Archive of Our Own

The Kiramman estate was alive for the first time in decades. The time had come for Cassandra and Tobias Kiramman’s only child—and heir—to choose a partner to marry. 

If only it was Caitlyn’s choice. 

If it were her choice, perhaps the splendor and excitement would’ve felt warranted. Perhaps a ball and a feast of this size would be fun. After all, in her younger years, Caitlyn had often found such occasions amusing. 

As a child, being invited to such a party felt like an honor. She’d meet her mother’s friends, get to stay up late, and get to eat as many treats as she liked. As a teenager, it meant she’d likely get to see her own friends—Mel, Jayce, Viktor. People she genuinely enjoyed spending time with, rather than those she was obligated to be around. 

As an adult, Caitlyn had largely begun to avoid larger social gatherings. She had no interest in people and politics, and she had given up pretending to. Honestly, she had no idea how Mel maneuvered social events so flawlessly. Caitlyn had tried, of course, but she never found sitting around, sipping tea to be particularly exciting. She didn’t often enjoy dancing, either, though she could (and would, if her mother insisted). 

So how she’d been cajoled into this situation, Caitlyn would never know. Some might attribute it to duty—that was likely the last thing the papers would call it. Some might attribute it to Caitlyn having found someone to tame her “wilder” tendencies (gods forbid a woman have a hobby that isn’t knitting or cooking). 

And even still, other, more knowing members of society would say Caitlyn was forced into it. That was the cause of the matter, certainly. 

Anyone who knew Caitlyn knew she had little interest in her mother’s politicking—though why it was acceptable for Cassandra to be the way she was and not Caitlyn, she couldn’t quite understand. A mystery of the ages. 

It was why Caitlyn was presently standing off to the side of the ballroom, drink in hand, with her friends. She couldn’t stomach the thought of being at her mother’s side tonight—being forcibly introduced to every lord and lady this side of Piltover, vying for the opportunity to catch her eye (and, more likely, the wealth and power attached to the Kiramman name). 

“Say what you will, dear, but Cassandra certainly knows how to throw a party,” Mel said, smiling fondly. She was sipping on an iced tea (a travesty if you asked Caitlyn), and looking downright delectable. “If I weren’t already wed, I’d fancy a tour of the dance floor myself.” 

Caitlyn grumbled, inhaling a sip of whatever beverage the staff were passing out. Whatever it was, it wasn’t strong enough. She’d have to drink several more to feel any sort of buzz (she’d already had three, and the night was young). 

“I’m sure Jayce wouldn’t mind,” Caitlyn said. “It’s not as if all of Piltover knows you’re married.” 

A faint smile cropped up on the woman’s lips as her husband returned, his best friend and business partner in tow. Jayce bent to kiss Mel’s cheek, and then offered Caitlyn one of his characteristically charming smiles. 

It was no wonder this man had charmed his way onto Piltover’s Council. He was technologically brilliant, and with Viktor, the two had really cemented Piltover’s status as a force to not be trifled with. Unfortunately, his charming of Piltover’s elite often took him away from his work with Viktor, a fact Caitlyn knew he was all-too frustrated about. 

“Hello, Sprout,” Jayce said, warm smile spreading to his eyes. He and Mel were wearing matching white outfits, accented with bronze plating. It looked good on Jayce, but the colors really worked for Mel (Caitlyn suspected it was Mel’s idea). “Enjoying your party?” 

Caitlyn grimaced. “You know the answer to that, Talis.” 

He chuckled, shaking his head in bemusement. “You’d think the party of the year would be enough to warm that icy heart of yours.” 

Mel put a hand on his shoulder—a silent warning. Jayce, for all his intelligence, didn’t seem to have the best sense of how people were feeling. He left such things to Mel, and thank the gods for that, because Caitlyn wanted to wring his neck at the comment. 

“Why don’t we go for a dance, love?” 

Jayce’s smile evaporated as he looked between his wife and Caitlyn. “But I just—“ 

Mel hooked her arm through his, giving him a winning smile that he wouldn’t be able to say no to. Sighing, Jayce nodded, saying, “I’ll see you later, Cait?” 

She nodded tersely. Preferably after she’d had enough alcohol to forget how irritated she was. 

But with the two of them gone, Caitlyn was left alone with Viktor. He wasn’t a man from Piltover’s high society—he hailed from their sister-land of Zaun, having fought tooth and nail to gain status and a place in the prestigious Academy in the capital. 

Had he been from Piltover, Viktor likely would’ve grown up with the proper medical treatment for his condition, and wouldn’t walk with a cane. 

He was a kind man, Caitlyn knew. Soft-spoken, always concerned with commoners. She liked that about him, liked that he brought out the better parts of her adopted brother. 

But that didn’t mean Caitlyn knew how to talk to him. She latched onto the one topic she was certain he’d actually speak on in hopes that she could zone out and try to forget where she was. 

“How has work been?” Caitlyn asked. 

Viktor’s eyes lit up and he launched into an explanation of his and Jayce’s newest project—some device that would allow two people of the same gender to reproduce. It was magic that they worked with, Caitlyn knew, but she doubted such things were possible. He mentioned they’d figured out a way to “harvest” (Caitlyn shuddered at the descriptive term he used there) a man’s cum, to be able to preserve it until the couple found a willing woman to carry their child. 

It wasn’t an entirely appropriate conversation to have at a society ball, but Caitlyn didn’t really mind. She’d rather talk to someone who didn’t give a damn about propriety and rules, and would just talk about what they were passionate about. 

Again, not that Caitlyn really knew what to say to him. In a group setting with Mel and Jayce to bounce topics off, Caitlyn did fine, but one-on-one time between the two of them was rare. 

