Next Time, For Real
The morning sunlight streamed through the glass doors of the clinic as Caitlyn stepped out, phone pressed to her ear. Her other hand adjusted the strap of her bag, and her lips curled into a soft smile as Jayce’s voice carried over the line.
“So, what exactly did you forget this time, Cait?” Jayce teased, a hint of laughter in his tone. “Your stethoscope? Maybe your sense of time?”
Cait rolled her eyes, her steps light as she made her way to the parking lot. “Oh, very funny, Jayce. No, I left some files here last Friday. I came in to grab them before heading out. Unlike you, I actually keep things organized.”
“Organized?” Jayce quipped. “Says the woman who once misplaced her keys in the fridge.”
“That was one time!” Caitlyn retorted, her laugh blending with Jayce’s on the other end. “And in my defense, I was half-asleep.”
“Right, right,” Jayce said, his voice dripping with playful skepticism. “Hey, by the way, what were you and Vi talking about before we showed up last night? Looked intense.”
Caitlyn hesitated, her smile faltering for a moment as her mind flickered back to the conversation on the balcony. “Just catching up,” she said lightly, keeping her tone casual. “Nothing worth gossiping about.”
“Uh-huh,” Jayce drawled. “Catching up, huh? Sure looked like more than that.”
Caitlyn sighed, shaking her head. “You’re reading into things again, Jayce. We were just talking.”
“Alright, fine,” Jayce relented, though his tone suggested he wasn’t entirely convinced. “Anyway, I might’ve mentioned to Vi that you were heading to the clinic this morning.”
Caitlyn stopped in her tracks, blinking. “You what?”
“I told her you were going to the clinic,” Jayce repeated nonchalantly. “I mean, she asked where you were, so I figured—”
Before Jayce could finish, Caitlyn’s attention shifted. Her gaze landed on the familiar figure leaning against a truck parked near the clinic’s entrance. Vi stood there, hands tucked into her pockets, her posture relaxed but her expression unreadable. The sunlight caught her pink hair, the strands slightly messy in a way that seemed effortlessly her.
“Jayce, I’ll call you back,” Caitlyn said quickly, ending the call without waiting for a reply. She slipped her phone into her pocket and approached Vi, her steps measured but steady.
Vi straightened slightly, her eyes meeting Caitlyn’s as she spoke. “Hey.”
Caitlyn nodded, her tone even as she replied, “Hey.” Vi shifted slightly, her hands still tucked into her pockets.
“Can we talk?” Vi asked, her voice quieter than usual. “Somewhere else. Away from here.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her hesitation brief, but she nodded again. Vi motioned toward her truck. “We can take my truck.”
Without waiting for a response, Vi stepped forward, opening the passenger door. Caitlyn hesitated briefly before climbing in, adjusting her bag on her lap. Vi closed the door behind her and circled to the driver’s side, sliding in and starting the engine.
“I’ll drop you back here so you can get your car later,” Vi said, her voice casual as she pulled out of the parking lot.
The drive started with light conversation, both of them skirting around heavier topics. Caitlyn found herself laughing softly at Vi’s dry humor, the way her words carried a subtle wit that never failed to catch her off guard.
But as the conversation faded, silence settled over them—not uncomfortable, but thoughtful. Caitlyn turned her gaze toward Vi, studying her as she drove.
Vi’s hands rested loosely on the wheel, her fingers drumming idly against the worn leather. The faint hum of the truck’s engine filled the space, but Caitlyn’s attention was drawn to the intricate tattoos on Vi’s arms. The dark ink traced over her toned arms to the back of her elbows, patterns weaving across skin that bore the marks of a life lived hard.
Her loose shirt framed her strong shoulders, the muscles moving faintly as she steered the truck with an effortless grip. One hand rested on the wheel, the other on the open window, her fingers tapping an absent rhythm against the metal. There was something about the way Vi sat—relaxed but not slack, casual yet controlled. Even in the quiet, she had an undeniable energy that felt impossible to ignore.
