The New Councilor of Piltover
Three weeks had passed since the night at Vi’s bar, and the air in Jayce’s office was thick with anticipation. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, but for those gathered in the room, time felt agonizingly slow. It was 1PM, and everyone’s focus was fixed on the large television mounted on the wall, which was broadcasting live results for Piltover’s councilor election.
Jayce sat behind his desk, his usual confident demeanor replaced by visible nerves. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk as his gaze flicked between the TV screen and the floor. Behind him stood Caitlyn, her hands resting firmly on his shoulders in silent support.
“You’ve got this,” Caitlyn said softly, her voice steady. Jayce reached up, placing his hand over hers, gripping it tightly.
On the office sofa, Vi, Mel, and Viktor sat side by side, their eyes glued to the screen. Vi leaned back, her arms crossed casually, though her sharp gaze betrayed her focus. Mel sat forward, elbows on her knees, occasionally bouncing her leg anxiously. Viktor, ever composed, adjusted his glasses but kept quiet.
Jayce’s campaign team stood around the room, some pacing nervously, others sitting in silence. The tension was palpable, the kind that made every small sound—like the rustle of paper or the occasional clearing of a throat—feel exaggerated.
The anchorwoman on the television spoke with practiced calm, announcing updates as the final ballots were being tallied. Jayce’s name flashed across the screen several times, followed by his opponent’s, the numbers shifting with every update.
“Come on, come on,” Mel muttered under her breath, leaning forward even more.
Jayce exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. “This is torture,” he murmured.
The anchorwoman’s voice rose slightly, signaling the final results were about to be revealed. “And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” she announced. “The new councilor for Piltover is…”
Everyone leaned closer, the room holding its collective breath.
“Jayce Talis!”
The room erupted into cheers and screams. Jayce’s campaign team whooped and clapped, hugging one another in celebration. Mel jumped off the sofa, throwing her arms around Viktor, who awkwardly patted her back in return. She turned to Vi next, hugging her tightly.
“Whoa, whoa, personal space!” Vi exclaimed in mock alarm, raising her hands but eventually hugging Mel back, adding with a smirk, “You’ve got a thing for hugs, huh?”
Jayce shot up from his chair, turning to Caitlyn and pulling her into a bear hug, lifting her off the ground. “We won, Sprout! We won!” he shouted, his voice filled with disbelief and elation.
Caitlyn laughed, her arms wrapping around his shoulders as he spun her slightly. “You did it, Jayce! You deserve this!”
Jayce set her down, his face beaming with joy as he hugged his campaign team one by one. Mel and Viktor joined in, clapping him on the back, while Vi stood to the side, watching with a small, proud smile.
Stepping forward, Vi gave Jayce a light tap on the shoulder. “Congrats, councilor. Don’t trip over your new office chair,” she teased, her grin widening. “But seriously, you earned this.”
Jayce laughed, pulling Vi into a quick, brotherly hug. “Thanks, Vi. That means a lot.”
One of Jayce’s team members piped up, raising a hand. “This calls for a celebration!”
Jayce nodded enthusiastically, turning to face the room. “Tonight. My rooftop. Drinks, food, the works. We’re doing this right!”
Everyone cheered in agreement, their excitement palpable as they began planning the evening’s festivities.
As the laughter and chatter filled the office, Caitlyn stood off to the side, her smile unwavering as she watched Jayce soak in the moment. Vi stepped next to her, leaning slightly toward her ear.
“Told you he’d win,” Vi said, her voice low and amused.
Caitlyn glanced at her, her eyes sparkling. “You did, didn’t you?”
Vi smirked. “Guess I’m always right.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, nudging Vi’s shoulder. The energy in the room remained electric, the group ready to celebrate a victory that felt not just like Jayce’s, but their own as well.
The night sky was clear, the city lights of Piltover glittering like a sea of stars as soft music floated through the rooftop party. Tonight was a celebration exclusively for those closest to Jayce—a more personal gathering before tomorrow’s grand event for his political allies and sponsors.
Despite its exclusivity, the rooftop was lively, filled with friends, laughter, and the scent of fine food and wine. Strings of fairy lights were draped above, casting a warm glow over the scene. The atmosphere was vibrant but intimate, a perfect balance that reflected Jayce’s charm.
Caitlyn stood near the terrace, dressed in a black backless dress that flowed effortlessly around her as she moved. The crisscross straps highlighted her toned back, and the hem swayed just above her knees, revealing her long, slender legs. Her high ponytail left loose strands framing her face, and a pair of simple white earrings added elegance. She sipped her champagne casually, smiling as she listened to Mel chatting with one of Jayce’s colleagues.
Mel was effortlessly chic in a deep emerald jumpsuit that cinched at the waist, accentuating her athletic figure. The sleeveless design and flared pants gave her a modern, confident edge. Her natural curls were loosely styled, and she paired the outfit with subtle gold jewelry.
The two women were approached by Jayce, who had been making his rounds among the guests. He was quick to introduce Caitlyn to one of his old friends, a tall man with an easy smile and a glass of whiskey in hand.
