What Changed and What Didn’t
Caitlyn stood in front of the half-unpacked boxes in her new Piltover house, the soft morning light filtering through the large windows. The space was a blend of old and new—family heirlooms mixed with souvenirs from her life abroad. She knelt by an open box labeled Keepsakes , her fingers brushing against old journals, framed photos, and trinkets from far-off places.
At the bottom of the box, hidden under a scarf, was a small, carved metal pendant. Caitlyn stilled, her thumb running over the intricate design. It was rough around the edges, clearly handmade, but it had always held a strange sort of charm. Vi had given it to her years ago, back when things were simpler.
A pang of nostalgia hit her, sharp and unwelcome. The memory of Vi’s easy grin as she handed her the pendant flashed in her mind. “For good luck,” Vi had said, her tone casual, but her eyes warm. Caitlyn set the pendant down on her desk, the weight of it heavier than it should’ve been.
She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and shook her head, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand. There were boxes to unpack, furniture to arrange, and a thousand other things that needed her attention. The past could wait.
Her phone buzzed on the counter, breaking her thoughts. Caitlyn glanced at the screen: a message from Jayce.
Jayce:Rooftop party at mine tonight. Small crowd. You in?
Caitlyn hesitated, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. The idea of socializing—especially with Vi possibly in the mix—wasn’t exactly appealing. But Jayce was persistent, and she knew he’d keep nudging until she gave in.
Her thoughts briefly strayed to the conversation she’d had with her parents earlier that week. They’d insisted she move back into the Kiramman estate, pointing out the “practicality” of staying close to family. But Caitlyn had declined, firmly but politely. I’m an adult, she’d reminded them silently, and I need to be on my own.
Her independence was something she’d fought hard to achieve—moving back to the estate would feel like undoing years of progress. She glanced around her new space, smaller than than Kiramman mansion but undeniably hers, and felt a flicker of pride.
Caitlyn:Define “small.”
Jayce’s reply was instant.
Jayce:Chill vibes, good drinks, and maybe one or two bad jokes from Ekko. Promise.
She sighed, typing her response.
Caitlyn:Fine. What time?
Jayce:8 PM. Don’t be late, Sprout.
Caitlyn placed her phone down, her gaze drifting back to the pendant. The carved metal glinted faintly in the light, a silent reminder of all the things she thought she’d left behind—and all the things she couldn’t quite let go of.
“Wow,” Jinx started, gesturing at Vi with a fry. “This is riveting. Watching you sulk over fries. Really, it’s the highlight of my day.”
The diner’s lights hummed softly overhead, their muted glow blending with the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows, highlighting the worn red vinyl seats. Vi leaned back in the booth, one leg sprawled out, the other foot propped on the edge of her seat. She absentmindedly poked at a basket of fries, her pink hair tucked under a faded hoodie. Across from her, Jinx was halfway through a double bacon cheeseburger, ketchup smudged at the corner of her mouth, which she didn’t bother wiping.
Vi snorted, flicking a fry at her. “I’m not sulking. I’m eating. There’s a difference.”
“Yeah, sure. If eating means staring at them like they insulted your tattoos,” Jinx fired back, popping the fry into her mouth. “What’s got you all broody?”
Before Vi could retort, her phone buzzed against the table, Jayce’s name flashing on the screen. She picked it up with a lazy swipe. “What’s up, Pretty Boy? Didn’t I already tell you to stop calling me just to hear my voice?”
Jayce’s laugh came through the line. “You wish. Anyway, rooftop gathering tonight at my place. Small crowd. Be there.”
Vi pulled the phone away from her ear for a second, giving it a suspicious look. “You callin’ to invite me to a book club or somethin’? Not really my vibe.”
Jayce chuckled. “No book club. Just some friends, good drinks, no drama. And, uh… Caitlyn’s coming.”