Smiling politely, Caitlyn said, “I believe my mother’s calling me. I’ll talk to you later?” 

Viktor seemed caught off-guard, but he nodded. “Of course. Enjoy the evening, Caitlyn.” 

She strolled off meaningfully, trying to appear as if she had somewhere to be. She’d learned over the years that looking like she was doing something yielded the result of actually being busy. People were loath to disturb someone who was preoccupied. 

As she passed the banquet table covered in finger foods, Caitlyn knocked back the last of her drink and set the glass down. Then she headed for the open doors at the front of the hall, spotting Mel and Jayce briefly, twirling around the middle of the floor without a care in the world. 

The sight of them irritated her further. She needed air. 

Tugging on the collar of her blouse, Caitlyn jogged down the steps, boots clicking on the polished stone. It wouldn’t be a far walk, but she could go to the gardens. It would be quiet there—always was. Not that her father’s gardens weren’t magnificent, but it was late and the stars were out. Anyone logical would be inside, enjoying the free food and alcohol. 

Caitlyn was feeling decidedly illogical, so out she went. 

It was an interesting thing, being offended that your friends had what you never could. Jayce and Mel clearly loved each other. Hells, so did her parents. So why did her mother insist on Caitlyn marrying just for the sake of marrying? What was wrong with wanting a love-match of her own? 

She knew what the problem was. Her parents had met young, married young. Had Caitlyn young. Cassandra would never say it, but Caitlyn was getting old. In her mid-twenties, Caitlyn was pushing the limits of what society would find acceptable. 

Caitlyn hated that “society” dictated her entire life. Cassandra could ride, carry a rifle and hunt and have hobbies that typically belonged to the more masculine members of a family, but Caitlyn? If Caitlyn wanted to do such things, it was a fucking scandal. It was such a scandal that it warranted writing about in papers Caitlyn didn’t care for. 

As the heir to the most powerful matriarchy in Piltover, Caitlyn found it downright infuriating. The double standards made her blood boil. 

It was a relief that the nighttime air was cool on her skin. Spring was still fresh and new, so there was a lingering winter chill, but Caitlyn didn’t mind. In fact, she was grateful for it. In her jacket and trousers, she was positively overheated standing around inside, and she stripped her white, freshly-washed gloves from her hands, stuffing them into a pocket. 

The air even smelled cool. It was crisp, carrying the faint smells of freshly baked breads from the kitchens and the flowers of her father’s garden. Her boots crunched on the frosted grass of the front yard, ignoring the paved paths that led around the large oak tree at the front of the property. 

When she was a child, Caitlyn had thought the tree the largest thing in the world. It stood taller than the estate, with wiry branches and a grand trunk. She’d climbed it many times, before and after falling and breaking her arm. 

But then Caitlyn had travelled to the capital for schooling, and she’d been wowed by some of the buildings there. Especially the Academy. It was a wonder mankind could create such things, things that were larger than nature and the gods could imagine. 

It was that wonder that had spurred Caitlyn’s obsession with architecture. Had she not been a Kiramman, Caitlyn would’ve made a career out of it—designing structures and statues and anything in between in hopes of making her mark on the world. 

But Caitlyn’s duty was to her family first, and as much as that irritated her on a normal day, Caitlyn was nothing if not dutiful. 

It was why Caitlyn tolerated this ball. Cassandra needed her to find a suitable partner before she could be at peace. Knowing the family line was secure would let her focus on her work with the Council and signify that yes, Caitlyn did take her status and role seriously. 

Was her careful studying of Piltover’s laws not enough? Was her presence at political and social gatherings not sufficient? Caitlyn avoided the vast majority of them, yes, but she still went. Sometimes. She’d gotten better about it as of late, but there was effort. 

It was more than the Caitlyn of six years ago could’ve said. 

She couldn’t even hold this event against her mother. Cassandra defended Caitlyn’s hobbies and antics, and even encouraged them from time to time. Marriage, unfortunately, was the one thing they disagreed on. 

Caitlyn would be of child-bearing age for several more years yet. Ideally, her prospective partner would be, as well. There was no need to worry about the family legacy because the family wasn’t going to die with Caitlyn—even if she’d have to tolerate sleeping with a man to get pregnant. 

It was why she actually somewhat listened to what Viktor had to say about their project. Love trumped all in Piltover, but alas, basic anatomy was no exception. Caitlyn’s preference for women didn’t matter until it came down to an heir of her own—and it only mattered because, if by the grace of the gods, Caitlyn found a woman she truly loved, she would not be subjecting them to suffering through such a thing. Not unless they enjoyed both, and even then. 

This was her duty. 

So to hear that it might not have to be something she had to worry about, Caitlyn was interested. Perhaps it was the additional thought of sex with a man that made Caitlyn reluctant to marry. 

If she married, questions about an heir would be inevitable. There would be pressure. Insistence. Not from her parents—they were more than understanding, gods be praised—but from everyone else. 

And perhaps that was why Cassandra had let Caitlyn put it off as long as she could. She’d known her daughter’s taste in sexual partners for years and was likely just as loath to put Caitlyn through something like that as Caitlyn was to experience it. 

It was with those sullen thoughts in mind that Caitlyn realized she’d nearly made it halfway through the gardens. She was standing amongst waist-high hedges with soft, white flowers. Just ahead, the hedges grew in height until they towered over even Caitlyn, forming an intricate, weaving arch. There were separate entrances to the gardens, and they all led to this point, forming a small courtyard in the center with a sitting area. 

Caitlyn was fond of that sitting area. It was peaceful, even during the day. The sounds of the estate could be drowned out here, and tonight was no exception. The music was barely audible, and the voices and laughter even less so. 

