Chapter 1
Her screams and the wardens laughter is finally want makes Vi bolt up in bed, She doesn't scream, does not freak out, the only sign of any panic is her fast breathing and eyes sweeping across the barren one bedroom apartment she managed to get after finally getting out of prison. Vander had been waiting just outside, and brought her into a tight hug as soon as she appeared, not saying anything other than "Hey Kiddo," When she melted into his comforting warmth. She did hear his breath hitch when he pulled away a little to scan her scarred, bruised form, before gently leading her to the car. He had offered a apartment just above the coffee shop he owned, figuring the brawler would want her own space to recuperate, though she took it so she wouldn't bother him with her nightmares.
The little shop was just how she remembered, squashed between two taller buildings that casted dark shadows during the night, the awing looking like a needed a new touch up, and a few simple chairs and tables sitting outside. The bricks looking sunwashed from years of the elements though never losing its little charm. the bell dinged softly and she sucked in a breath as she took in the interior, still exactly how she remembered with its peeling walls and warm lighting. the only thing that hanged was the big led menu hanging over the counter, the new looking tables and benches scattered throughout the small store, just enough to not make it look cluttered but enough to provide sitting, the lights hanging outside the store alongside the sign were new too. "The apartment is upstairs Kid, It's a simple one bed one bath but it works. There's always a job here if you need it too." Vander said simply, and Vi just nodded, to caught up in memories of her and Powder running around, or helping Vander clean up after a long day. Vander patted her shoulder gently before pointing to a worn wooden door in the corner behind the counter. "Stairs are there, why dont you go and get settled, then we can get some dinner okay?" "Alright, thanks Vander." The rest of the night was filled with Vander recapping everything that happened while Vi was in prison, from Powder graduating High School, to getting accepted into Piltover University for Young Engineers. When probed she shut down, not telling him much more than "It's what you'd expect." Thankfully he did not judge or push, and when she climbed the stairs to the shabby apartment, he wished her a soft goodnight.
Pushing the thoughts away for now, Vi pushed a hand through tangled hair before pushing herself out of bed and down the stairs. Just as she touched the ground floor a shock of blue filled her vision and long lanky arms wrapped around her middle. It took her a second to realize that it was her sister and not a enemy, but once she did she gave Jinx the biggest hug back. "Hey Kiddo..." She whispered into braided hair feeling her sister shaking faintly, and her shirt growing wet. "I missed you.." She just hugged her tighter, letting a few tears of her own free before she whispered back "and i missed you too Jinx.." After a few more moments she pulled back slightly and studied her baby sisters face. Most of her baby fat had disappeared, giving way to sharp features that reminded Vi to much of their mother, and smiled. "You haven't changed much huh? Still building little gadgets?" That was all her sister needed to start on a rant, and showing Vi the little inventions she kept on her. "I made so many things for the local police force! I made a chestplate that doesn't allow any bullet to pierce through!" "Oh? That's awesome Jinx! Did Ekko help you?" She nodded quickly. "Ekko helps me plan out ideas, and even builds them with me like when we were kids!" Vi's stomach rumbled faintly and she laughed. "Alright I gotta eat something, I thought you were still at the university?"
As Vi grabbed a little muffin, Vander walked in and smiled at the two siblings. "I sent her a text as soon as I picked you up, Told her I'd come by and pick her up tomorrow so she can see you." "And look at you Fathands! you gained more muscle that i thought possible... and are those tattoos?!" Jinx said her eyes wide as she studied her big sister noting the scars that ran deep into her sisters body, dark and rough. "Its Prison life for you, not much else to do in there." "Did you pick fights?" Vi snorted at that, though it wasn't from amusement. "more like they picked fights with me." Vander and Jinx shared a very worried glance, wanting to help her but knowing they shoulder push "You did put them on their asses though right?" Vander asked coming up and leaning against the counter, as Vi nodded, biting her tongue before she could spill how the wardens would physically pin her, or target her when she was weak and couldn't fight back. "Of course! You think I wouldn't put your training to work?" Vander laughed loudly and pushed off the counter, going about setting the chairs and wiping everything down before they opened in between shooting insults to each other, all of course good naturally . Jinx immediately grabbed the aux cord to play music as Vi wiped down the counter and adjusted the sweets in the display case. Within the three of them they got the store ready to open quickly. Jinx turned down the music as they finished up and as soon as they flipped open the sign, a wave of people walked in.
Vi was immediately taking orders and handing out doughnuts and muffins and coffee, Just like she did when she was a kid and smiled faintly, some things never changed. A few of the more regular customers recognized the brawler, even through the scars and tattoos, and made simple comments. "Oh VI! you grown big!" "You look just like your father.." "Welcome back Vi, I missed your coffee." Each giving her a soft pat on her shoulder and a soft smile before they left and vi couldn't help but smile back. She had missed this.