Vi’s jaw twitched, but her expression didn’t change. She leaned forward, grabbing a fry as if the mention hadn’t fazed her. “Noted,” she said evenly, tossing the fry into her mouth. “Anything else, or can I get back to my very exciting lunch?”
“Eight o’clock. Don’t be late,” Jayce said before hanging up.
Vi set the phone down, her movements slow and deliberate. She leaned back into her seat, finally grabbing a handful of fries and shoving them into her mouth.
“So,” Jinx began, her grin practically splitting her face. “Pretty Boy’s got you booked for a rooftop gig, huh? And let me guess—Caitlyn ‘Prim and Proper’ Kiramman’s will be there?”
Vi didn’t respond immediately, letting her chewing buy her time. She finally shrugged. “You done with the commentary, or do I need to order another round of fries just to get through this?”
“Oh, come on,” Jinx said, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. “You’re not even a little psyched to see her? Old friends, rekindling flames, all that sappy crap.”
“Yeah, no,” Vi shot back, smirking. “You’ve been watching too many bad movies.”
Jinx rolled her eyes dramatically. “Whatever you say, big sis. Just remember, if you do start crying into your whiskey, at least make it entertaining for the rest of us.”
Vi grabbed a fry and flicked it at her, smirking. “The only thing I’m crying over is how much I’ve gotta put up with you.”
Jinx caught the fry mid-air and grinned. “You’re welcome.”
For a moment, the two lapsed into silence, the clatter of plates and faint hum of the diner filling the space. Vi leaned back, her fingers toying with the rim of the fry basket, her usual sharp retort absent.
Jinx gave her a sidelong glance, smirking. “There it is. That broody, ‘I’m totally not thinking about anything important’ look. You’re an open book, Vi.”
“Shut up,” Vi muttered, her voice quieter now.
But she didn’t rise to the bait this time, her gaze fixed on a scuff mark on the table. Her mind was somewhere else entirely, circling back to thoughts she didn’t care to name.
Flashback
Vi adjusted the cuffs of her jacket, feeling more out of place with every passing second. The Kiramman estate looked like something out of a storybook—grand archways, pristine landscaping, and Piltover’s elite mingling under a sky of shimmering lights. Of course, it was all in honor of Caitlyn’s 17th birthday, a milestone her family celebrated with their trademark opulence. She could feel the judgmental glances without needing to meet anyone’s eyes.
“Smile, Vi,” Caitlyn whispered, leaning in close. She was radiant in an elegant navy gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her hair styled in soft waves that framed her face. “It’s my birthday.”
Vi rolled her eyes, stuffing her hands in her pockets. “I am smiling.”
“That’s a grimace.”
“It’s my version of a smile. Take it or leave it.” Vi smirked, but her unease was obvious.
Caitlyn sighed, brushing her hand lightly against Vi’s arm in a way that made Vi’s chest tighten. “Just… try to enjoy yourself, okay?”
“Sure thing, cupcake,” Vi muttered, glancing at the crowd. “Nothing like a room full of people who already think I’m here to swipe the silverware.”
Caitlyn’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Ignore them. You’re here because I want you here, you’re my friend. That’s all that matters.”
Before Vi could respond, one of Caitlyn’s family friends—an older woman dripping in jewels—approached, her eyes flicking to Vi with barely concealed disdain. “Caitlyn, darling, you look stunning. And… who’s this?”
Vi felt the weight of the woman’s gaze, like she was being sized up and found wanting.
Caitlyn’s smile didn’t falter. “This is Violet. She’s a close friend of mine.”
“Ah,” the woman said, her tone laced with faux politeness. “How… charming.”
Vi clenched her jaw, but Caitlyn’s hand on her arm kept her from saying something she’d regret.
As the night wore on, Vi’s discomfort grew. Whispers followed her like shadows, snippets of conversations reaching her ears:
“Who invited her?”
“Caitlyn’s always been a bit… rebellious.”
“A phase, I’m sure. She’ll grow out of it.”