A quick break. Then back to performing for her mother. Caitlyn could handle that. No one could begrudge her a small break. 

But as Caitlyn approached the archway, she was intercepted by a shorter woman with a shock of pink hair. They slammed into each other face-first; Caitlyn’s chin clipped her forehead, and she bit her tongue. 

They bounced apart, the pink-haired woman holding a hand to her forehead and Caitlyn mumbling a curse under her breath. 

“Watch where you’re going, will you?” the woman snapped.

Caitlyn rubbed her jaw before spitting out a mouthful of blood into the shrubbery. “Watch where I’m going?” She scoffed as she shook her head. “I should—“ 

But then their eyes met, and Caitlyn found herself floored by the simple beauty of powder-blue. 

She was slack-jawed for a brief moment, blinking until she regained some semblance of higher thought. 

“Well?” the woman demanded, one finely-shaped brow raised. She was wearing a similarly colored outfit—fitted light-blue trousers and a white button-up with a black tie. The matching jacket was hung over her shoulder—had she also escaped from the party because it was too hot? 

Caitlyn cleared her throat. Tried not to look at the tattoo on the stranger’s neck. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.” 

Why was she apologizing? This was her property. 

The woman seemed surprised by this admission as well. “Hmm. Well…I suppose I’m sorry, too.” Her voice was like fucking velvet. Soft. Gentle now, without the hostility and annoyance from moments prior. She looked almost…embarassed, the tips of her ears pinkening, as she said, “If you’ll excuse me, I should be getting back. My family’s probably thought I died or got lost.” 

Caitlyn went to step aside, but she couldn’t. She was rooted in place. The woman might be smaller in height, but she was by no means small. Her shoulders were broader than Caitlyn and she filled out every article of clothing very well. The fabric of her shirt clung to her handsome frame like a second skin, teasing unfairly tempting muscles lurking just below. 

It was the first time Caitlyn had ever looked upon another woman and found her breath absolutely taken away. 

But she was staring, and staring was quite rude. Hells, she probably thought Caitlyn was insane, staring at her like she’d never seen a woman in her entire life. 

“Sorry,” Caitlyn repeated. “Sorry, I—“ 

The woman cracked a knowing smirk, and then it was Caitlyn who was the one turning pink. Her cheeks heated in a cruel betrayal of her prided composure. “You’re doing an awful lot of apologizing.” 

“Well, yes, I-I interrupted your walk, and…and I find myself unable to let you return to the party.” 

That damned smirk grew and Caitlyn’s eyes fell to her lips, catching sight of the small scar on the upper one. Caitlyn had never kissed someone with such a scar. Caitlyn wondered what it might feel like to kiss this mystery woman, to feel that scar upon her own lips, to taste—

Caitlyn shook her head aggressively. “I’ve forgotten my manners.” 

Was that her own voice, sounding so breathless? 

“You seem perfectly polite to me,” the woman said. There was a mischievous twinkle in the stranger’s blue eyes, and Caitlyn again found herself unable to speak. 

She was fucking stunning. 

Gods, was Caitlyn helpless. It was like she’d never seen a pretty girl in her fucking life. 

“W-what is your name, my lady?” 

The woman threw her head back and barked out a laugh. The sound made Caitlyn’s already-hammering heart do somersaults in her chest, and she gulped. 

“I’m no lady,” the woman said. She stood a little straighter, squared her still-shaking shoulders. With as straight of a face as she could muster, she said, “I’m a knight.” 

Caitlyn blinked. “A knight.” 

The woman nodded emphatically. “Of Zaun. I’m here to protect my brothers while they attempt to woo this would-be councillor.” 

She felt as if she were a fool. This mystery knight was here with her family, looking for Caitlyn. But for all her self-proclaimed success with women, Caitlyn could only manage to say, “Oh?” 

“Our father believes it would be good for both countries,” the knight continued. Her expression twisted, then. “Whether or not I agree seems to not matter to anyone except myself. So I came with my sword and my pistol, and if this lady so much as looks at them wrong, then off it is with her head.” 

Caitlyn should probably be more concerned than she was about this woman threatening her. Instead, she was…amused? She was laughing when she said, “You don’t think that a tad dramatic?” 

The woman raised another challenging eyebrow. “If you met my brothers, you’d likely agree. They’re very…sensitive. Kindest souls in all Runeterra, but very sensitive in matters of the heart.” 

“Hmm,” Caitlyn mused. “Most men tend to be. In my experience, anyway.” 

They shared a laugh, and Caitlyn was struck by how easy it was to talk to this stranger. How easy it was to find her ridiculous, rather than threatening. It was clear she loved her family and that the threat wasn’t empty, but neither did Caitlyn feel as if she’d truly carry through on such a promise. 

“It would ring true with Mylo and Claggor,” she said, chuckling. 

Two names Caitlyn didn’t recognize. Oddly a relief; she hadn’t already offended this woman without even trying. Gods be praised. 

The laughter fizzled out of both of them, but the following silence didn’t feel awkward. Caitlyn felt strangely comfortable standing here, staring at this striking knight. Unlike her previous statement, she appeared unarmed—which wasn’t surprising. Her mother didn’t tolerate weapons inside the estate. 

“What kind of knight willingly forfeits their weapons?” Caitlyn asked, a teasing edge to her voice. 

“The kind trying to please her family,” the woman deadpanned, sighing. “Believe me, if I had any say in the matter, we would be anywhere else.” 

It was shockingly easy to say, “As would I.” 