“This,” Jayce declared proudly, slinging an arm around Caitlyn’s shoulders, “is my baby sister.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes with a grin. “Not actually related,” she clarified, though her smile hinted at the bond they shared.
Jayce’s friend tilted his head, intrigued. “Wait… Caitlyn Kiramman? As in the Kirammans?”
The mention of her family’s name brought a flicker of recognition to his face. Caitlyn nodded politely, her smile still in place, but before he could launch into what was likely a string of attempts to impress her, Jayce tightened his arm around her.
“Alright, pal,” Jayce warned lightheartedly, his grin not betraying the protective edge in his tone. “No hanky-panky with Cait, got it? Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with me—a newly elected councilor. And, besides…” He raised an eyebrow at his friend. “She’s already taken.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly at Jayce’s antics, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”
Jayce grinned before glancing over at Mel. “What about her? Mel, you single? Asking for a friend.”
Mel burst into laughter, shaking her head as she gently nudged Caitlyn. “Let’s leave him to his matchmaking, shall we?”
The two women excused themselves, their laughter trailing as they headed toward another corner of the rooftop, where Viktor was deep in conversation with one of Jayce’s former professors. They joined the group seamlessly, the conversation flowing naturally as they shared stories and jokes.
The night carried on with ease, everyone basking in the celebratory mood. Caitlyn found herself laughing more, the weight of work and responsibilities momentarily forgotten.
As the group shared a laugh over one of Viktor’s unintentionally funny remarks, the rooftop door opened, and a familiar figure stepped inside.
Vi.
She was dressed in tailored navy slacks paired with a floral-patterned navy button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her sneakers completed the outfit, giving her a sharp yet casual look that fit the vibe of the party perfectly. Her pink hair was neatly styled, a few strands falling loose to frame her face, while faint hints of her tattoos peeked out from her neck and elbows. The unmistakable "VI" tattoo etched just below her left eye added an effortlessly rugged edge to her otherwise polished appearance, a perfect reflection of her bold, unapologetic personality.
Her sharp blue eyes scanned the room briefly before landing on Caitlyn.
Vi offered a small, crooked smile as she stepped further into the rooftop space, exuding her usual laid-back charm.
“Looks like someone decided to show up after all,” Mel teased, nudging Caitlyn playfully.
Vi approached Caitlyn and Mel, weaving effortlessly through the crowd. Mel noticed her first and immediately smirked. “Well, someone's late,” she teased, crossing her arms dramatically.
Vi laughed, her tone light. “Hey, I had priorities,” she quipped, shrugging casually. “Had to go back home from the bar to feed Chip, or I’d never hear the end of his barking complaints.”
Mel shook her head, chuckling. “Excuses, excuses.”
As they talked, Vi’s gaze flickered to Caitlyn. She took her time, her eyes subtly raking over Caitlyn’s outfit, a slow, appreciative grin spreading across her face. Caitlyn caught the look and raised an eyebrow. Before she could say anything, Vi stepped closer, her hand naturally finding its place on the small of Caitlyn’s back, her touch light yet intimate.
“You look stunning,” Vi murmured just loud enough for Caitlyn to hear, her tone sincere.
“Thanks,” Caitlyn replied softly, her smile warm. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
They joined the lively conversations around them, laughing and chatting with the guests. The rooftop buzzed with energy as everyone enjoyed themselves, the camaraderie and shared happiness evident in every interaction. Vi seamlessly fit into the group dynamic, her witty remarks and dry humor earning laughs from Mel and even Viktor, who rarely cracked a smile.
Jayce eventually gathered everyone’s attention, stepping to the center of the rooftop with a glass in hand. The chatter quieted as he raised his voice.
“First off, I just want to thank all of you for being here tonight,” Jayce began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “This has been an incredible journey, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of every single one of you.”
Cheers erupted, accompanied by claps and whistles from his close friends and team. Caitlyn stood next to Jayce, her pride evident in her glowing expression, while Vi clapped enthusiastically, a lopsided grin on her face.
“To my family, my friends, and everyone who believed in me—this victory is ours,” Jayce continued, raising his glass. “So tonight, let’s celebrate like there’s no tomorrow!”
The crowd erupted into cheers, their enthusiasm palpable. As Jayce stepped down, the music started, and the vibe shifted into a more relaxed, celebratory mood. Guests began to mingle again, some taking to the makeshift dance floor while others continued their conversations.
Caitlyn, Vi, Mel, Viktor, and Jayce found themselves in a small circle, their conversation flowing naturally as they laughed and shared anecdotes. The night carried on with a lightness that only close friends could bring, their bond evident in every shared glance and joke.
Vi leaned in closer to Caitlyn at one point, her hand still resting at the small of her back. “Think Jayce rehearsed that speech?” she joked.
Caitlyn laughed, her head tilting slightly as she glanced at Jayce across the group. “Oh, definitely. But it was a good one.”
Vi smirked. “I’ll give him that. For a councilor, he’s got charm.”