Caitlyn’s eyes followed the line of Vi’s jaw, the sharp angles highlighted by the soft morning light streaming through the truck’s windows. Her pink hair, slightly tousled, fell just enough to soften her face without hiding the intensity in her eyes. And then there was her expression—a blend of focus and something Caitlyn couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t quite sadness, but there was a quiet heaviness to it, like Vi was carrying thoughts she wasn’t ready to put into words.
Vi glanced sideways, catching Caitlyn looking. “What?” she asked, her tone light but curious.
Caitlyn blinked, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “Nothing,” she said quickly, turning her gaze back to the road ahead.
Vi glanced at her, one corner of her mouth twitching upward. “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”
Caitlyn didn’t respond immediately, a small smile tugging at her lips as the silence between them stretched once more. This time, it felt less like avoidance and more like understanding. For now, neither of them needed to fill the space with words.
The drive didn’t take long, and before Caitlyn knew it, they were pulling into a small parking lot in front of Vi’s bar. The sign above the door was unlit, but the faint sound of movement inside hinted at activity. Vi killed the engine and stepped out, waiting for Caitlyn to follow before locking the truck.
The bar wasn’t much from the outside, but it had a certain charm—a mix of worn edges and a personality that only came with time. Inside, the faint smell of wood polish mingled with the lingering scent of whiskey.
Behind the bar, a bartender was wiping down glasses, humming softly to herself. She looked up when Vi and Caitlyn walked in, her expression shifting from surprise to recognition.
“Boss,” the bartender greeted with a small nod before her gaze shifted to Caitlyn. Her brow furrowed for a moment, and then a grin spread across her face. “Hey, you’re the one Vi patched up last time, right?”
Caitlyn blinked, caught off guard, and glanced at Vi, who was already rolling up her sleeves.
“Yeah,” Vi said, her tone casual as she gestured between them. “Caitlyn, meet Jules. Jules, Caitlyn.”
“Nice to meet you,” Caitlyn said politely, offering a small smile.
Jules chuckled. “Small world. You’re famous around here, y’know. Vi doesn’t exactly go around playing nurse for just anyone.”
Vi shot Jules a pointed look, a subtle nod that clearly said, Enough. Jules smirked knowingly, setting the glass down and grabbing her jacket.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to it,” Jules said, tossing the rag over her shoulder as she headed for the door. “Try not to burn the place down, yeah?”
“Go home, Jules,” Vi muttered, her tone laced with humor.
Once the door swung shut behind Jules, Vi turned her attention to the bar, gesturing for Caitlyn to take a seat. Caitlyn slid onto one of the stools, feeling slightly out of place in the quiet space.
“What do you drink?” Vi asked, moving behind the bar.
“I’m not really… familiar with drinks,” Caitlyn admitted, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the counter. “I usually just stick to wine or whatever Jayce pours at events.”
Vi chuckled, shaking her head as she grabbed a glass. “Figures. Alright, guess I’ll have to play bartender. Sit tight.”
Caitlyn watched as Vi moved with practiced ease, reaching for bottles and mixing liquids with a precision that surprised her. After a minute, Vi set a glass in front of Caitlyn—a pale, amber drink with a slice of citrus floating on top.
“What’s this?” Caitlyn asked, eyeing the drink curiously.
“Something easy,” Vi replied with a chuckle. “Try it.”
Caitlyn took a cautious sip, her eyebrows lifting in pleasant surprise. “That’s… actually really good.”
Vi grinned, pouring herself a neat whiskey. She leaned against the bar, swirling the amber liquid in her glass before taking a sip.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, glancing at the clock on the wall. “Whiskey? Isn’t it a little early for that?”
Vi smirked, her tone playful. “It’s never too early if you don’t check the time.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, shaking her head. “That’s one way to look at it.”
Vi raised her glass in a mock toast. “To bad habits.”
Caitlyn clinked her glass lightly against Vi’s, a small smile playing on her lips. The weight of the morning seemed to lift just a little as they settled into the quiet rhythm of the bar, the space between them filled with something that felt oddly comfortable.
The light clink of glasses on the counter punctuated their conversation as Caitlyn took another sip of her drink.