“Parties not your thing?” the woman asked. She raked her eyes from Caitlyn’s feet back up to her face, and even though she was fully clothed, Caitlyn felt fucking exposed. She fought the urge to shiver, tried to cover up the reflexive gulp with a cough. “What kind of lady doesn’t enjoy a party?” 

Caitlyn liked the play on her own words more than she should have. “I’ve never been one for balls.” 

“Don’t want to try your hand at stealing a girl’s heart?” 

Caitlyn made a face. “Gods, no. Not like this.” She almost forgot they were talking about herself. This was her heart the knight was implying she was here to steal. “I’d rather impress with my shooting. Or riding. Or…literally anything else, come to think of it.” 

One of the woman’s eyebrows raised again, an expression Caitlyn had never particularly thought about or found so cute until that very moment. 

“I wasn’t aware Piltover allowed women to train in such things,” she said. 

“Society isn’t very pleased by it,” Caitlyn explained. “They’d be hard pressed to stop me, though. My mother’s very invested in my growing up to be exactly like she is.” 

Caitlyn didn’t realize what she said at first. Not until the woman’s eyebrow was raising so high Caitlyn thought it might fly off her head, and then she was mentally striking herself for ruining such a promising interaction. 

“And…who is your mother?” the woman asked. 

Caitlyn could already see the suspicion on her face, but there was no point in lying. There were only a few matriarchal families in Piltover, and the Kirammans were the only one of any real influence. In Zaun, Caitlyn imagined the Kirammans were the only ones known by name. 

“Cassandra Kiramman.” 

The woman’s face blanched. “You’re…Caitlyn. Kiramman. The one I just—“ As if her face could get any paler, it did. The knight practically slapped herself as she dragged a hand down her face. “I’m so sorry, please—“ 

“Don’t apologize,” Caitlyn said quickly. “I’m not offended.” 

She seemed taken aback by that. “You’re not?” 

“No,” Caitlyn promised, offering what she hoped was a kind smile, rather than a nervous one. “I found it all quite amusing.” 

The woman snorted. “Amusing. I threatened to cut your head off!” 

Caitlyn shrugged dismissively. “I’ve been threatened over dumber things than defending your family’s honor.” The woman shook her head, laughing almost in disbelief, and Caitlyn pressed on the opportunity. “What’s your name?” 

The woman looked at her like she couldn’t truly believe Caitlyn wasn’t yelling for help. “So you can have assassins sent after me once I return home? I think not.” 

Caitlyn cracked a smile. “No, so I know who to ask after when the party’s ended.” 

She enjoyed the way those blue eyes widened in surprise. Enjoyed the way her cheeks flushed, and the way her mouth opened to speak, but no sound came out. 

“I—“ She laughed again, clearly still shocked. “I’m Violet. Lanes. Of, uh…Zaun, but…I already told you that.” Caitlyn delighted in Violet being flustered and felt her smile growing. “I go by Vi, mostly.” 

“Vi.” Caitlyn tasted the name, felt it settle on her tongue. Feeling particularly bemused, Caitlyn bowed her head dramatically, saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Violet Lanes. I’m Caitlyn Kiramman.” As an afterthought, to hopefully ease Vi’s nerves: “Of Piltover.” 

It worked because Vi was smirking again and Caitlyn’s heart was still thundering in her chest. 

“Are all Piltovans full of themselves, or is that just you?” 

“Just me,” Caitlyn said. 

Vi laughed, shoulders shaking. “Gods. How am I supposed to behead someone so stupid?” 

“The same way as anyone else, I imagine,” Caitlyn replied, sharing Vi’s grin. Her laughter, her smile, they were all contagious. Caitlyn couldn’t stop smiling with Vi. Her face was burning pleasantly from smiling so wide for so long. It wasn’t something she was used to. 

“Please don’t let my stupidity affect your opinions of my brothers,” Vi said. “They’re very good people. Much more intelligent and kind than I am.” 

Caitlyn scoffed. “My opinions are very much affected, I’ll have you know.” 

Vi blinked, seemingly not understanding what Caitlyn was implying. “I’m sorry—“ 

“If they’re as interesting as you, I already think the world of them.” Vi stopped short, face turning so red it almost matched her wonderfully pink hair. “Unfortunately—“ Caitlyn took a step closer, feeling emboldened by the way Vi’s eyes flicked down to her lips. “—I’m not very interested in men.” 

Vi chuckled nervously, but her voice came out steady. “Is that so?” 

What Caitlyn was doing was objectively insane. She was standing in her gardens, unarmed, in the middle of the night, flirting with a stranger from another country when she was supposed to be finding a suitable partner to marry. 

It wasn’t like Caitlyn was poorly-versed in more carnal matters. She’d slept with plenty of women—both ladies and not alike. She’d snuck plenty into her chambers. She was well-accustomed to women, and even more accustomed to getting what she wanted. 

So when Caitlyn tried to brush their lips together—honestly, it would’ve been the most pleasant distraction she could’ve had all night—Vi stepping away was like having a bucket of water dumped overhead. 

Caitlyn frowned as Vi grinned. 

“Apologies, my lady, but I cannot steal your virtue on the night you are to be engaged.” 

Caitlyn stared at her for a second, frown deepening. “My virtue—“ 

“—is long gone, I’m certain,” Vi teased, a knowing twinkle in her eye. Caitlyn swallowed at the look on Vi’s face. “And, unlike you I’m sure, I don’t find myself willing to share my bed with a stranger I met only a few minutes prior.” 

Swallowing, Caitlyn said, “We’re not strangers.” 

Vi’s eyes were fucking filled with unsaid promises. “Are we not?” 

“I know your name,” Caitlyn said. Her tongue felt heavy, thick. “I know you have brothers, and that you hail from Zaun. I know you are a knight.” 