The group’s laughter blended with the music, the rooftop alight with celebration as the night stretched on.
As the night wore on, the rooftop party was in full swing. Jayce was chatting animatedly with colleagues, tossing in mentions of Vi’s bar to anyone who’d listen. Viktor had struck up a quiet conversation with Jayce’s old professor, while Mel and Caitlyn entertained a group of Jayce’s university friends.
In the middle of the chatter, Caitlyn’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw it was her mom. Excusing herself with a polite smile, she slipped away to a quieter corner at the edge of the rooftop, overlooking the glittering city lights.
“Hi, Mom,” Caitlyn said, leaning on the railing as she answered the call.
“Hi, darling. How are you?” her mom asked, her voice warm but tinged with curiosity.
“I’m okay, just at Jayce’s celebratory party,” Caitlyn replied. She hesitated before adding, “How about you and Dad?”
“Oh, we’re fine. Busy as always with the business,” her mom said lightly, then added, almost teasingly, “Though we might be a little less busy if you’d help out.”
Caitlyn groaned softly. “Mom…”
Her mother chuckled before Caitlyn could say more. “I know, I know. I’m just teasing. I miss you, that’s all.”
A sigh escaped Caitlyn’s lips, but a small smile followed. “I’ll visit next week, I promise. I’m sorry I haven’t been around much lately.”
“It’s all right, sweetheart. I understand work keeps you busy,” her mom replied, her tone shifting slightly. “And I hear you’ve been looking very happy lately.”
Caitlyn paused, her heart skipping. “What do you mean?”
Her mom’s voice softened. “It’s Violet, isn’t it?”
Caitlyn blinked in surprise. “How did you know?”
There was a quiet laugh on the other end. “Even when you were younger, I could see how your eyes lit up whenever you looked at her.”
The silence stretched for a moment before Caitlyn murmured, “You’ve never said anything about not liking her, even though Dad and the others…”
Her mom sighed. “You’re my daughter, Caitlyn Kiramman, and I know you. You’ve always been fiercely independent—just like me. I understand what it’s like to follow your heart, even when it’s not what everyone else wants. And I know that if I tried to stop you, you’d do it anyway.”
Caitlyn let out a small, shaky laugh.
“I just want you to be happy,” her mom finished.
“Thank you, Mom,” Caitlyn said softly, a smile breaking through her emotions. “I love you.”
“I love you too, dear. See you soon. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Caitlyn ended the call and leaned her arms on the railing, gazing out at the city. The cool night breeze brushed her face, and she took a deep breath.
Out of nowhere, strong arms slid around her waist from behind. Caitlyn stiffened for a moment before a familiar warmth settled over her.
“Hey,” Vi murmured, pulling Caitlyn close. “What took you so long?”
Caitlyn laughed, resting her hands over Vi’s. “Just talking to my mom.”
Vi leaned her chin on Caitlyn’s shoulder, her voice light. “You should visit her next week.”
“I will,” Caitlyn said. “She asked about you, you know.”
Vi smirked. “Oh? All good things, I hope.”
Caitlyn laughed again and turned slightly toward her. “ I think she approves of you, if that’s what you mean.”
“Smart woman,” Vi teased before adding with a chuckle, “Unlike Viktor, who keeps telling me I need to ‘streamline my bar’s aesthetic.’”
Caitlyn laughed, the sound ringing out in the quiet night.
Vi’s gaze turned thoughtful as she looked out over the city. “You know, this is where we had our first real conversation after you came back to Piltover.”
Caitlyn tilted her head, memories stirring. “It is. Feels like a lifetime ago.”
“Full circle,” Vi said softly.
They stood in silence for a moment, the city’s hum filling the air.
Breaking the quiet, Vi said, “Hey, Cait?”
“Hm?” Caitlyn glanced at her.
Vi hesitated, her voice dropping to a quiet, serious tone. “Do you think… maybe Chip and I could stay at your place tonight?” There was a hopeful edge to her words, something Caitlyn wasn’t used to seeing in her.
Caitlyn blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the shift. She understood what Vi was really asking—not just about staying over, but about taking a step forward in their relationship.
A soft smile broke across Caitlyn’s face, her cheeks warming. “Yeah… I’d like that.”
Vi’s expression softened, relief and affection flooding her features. Slowly, her hands spread over Caitlyn’s stomach, pulling her closer. Her lips brushed against Caitlyn’s neck as she murmured, “You know, I’ve been trying not to say it all night, but you’re driving me crazy, Cait.” Her voice was low, filled with heat and affection.
Caitlyn shivered at the words, leaning into Vi’s embrace. She let out a soft laugh, her voice warm and teasing. “Then I guess it’s a good thing you’re coming home with me.”
Vi grinned against her neck, her breath warm on Caitlyn’s skin. “Yeah, it is.”
Caitlyn turned her head slightly, meeting Vi’s gaze. “Let’s go, Vi,” she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet promise.
Hand in hand, they left the rooftop behind, the city lights sparkling around them, but their world narrowed to just the two of them and the next step they were finally ready to take.