family, ready to share the good news, ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives. Vi felt a surge of gratitude wash over her as she realized how far she had come. It hadn’t been easy, but with Caitlyn by her side, with the support of her family, she had achieved what she had once thought impossible.

The future was wide open now, filled with endless possibilities. And Vi knew, as long as Caitlyn was with her, there was nothing they couldn’t face.

Together, they were unstoppable.