Vi laughed again. “But I know nothing of you, Caitlyn. Am I to trust you won’t slip a dagger between my ribs?” 

Licking her lips, Caitlyn shivered when Vi’s eyes tracked the motion. Enjoyed the thrill shocking through her body, knowing she was the secular object of this woman’s attention. 

“I don’t make a habit of sleeping with people I’ve just met,” Caitlyn admitted, “unless they’re exceptional.” 

“Am I exceptional, Caitlyn?” 

They were still impossibly close. Caitlyn could feel Violet’s short, rapid breaths on her lips. Could smell whatever soft, flowery soap she used, and now could see a small splash of freckles across her nose and cheekbones. 

“More than,” Caitlyn breathed. 

And then Vi was kissing her.

The ball was in full swing by the time they stumbled back to the estate, hand in hand. Caitlyn’s lips were tingling from hurried, desperate kisses. It felt as if her entire body was alight—Vi’s hands had inspired rather sinful lines of thought. Her tongue had inspired even worse. 

In the short time they’d known each other—honestly, this was the craziest thing Caitlyn had ever done—Caitlyn felt she knew Vi better than anyone in the world. 

Vi valued family above all else. So did Caitlyn. Vi was brave, and clearly had no compunction with laughing at the Piltover-equivalent of royalty. She was smart. Funny. A quick thinker. Everything Caitlyn said, Vi had a response at the ready, dripping either seduction, sarcasm, wit, or some combination of all three. It was more intoxicating than the drinks her mother was serving their guests. 

But nothing matched Vi’s lips. Plush, soft, and oh so insanely practiced at kissing that Caitlyn just knew Vi would be a cocky lay. She may have teased Caitlyn about being full of herself, but the obnoxious look on her face while Caitlyn snuck them through the estate said Vi was just as confident. 

Caitlyn intended to see just how much it took to wipe that smug smile off that pretty face of hers. 

A group of people had congregated in the hallway that led to Caitlyn’s chambers, admiring the artwork her mother had collected over the years. Prized possessions of Cassandra’s, as well as family portraits. The crowd was making their way back towards the ballroom, and Caitlyn had to pull Vi into a nearby parlor (that really should have been locked—it was always locked when they had guests). 

Caitlyn didn’t particularly care about the finer details. She was just grateful they had somewhere to hide, somewhere that no one could see them and risk starting rumors that the Kiramman heir was engaging in a new affair even with the fact that she had finally made herself available. 

As soon as the door clicked shut, Caitlyn turned the lock and let out a small puff of laughter. It was dark in the parlor, only lit by the faint torchlight coming in from the windows, and Vi was little more than a silhouette in front of her. 

That silhouette stalked forward, backing Caitlyn up against the door with her body. Heat coiled through Caitlyn’s veins and she let her head fall back against the wood, gasping as Vi’s lips found her neck. She found that sensitive spot she’d sucked on in the garden, reigniting every hardly-cooled nerve in Caitlyn’s body. 

The voices outside the door were getting louder, and despite the door being locked, the possibility of being found, of being heard, did nothing to dampen Caitlyn’s growing arousal. In fact, it made it fucking worse, and when Vi nipped at her earlobe, Caitlyn whimpered. 

Since when did she do that? Gods, this woman—

Vi clamped a hand over Caitlyn’s mouth, and then traced lower with her tongue. Kissed over the junction between her shoulder and throat; Caitlyn felt Vi’s lips pull back into a smirk before she sucked the skin into her mouth. Her eyes snapped shut and she let out a muffled groan, trying to pull Vi closer. 

There was entirely too much space between them. Mere inches, but too many. Caitlyn found Vi’s waist and dragged, pulling their bodies flush as Vi licked and bit across Caitlyn’s collarbone. 

Much to Caitlyn’s dismay (more like delight), Vi was stronger than she was, and when Caitlyn tried to twist to get the upper hand, to give back some of what she was getting, Vi held firm. Vi pressed her harder into the door, erasing what little space had been left between them entirely. 

Gods, she was firm. Vi’s entire body felt like a wall of muscle, and that wasn’t something Caitlyn knew she wanted or needed until Vi was holding her in place, kissing and touching her as she pleased, rather than the other way round. Caitlyn was used to having her way with her fucks, but being the one on the other side wasn’t too bad. She could tolerate this, she supposed. 

She could do more than tolerate it. She was fucking enjoying it. She shifted slightly as Vi tugged her blouse below her collarbone, feeling hot, sticky arousal plastered to her thighs, and Caitlyn knew she was going to need this again. 

Maybe she’d need Vi again. Maybe they’d have to make this a regular occurrence—until Caitlyn found a suitable partner to marry, of course. Caitlyn was nothing if not principled. Honorable, even—aside from her lapses in judgment when it came to a quick fuck. 

Vi made her way back up Caitlyn’s throat, pressing hot, needy kisses to the already-burning skin. “Can you be quiet?” 

Her hand was still covering Caitlyn’s mouth, so she nodded. She thought she saw a flash of teeth, a smile, but Caitlyn couldn’t be sure because the next thing she knew, Vi had sunk to her knees before her and was undoing her belt buckle. 

Caitlyn wished for better lighting. She wanted to watch, wanted to see Vi’s face as she took her apart, and silently cursed the gods for her misfortune. 

They’d have to do this again. Of that, Caitlyn was certain. She needed to see Vi as Vi fucked her. 

Vi didn’t waste any time, apparently just as needy as Caitlyn was, because she didn’t even bother removing the belt. Instead, she popped the button of Caitlyn’s trousers and let them fall around her knees. It was Vi who made a noise—a low moan—as she placed wet kisses to Caitlyn’s trembling thighs. 