It wasn’t long before Caitlyn’s dad and aunt pulled her aside, their expressions a mix of concern and disapproval. Vi, lingering by the dessert table, caught enough of the conversation to feel the sting.
“…this is your birthday, Caitlyn. Not some opportunity to flaunt your… slumming phase,” her father said, his voice low but sharp.
“She’s not a phase,” Caitlyn shot back, her tone defensive.
“Darling,” her aunt interjected, her voice honeyed but firm, “you have a responsibility to this family. Associating with people like that will only bring you down.”
Vi’s hands curled into fists at her sides. She turned on her heel and made her way toward the estate gates, the cool night air hitting her like a slap to the face.
“Vi!” Caitlyn’s voice called out behind her.
She stopped but didn’t turn, staring out at the cobblestone driveway instead. “Go back to your party, Cait.”
Caitlyn caught up, her heels clicking against the stones. “Why did you leave? Did someone say something?”
Vi scoffed, finally turning to face her. “Take your pick. The whispers, the stares, your dad calling me a goddamn phase. Real welcoming crowd you got in there.”
Caitlyn’s face fell. “Vi, I—”
“It’s not your fault,” Vi cut in, her voice sharper than she intended. “You’re not the problem. It’s this whole… thing.” She gestured vaguely toward the estate. “Your world, Cait. It’s fake as hell, and everyone in there knows I don’t belong. Hell, I know I don’t belong.”
“That’s not true,” Caitlyn insisted, stepping closer. “You belong because I want you here. Because you’re important to me.”
Vi laughed bitterly, shaking her head. “Yeah? Tell that to the rest of them. To your dad and your aunt.”
“I don’t care what they think,” Caitlyn said fiercely.
“Maybe you should,” Vi snapped. “Because I’m not gonna be the reason they give you hell.”
Caitlyn reached out, her hand brushing Vi’s arm. “I’m sorry. For whatever they said. I—”
Vi exhaled slowly, her shoulders tense but her voice steady. “There’s nothing to be sorry about, Cait. It’s your party, your night. You should be in there, not out here chasing after me.”
Caitlyn shook her head. “I don’t care about the party. I care about—”
“Cait,” Vi interrupted gently, her tone soft but resigned. She met Caitlyn’s gaze, her usual bravado stripped away. “Go back inside. Enjoy your night. I’ll be fine.”
“But—”
“I’ll see you next time,” Vi said, a faint smile tugging at her lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Without waiting for a reply, Vi turned on her heel and started walking down the long driveway. Her boots crunched against the gravel, the sound filling the silence she left behind.
She didn’t glance back, even as she felt Caitlyn’s presence linger at her back. Instead, she kept her eyes forward, her heart heavy with the weight of everything she couldn’t say.
Jayce’s rooftop was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The gathering was small but lively, with music weaving through conversations and bursts of laughter. Caitlyn stepped onto the terrace, her beige blazer and matching high-waisted shorts giving her a polished yet relaxed look. A simple black tank top tucked neatly underneath complemented the outfit, paired with sleek, low-heeled shoes. She paused, scanning the scene as Mel appeared by her side with a grin.
“Finally,” Mel said, pulling Caitlyn into a quick hug. “Thought I’d have to drag you here myself.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but smiled. “It’s good to see you too.”
Ekko spotted them from across the terrace and waved them over with exaggerated enthusiasm. “The prodigal daughter returns! Welcome back to civilization, Cait.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her tone light. “Says the guy who thrives in the middle of mayhem. Nice to see you too, Ekko.”
“Touché,” Ekko said with a laugh. “Still, it’s nice to have another sane person around. We’re outnumbered.”
“Speak for yourself,” Jayce chimed in, raising a glass from where he lounged in a corner. “This group thrives on chaos.”
Caitlyn smirked faintly. “And you’re the one keeping the chaos alive, as always.”
“Guilty as charged,” Jayce said, flashing a grin. “Glad you could make it, Cait.”