“This place,” Caitlyn began, glancing around the bar, “how did you start it? It feels… personal.”
Vi leaned back against the counter, her gaze drifting around the room. “It was Vander’s,” she said after a pause, her voice quieter. “At least, it used to be. From what I heard, it got sold after he died. Fell into someone else’s hands for years until I managed to buy it back.”
Caitlyn frowned, setting her glass down. “I didn’t know. I’m… sorry.”
Vi shook her head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Well, it’s not your fault.”
Her tone was calm, but Caitlyn noticed the way her fingers tapped lightly against the counter—like she was working up the courage to continue.
“For the longest time,” Vi started, her voice low and rough, as though she were dragging the words out against her will, “I hated topsiders. Your kind. People like your family.” Her hand tightened briefly around her glass before loosening again, her knuckles brushing against the condensation. “They took everything from me—my parents, Vander. I was just a kid, and I watched them die for something they believed in, for trying to make things better. But the enforcers didn’t care. The system didn’t care. To them, my family were troublemakers, and troublemakers don’t get second chances. That’s what your kind taught me.”
Her gaze flicked to Caitlyn, then back to her drink. “The enforcers were just puppies for the rich, following orders without ever questioning the cost. People like my parents? People like Vander? They didn’t stand a chance.” She let out a sharp breath, her jaw clenching briefly. “And all that anger… I didn’t know where to put it, so I aimed it at anyone who looked like they had it easy. Anyone who didn’t grow up having to fight for every scrap of hope.” She let out a sharp breath, her jaw clenching briefly. “It was easier to hate people like you. To think you’d never understand what it’s like to lose everything, to have the world take the people you love and grind them into nothing. And for a long time, that hate kept me going."
Caitlyn’s brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t interrupt, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her glass as she listened.
Vi glanced at her, then back down. “And you… you got caught in the crossfire. You didn’t deserve it, Cait. I know that now. But back then? I couldn’t see past my own shit. I was not in a good place, and… I didn’t stop to think about how much it might’ve hurt you, too.”
Her fingers drummed against the table once before she stilled them, her voice softening but losing none of its weight. “I’m sorry. For pushing you away, for treating you like you were just another one of them. You weren’t. You’re not.”
Caitlyn leaned forward, her expression gentler now. “Vi…”
“I mean it,” Vi cut in, her blue eyes locking onto Caitlyn’s. “I was a dumb kid, angry at the world. I didn’t know how to deal with… any of it. And you… you were always good. Too good, probably.”
Caitlyn shook her head, her voice steady but warm. “You don’t have to explain everything, Vi. I understand.”
Vi huffed a soft, humorless laugh, shaking her head. “You shouldn’t have had to. You shouldn’t have had to deal with any of it.”
Caitlyn hesitated for a second before reaching out, her hand resting lightly over Vi’s. The simple touch seemed to pull Vi out of her spiral, her fingers twitching slightly under Caitlyn’s.
“It’s okay,” Caitlyn said softly, her voice firm but kind. “I get it. I’m here now, aren’t I?”
Vi looked at their hands for a long moment, then back at Caitlyn. “Yeah,” she said quietly, the corner of her mouth lifting in a faint smile. “Yeah, you are.”
For a second, neither of them moved, the air between them charged with something Caitlyn couldn’t quite name. Slowly, Vi’s fingers turned under Caitlyn’s, her hand reaching out to hold hers.
“Think there’s still a chance for us to be friends? Or did I screw that up for good?” Vi asked quietly.
Caitlyn smiled, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Depends. Are you always this dramatic?”
Vi huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. “Guess I deserve that.”
Caitlyn squeezed her hand lightly, her smile softening. “I’d like that. Being friends again, I mean.”
Vi nodded, a flicker of relief crossing her face. “Me too.”
Vi and Cait stepped out of the bar, the cool air greeting them as the door shut behind them. Vi reached into her pocket, pulling out her phone to check the time. “Damn,” she muttered, glancing at Caitlyn. “Didn’t realize it’s almost lunch.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.
Vi hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck. “Uh… you got anywhere you need to be? ‘Cause, I mean, I know a decent spot if you’re hungry.”