“You smell fucking divine,” Vi breathed, and under any other circumstance, Caitlyn would’ve lost it. 

But instead, she just whined, jogging her hips forward in a quiet plea. Caitlyn Kiramman did not beg—but if Vi wasted any more of her sanity like this, kissing and touching everywhere she didn’t need it, Caitlyn’s pride would lose. 

Vi didn’t need to know that. 

As Vi’s lips pressed into her patch of hair, Caitlyn thought she might combust. A cruel, evil tease, and she had to bite her tongue to keep quiet. 

“—simply must see this painting, Lady Rice.” 

It was Caitlyn’s own fucking mother, just outside the door, taking their fucking guests on a fucking tour of the fucking estate. What was she doing, showing these people around? Fucking hells. Fucking fuck—

Vi used her fingers to spread Caitlyn open. A filthy noise came from between her thighs, and an even filthier one threatened to rip out of her throat, but Caitlyn bit down on her own hand and instead let out a frustrated whine. 

Vi chuckled against her burning flesh, pressing a close-lipped kiss to the soft skin of her inner thigh, before licking her from entrance to her clit. Lightning rocketed through her body; it was as if every muscle spasmed, and Caitlyn’s head fell back against the door with a soft thud. 

“Did you hear that?” 

Caitlyn immediately froze, but Vi didn’t so much as react. She dipped her tongue into Caitlyn’s soaked cunt, muffling a moan with Caitlyn’s thighs. One of her hands snaked around to squeeze Caitlyn’s arse and it took every ounce of willpower for Caitlyn to clench and lock her jaw. 

“No?” 

Caitlyn heard footsteps approach the door. Her heart was racing already—it hadn’t stopped since meeting Vi, she was sure—but it redoubled in intensity. Caitlyn could hear it pounding in her head, it was so loud. She was sure Vi could hear it, sure her mother and Lady Rice and everyone else in the hall could hear it. 

“It sounded as if something fell.” 

The doorknob twisted as Vi sucked Caitlyn’s clit between her lips. Panic set in, but Caitlyn had locked the door, and she knew her mother didn’t carry keys on her person unless she intended to go somewhere important. 

“I’m sure it was just the wind. Did you hear of Jayce and Viktor’s newest invention? It can predict the rain, and they were certain it might storm tonight.” 

“No, I didn’t! I’ll have to stop to talk to them. That’s so fascinating.” 

As the voices receded further down the hall, Caitlyn’s focus eventually landed back on Vi and the delightful things she was doing with her tongue. She had set a rhythm in Caitlyn’s momentary lapse of concentration—Vi lavished the underside of her clit with the rough pad of her tongue, and would then flick it afterwards. It was absolutely fucking maddening combined with her strong hands kneading her ass. 

Vi pulled away for a moment and Caitlyn thought she might die—it all felt so good, her body was on fire, and then Vi was just gone, leaving her a hot, sticky mess, but she replaced her mouth with her fingers and climbed to her feet. Caitlyn didn’t waste a second, rocking her hips forward to meet each brush of Vi’s hand. 

Vi peeled Caitlyn’s hand away from her mouth. Panting breaths fell from her for the brief second her mouth was unoccupied, but then Vi’s was on hers, kissing every coherent thought out of Caitlyn’s head. 

The kiss was searing. Vi didn’t fuck around with it, sucking Caitlyn’s tongue into her mouth without any hesitation. Her answering moan was swallowed. She could taste herself on Vi’s lips and her hips stuttered as she groaned. 

Vi’s lips curled into that insufferably smug smirk Caitlyn was coming to know meant Vi was feeling particularly proud of herself. 

“Who knew Piltover’s finest could enjoy being fucked by a dirty Zaunite?” 

Caitlyn wanted to roll her eyes. Wanted to scoff, say Caitlyn didn’t particularly care about where someone came from or about class differences, but in the moment, all she could do was nod. 

“You’re mine to fuck,” Vi growled in her ear. She pressed the heel of her palm against Caitlyn’s clit and circled her entrance with a finger. Stars burst behind Caitlyn’s eyes as she ground her hips down. “Mine. You hear me?” 

Caitlyn nodded hurriedly. It was just dirty talk. It meant nothing. And Caitlyn had never been the one being objectified or owned, but fuck, did she love it. 

Caitlyn Kiramman did not beg. “Please, Vi—“

“Say it,” Vi demanded. “Say you’re mine.” 

Caitlyn moaned her frustration when Vi continued circling rather than pushing in. She knew what Caitlyn wanted, but refused to give it to her. 

“Vi,” she huffed. Found herself tugging on Vi’s hair, pulling her back to crush their mouths together. She needed some semblance of control—this was so far from what her normal lays were like, and Caitlyn’s head was spinning both from desire and anxiety. Lust had never turned her brain off so fully, never made her so single-minded, but fuck if Caitlyn could really care right now. 

Rather than let Vi dictate the pace of the kiss, Caitlyn drew her lower lip between her teeth. She intended to be gentle, but she didn’t have the higher functions necessary to really control herself, and bit down hard enough Vi groaned. Vi’s hips jerked forward, pressing her hand closer to Caitlyn’s cunt, pressing hard enough that she forgot what she originally wanted. 

Her head fell back for a third time, a keening whine escaping her throat, and Vi just chuckled darkly. 

“Do you want to cum?” Vi husked, licking beneath her earlobe. 

“Yes,” Caitlyn breathed. “Yes—yes, Vi—please—“ 

There was a dangerous edge to her voice when she growled, “Then say you’re mine. No one else will ever see you like this again.” The pressure in her stomach coiled higher with every word Vi uttered. Gods, Caitlyn had never— “Say it.” 