Mel looped her arm through Caitlyn’s as they made their way to the group. “You’re lucky I don’t let you be antisocial,” she teased. “This is good for you.”
“Good for me?” Caitlyn shot her a sideways glance. “You’re acting like I’ve been living in a cave.”
“Well, the constant jet-setting and dog-saving might as well be a cave,” Ekko interjected. “Seriously, do you ever sit still?”
“Rarely,” Caitlyn replied smoothly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Someone has to keep busy while you’re out breaking hearts.”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Ekko held up his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t break hearts. They just can’t handle how cool I am.”
Mel snorted. “Cool? Is that what we’re calling it now?”
Jayce raised his glass again, clearly enjoying the banter. “Careful, Ekko. Cait’s got sharper aim than you think.”
“I’m unarmed!” Ekko exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically. “Mel, protect me!”
Caitlyn chuckled, shaking her head as Mel released her arm. “You’re all ridiculous.”
“Don’t we all know it,” Jayce said smugly. “Now, grab a drink and relax. Tonight’s about catching up and celebrating your return. No escape plans allowed.”
“Noted,” Caitlyn replied, taking the glass Mel handed her. Her shoulders relaxed slightly as she let herself sink into the moment, the familiar rhythm of banter and friendship easing some of the tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying.
Jayce handed Ekko a drink and motioned toward the far end of the terrace. “Looks like someone’s already making rounds.”
Caitlyn’s gaze followed his, landing on Vi. She was leaning casually against the bar, laughing with a small group. Her pink hair glinted under the string lights, and her body language was effortlessly relaxed. Standing beside her was an attractive woman who seemed thoroughly charmed.
Ekko grinned. “Classic Vi.”
Jayce shook his head with mock disbelief. “She just walks into a room, and it’s like—bam. Instant magnet.”
Mel snorted. “Or trouble.”
“She’s got a type,” Ekko added, smirking. “Breathing.”
Viktor, standing nearby with a quiet smile, finally chimed in. “To be fair, Vi is nothing if not consistent.”
Jayce raised his glass. “Consistently chaotic.”
Caitlyn’s lips pressed into a neutral smile, though her gaze lingered briefly on Vi. Mel, nudged her lightly with a warm grin.
“How’ve you been, Cait? It’s been a while.”
Caitlyn turned to her, the faint smile on her lips softening. “I’m good, Mel. It’s… different being back.”
Mel laughed lightly. “That’s one way to put it. Give it some time—it’s still home, you know?”
Caitlyn nodded, appreciating the reassurance. “Yeah, it is.”
Ekko, never one to miss an opportunity, cupped his hands around his mouth. “Yo, Vi! Stop charming the whole rooftop and get over here!”
Vi’s head turned, her brows raising as if she were surprised to hear her name. She sauntered over, hands in her pockets, her grin firmly in place. “What’s the matter? Miss me already?”
“We’re just trying to figure out how many hearts you’ve broken tonight,” Jayce teased.
Vi snorted, leaning on the back of a chair. “None yet. But it’s early.”
Mel shook her head, laughing. “Unbelievable.”
Ekko grinned. “You’re a menace, Vi.”
Vi smirked, shrugging. “What can I say? Girls like me. I’m charming.”
“That’s one word for it,” Mel muttered, earning a laugh from the group.
Ekko leaned back in his chair, tapping his drink thoughtfully before glancing at Vi. “Hey, what’s the deal with your bar? I heard there’s some big event coming up. Gonna fill us in, or do we have to beg for an invite?”
“Oh, yeah,” Vi said, straightening up slightly. “Next week. Big night at the Gauntlet—live music, good drinks. You all better show up. First round’s on me.” Her gaze shifted to Caitlyn. “You coming, Kiramman?”
Caitlyn’s tone was even but a bit tired. “I’ll try to make it. If I’m not tied up with other commitments, I’ll stop by.”