Caitlyn smiled softly, her tone light. “Lunch sounds nice.”
Relief flickered across Vi’s face as she gestured toward her truck. “Cool. C’mon, I’ll take you to a diner nearby. Food’s solid, and no one’s gonna bother us there.”
Caitlyn followed, her bag slung over her shoulder as they climbed into the truck. The ride was quiet but comfortable, the morning sun streaming through the windows as Vi drove. Caitlyn glanced at Vi’s profile, noting the small furrow in her brow as she navigated the familiar streets.
The diner Vi picked was modest, tucked into a quieter part of the city. Its large windows framed cozy booths and checkered floors, and the smell of grilled food drifted out as they stepped inside. A waitress greeted them with a warm smile, her face lighting up when she saw Vi.
“Hey, Vi! Back again so soon?” the waitress said, her tone teasing. Her gaze shifted to Caitlyn with curiosity. “And who’s this?”
Vi gave a small nod, smiling faintly. “Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn offered a polite smile, and the waitress nodded approvingly. “Well, welcome. Vi’s a regular, so you’re in good hands.” With that, she grabbed two menus and led them to a booth near the back.
Vi settled into the seat across from Caitlyn, flipping through the menu even though she seemed to already know what she wanted. Caitlyn picked hers up, scanning the options.
“This place has been around forever,” Vi said, leaning back slightly. “Vander used to bring us here when we were kids. Cheap food, good portions.”
Caitlyn glanced up, intrigued. “How’d you find your way back here?”
Vi shrugged, her fingers drumming absently on the edge of the table. “After I got the bar, I started coming here again. It’s… familiar, you know?”
Caitlyn nodded, setting the menu down. “Speaking of the bar, how did you manage to buy it? It couldn’t have been cheap.”
Vi gave a small grin, her gaze dropping to the table. “Pit fighting.”
“Pit fighting?” Caitlyn echoed, eyebrows lifting slightly.
“Yeah,” Vi said, her voice casual, but there was a hint of pride there too. “After everything went down, I started fighting in these underground rings. Didn’t have much of a choice. Needed the money, and I’m good at brawls.”
Caitlyn’s lips parted as if to say something, but Vi continued before she could. “Saved every credit I earned. Got Jinx through school with it, and when I had enough, I bought the bar.”
There was a quiet moment as Caitlyn processed that, her expression softening. “That’s… impressive,” she said finally, her voice sincere. “You took care of Jinx and built something for yourself.”
Vi shrugged again, but her grin widened slightly. “Gotta keep busy, right?”
Their food arrived, breaking the moment. The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they ate, Caitlyn asking about the people who frequented Vi’s bar and Vi teasing Caitlyn for still not knowing her drinks.
After lunch, Vi leaned back in her seat, letting out a satisfied sigh. “Alright, let’s get you back to your car.”
The drive was filled with a mix of comfortable silence and the occasional banter. Vi pulled up outside the clinic where Caitlyn’s car was parked, glancing at her before she killed the engine.
Caitlyn unbuckled her seatbelt, her hand resting briefly on the door handle. She glanced at Vi, her tone casual. “Thanks for lunch. I enjoyed it.”
Vi gave a small nod, a teasing smirk forming on her lips. “Anytime. Didn’t think a fancy Kiramman would be into greasy diner food, though.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but laughed, reaching for the door handle. Just as she was about to step out, Vi called her name. “Cait.”
Caitlyn paused, turning to look at her. “Yeah?”
Vi hesitated, her hand gripping the steering wheel lightly as she glanced at Caitlyn, “I’ll see you again next time. For real, this time” she said, her voice quieter, almost uncertain.
Caitlyn’s expression softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah.”
She stepped out, her footsteps light as she crossed the lot to her car. Vi lingered for a moment, watching Caitlyn’s car pull out and drive off. Letting out a low chuckle, she muttered to herself, “What the hell are you doing, Vi?”
Shaking her head, she started the engine and drove off, the day ahead of her, but her thoughts lingering stubbornly to what happened that morning.