“Yours,” Caitlyn whimpered. “I’m yours. I—“ 

Vi was back on her knees, burying her face between Caitlyn’s thighs. One firm press of her tongue to the underside of Caitlyn’s clit, and she came with a sharp cry. Her hips jerked forward, grinding down into Vi’s mouth, and Caitlyn fisted her hands in Vi’s hair, simultaneously trying to pull her closer and push her away. Her legs were shaking as Vi brought her hands to Caitlyn’s hips, steadying her. 

Vi let Caitlyn tug her this way and that, riding out the aftershocks of her orgasm. Those strong hands of hers dug into Caitlyn’s muscles, humming her approval, and Caitlyn shivered on the come down. 

Caitlyn’s chest was heaving when she finally pushed Vi away. As she stood, Vi pulled her trousers back up for her, and even fumbled with buckling her belt back into place. Something about the care with which Vi was touching her made Caitlyn’s heart pound with renewed intensity. 

They were definitely going to have to do this again.

Boredom was a painful reality for Caitlyn. 

It had been a week since the ball, and her mother had been relentless in her questioning. They were presently at some smaller “soirée” (just another excuse for the elite to drink and pretend they were better than everyone else) hosted by a smaller house. The Nolens, if Caitlyn remembered correctly. 

If her mother wanted to drag Caitlyn to all the spring and summer events, it would be a very long, very exhausting season indeed. And if Cassandra was entertaining an invitation from such a small house, she must be very desperate to marry Caitlyn off. 

The Nolens lived on the outskirts of the capital—as did most of Piltover’s societal families—but boasted moderate lodgings and had very few claims to fame, so to speak. Caitlyn wasn’t quite sure what they had to offer her or her family for her mother to be invested. 

Several other families were present, none of whom bore anyone of interest. Jayce and Mel were absent, as was Viktor, so Caitlyn didn’t even have any interesting people to converse with. Instead, she was stuck at her mother’s side, offering pleasant smiles and chipper conversation to any lord or lady who came to speak to them. 

Caitlyn was currently trapped in a small cluster of people—her mother, Lord and Lady Nolen, and several other minor nobles—in what was effectively a two way conversation about marriage prospects. It was frustrating. Caitlyn would much rather spend her evening elsewhere, with someone else. 

She hadn’t seen Violet Lanes, knight of Zaun, since her mother’s ball, and was growing very impatient. They hadn’t discussed any further…dalliances, but Caitlyn had assumed they’d at least see each other again. Unfortunately, all her questioning of house staff had come up with very little—it was simply as if Violet had never existed. No one knew of any knights named Violet, and her house had to be quite minor as even the staff members from Zaun had never heard of the Lanes. 

It was quite disappointing, if Caitlyn was being honest. In fact, it was more than disappointing—not only had Vi been a good lay, she was witty. She matched everything Caitlyn said with equal humor. Caitlyn had been hard pressed to find a conversation partner over the last two weeks that could keep up with her without fear of offending or upsetting her. No one acted like themselves around Caitlyn—they were so focused on what they expected Caitlyn to want out of a prospective partner that they forgot who they were in the process. 

Vi hadn’t been like that. Aside from apologizing on behalf of her brothers—that Caitlyn hadn’t met yet, but was very much interested in—Violet had been very…normal about their interactions. She didn’t act like she was trying to bed royalty; she acted like she was trying to bed Caitlyn, and that was such a startling change of pace that Caitlyn hadn’t been prepared to want it again. 

Caitlyn had always been good at separating her feelings from her affairs, so why she wasn’t quite capable of it now was a mystery. Caitlyn had never wanted to just be near any of her previous partners. Not like this. Not to the point that being away was enough to sour her mood. 

“Are you enjoying the soirée, Caitlyn?” 

A person standing beside her made her jump, made her remember where she was. Her cheeks were burning from thoughts of Vi, and she had to clear her throat. 

The woman beside her was several heads shorter. She had hair the color of straw, blue-gray eyes, and full, pouty lips. Caitlyn had talked to her earlier, making polite introductions, but fuck if she remembered her name. The Nolen girl, that was about as much as her brain recalled. 

“I don’t often enjoy parties,” Caitlyn said. She felt her mother’s eyes on her, glowering, and the girl’s expression began to fall. “But tonight has been…a pleasant surprise.” 

The way her face lit back up, Caitlyn knew she’d fixed the problem. 

“I think, however, I need to step outside.” She smoothed her hands down the front of her shirt—a deep blue to match her hair and eyes, pinned around the collar by her family crest. “I’m sensitive to heat, and it’s quite suffocating being inside.” 

“I can escort you—“ 

Caitlyn immediately shook her head. She needed an escape, not a fucking escort from some woman who was likely after her mother’s fortune. “That’s quite alright. I’m sure I can find my way.” Her eyes met her mother’s and she nodded. “I’ll be right back.” 

“Don’t get lost, dear,” Cassandra called. 

As if Caitlyn could be unfortunate enough to get lost. The Nolen house was significantly smaller than their own—the sitting room was the largest in the house, located centrally precisely to prevent people getting lost. Caitlyn walked out the doors and found herself in the foyer, and then continued outside. 

The air wasn’t anywhere near as cool as Caitlyn had been hoping for. In fact, it was hotter outside than it was inside, and she cursed her misfortune. 

What she wouldn’t do to be back in her father’s gardens at this very moment, walking headfirst into a handsome pink-haired knight.

Their next meeting was a work of pure happenstance—if happenstance was Caitlyn overhearing a conversation about a new knight and her family that were in the process of moving into Piltover, that is. 