Vi tilted her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. “What? Got some fancy Kiramman family gathering at the polo club or something that week?”
The jab landed lightly, but Mel wasn’t having it. “Enough, Vi,” she said, shooting her a look. “Caitlyn’s here, isn’t she?”
Vi raised her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. Just messing around.”
As the evening continued, Vi drifted back toward the group she’d been chatting with earlier, resuming her conversation with the attractive stranger. Caitlyn and Mel stood together, quietly watching the crowd.
Ekko leaned over to Jayce. “She’s definitely leaving with someone tonight.”
Jayce nodded, grinning. “That someone being whoever’s closest.”
Viktor, sipping his tea, added mildly, “She’s efficient, at least.” Jayce and Ekko laughed.
The evening slowed with the rooftop quieter now as the party’s earlier energy gave way to more subdued conversations. Jayce was deep in discussion with a group of guests near the bar, Ekko and Viktor hunched together over a sketchpad as they discussed a gadget Ekko was trying to improve. Mel had excused herself to the bathroom, leaving Caitlyn momentarily alone.
Standing at the edge of the rooftop, Caitlyn sipped her wine and gazed out over Piltover’s skyline. The buildings, now shimmering with soft lights in the evening air, seemed different, taller, and more sprawling than she remembered. It wasn’t just the architecture that felt foreign—it was everything. The hum of the city, the people, the rhythm of life she used to know.
“You always liked the view,” a voice drawled behind her.
Caitlyn turned slightly, already knowing who it was. Vi leaned against the railing a few feet away, her hands casually tucked into her pockets, her gaze briefly flicking to the skyline before settling on Caitlyn.
“It’s grown,” Caitlyn said, her voice soft, tilting her glass slightly toward the buildings as though toasting them. “Different.”
Vi smirked faintly and stepped closer, leaning her forearms against the railing beside her. “Yeah, that’s Piltover for you. Always moving forward. Doesn’t really stop to wait for anyone.”
Caitlyn’s lips twitched, but she didn’t reply, her gaze still focused on the horizon.
Vi tilted her head slightly, studying Caitlyn’s profile before breaking the silence. “So… what do you think? Now that you’re back. Does it feel like home again?”
Caitlyn exhaled slowly, considering her words. “A lot’s changed,” she said, her tone even but layered. “It’s not the same Piltover I left.”
Vi’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the unspoken meaning behind her words. “Things don’t stay frozen in time, Cait. Eight years is a long time. Can’t exactly expect nothing to change.” There was an edge to her voice, subtle but unmistakable.
Caitlyn turned to meet Vi’s gaze, her expression calm, though something flickered briefly in her eyes. “I know,” she said simply.
For a moment, they stood there in silence, the unspoken tension hanging between them as the sounds of the city and the distant hum of conversation filled the air. Vi glanced away first, pushing herself off the railing and shoving her hands back into her pockets.
“Well,” Vi said with a small, almost resigned shrug, “welcome back.” She shot Caitlyn a lopsided grin before turning and walking back toward the party.
Caitlyn stayed by the railing, her grip tightening slightly around her glass as she watched Vi disappear into the crowd, the weight of their exchange lingering long after she was gone.
As the night wound down, Caitlyn and Mel made their rounds, bidding their goodbyes. Caitlyn exchanged a warm hug with Ekko, who teased her lightly about making her return to Piltover permanent. Jayce’s farewell was accompanied by one of his characteristic grins, and Viktor, ever composed, offered a polite nod as Caitlyn and Mel thanked him for coming.
Walking toward the exit, Caitlyn adjusted her coat while Mel looped an arm around hers, the two of them chatting quietly as they stepped away from the rooftop gathering. Vi’s eyes followed Caitlyn as she left, her gaze fixed on the retreating figure until she disappeared from view. For a brief moment, Vi’s grin faltered, something unspoken flickering across her face. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, and she turned back to her conversation with the girl she was flirting with, the easy smirk sliding into place.