They were at another ball (Caitlyn was dragged, more like, but she was there). It was hosted by Jayce and Mel at Caitlyn’s mother’s insistence (apparently, Caitlyn appeared more interested in that Nolen girl than she thought). Gods forbid she was polite. Her mother must’ve taken the bare minimum as genuine interest. 

The Nolens had also been invited. Cassandra had directed Caitlyn to Madeleine almost as soon as they’d arrived, to which Caitlyn had laughed and promptly fled to find Jayce. That led her to where she was now—standing in the front of Mel’s massive ballroom, sipping on a glass of champagne, eavesdropping on the conversations happening around her and her friends. 

She was the subject of some, of course. The gentlemen behind her were discussing the flattering way her trousers hugged her hips. They thought they were being quiet, but in reality, they were being quite boisterous, and it made Caitlyn’s stomach twist into disgusted knots. 

Caitlyn was seconds away from making another hasty exit when she thought she heard a familiar name. 

Her head turned, completely disregarding whatever Jayce was saying to her, and immediately saw the source of her frustrations. A certain Zaunite, wearing a crisp black uniform, with a flintlock pistol on one hip and a hanger on the other. The uniform had silver linings and epaulets, clearly well-cared for. The sword boasted a well-worn leather wrap, and Vi seemed comfortable resting her hands on it, something Caitlyn took to mean Vi often rested in that position. 

Feeling her cheeks burn, Caitlyn found herself marching across the dance floor and through the crowd, not caring for propriety. People muttered to themselves, annoyed with her intrusion, until Caitlyn was interjecting herself into whatever conversation Vi was having. 

Seeing Vi up close again did not elicit the feelings Caitlyn anticipated. She expected to be annoyed—it almost felt like Vi had been avoiding her the last couple weeks. She expected no small amount of embarrassment—Caitlyn wasn’t often one to make it known she was offended unless the affront was towards her family. She even expected perhaps a rush of arousal from the memory of their night together. 

And instead, Caitlyn just felt relieved. Maybe a little flustered, yes, but mostly relieved. Caitlyn had felt somewhat crazy—between the house staff not knowing anything about any Violet Lanes or Zaunite knight and not having heard anything in any circles until tonight, Caitlyn had half-expected to end up in some asylum if she kept obsessing. 

But here she was, standing in front of her and very much real. 

Violet was looking up at her, that fucking bemused smirk upon her lips and one eyebrow raised. “I said, is there something I can assist you with, my lady?” 

Caitlyn blinked, shook her head slightly as she remembered herself. Vi had been talking to several younger ladies, and with Caitlyn’s interruption, the entire conversation had died. She was the current subject of several fascinated stares, and suddenly, her flush was deepening. 

“Are you feeling faint?” Vi’s expression exuded concern, but there was a sharpness to her gaze that Caitlyn couldn’t miss. It stole her breath, made her heart thunder in her chest. “You look quite pale.” 

For some reason, words were failing her. She could only swallow and blink, absolutely fucking stunned that after worrying about this woman for two weeks, here she fucking stood, with enough godsdamned audacity for a crowd. 

She wrapped a firm, gloved hand around Caitlyn’s elbow. Her touch was plenty—it reignited every fantasy Caitlyn had touched herself to. It set every nerve in her body alight like a match to kindling. It was startling, terrifying, unnerving. 

Caitlyn had never needed someone like this. 

“Let me take you outside,” Vi said. Caitlyn could only nod as Vi offered her assembled crowd an apologetic smile. “I beg your finest pardon, ladies. I’ll return shortly.” 

Caitlyn didn’t have the grace to apologize for stealing who was clearly the centerpiece of the discussion (and if Vi wasn’t the centerpiece, then the nobility of Piltover needed help). She let Vi steer her through the corridors, barely bothering to acknowledge the fact that Vi was walking confidently, like she knew exactly where she was going. 

All she could think about was the strong grip of Vi’s hand and how she desperately wished there weren’t layers separating their skin. Caitlyn had never craved another’s touch so ardently, never needed to feel someone’s skin beneath her own—she had enjoyed her fair share of stolen, clothed moments (as evidenced by her one encounter with Vi).

But thinking about that made her recall how downright infuriating it was to have not seen a single inch of Vi’s body. Vi hadn’t let Caitlyn touch her after the parlor. Not in the way Caitlyn wanted to. They’d kissed—not enough for Caitlyn’s fantasies—but everything after remained above-belt until Vi made an excuse to return to her family. 

It was the single most anger-inducing thing anyone had ever said to Caitlyn…and also the most endearing. 

Caitlyn hated this game. Caitlyn hated that, somehow, this stranger Caitlyn hardly knew had her so…so something, so utterly incapable of remembering who she was. 

But it was also so fucking intoxicating to let someone else be in control that Caitlyn couldn’t help but let Vi do as she pleased. 

It was almost concerning, then, that when Caitlyn finally found her faculties and pulled up short, Vi also stopped. She wore a downturned smile upon those perfect fucking lips of hers, that irritatingly gorgeous eyebrow raised, and Caitlyn, being a fool, surged forward. 

She fisted a hand into Vi’s hair, cupping her cheek, and crushed their mouths together. Vi let out a breathless little laugh, clearly amused, clearly still able to think and function and just be normal. It was even more frustrating to realize she didn’t have the same effect on Vi that Vi had on her, and Caitlyn could not have that. 

She needed Vi ruined. Wrecked. As confused and wanting as Caitlyn had found herself every day since they first met. 

Caitlyn tilted Vi’s head to deepen the kiss, swallowing Vi’s answering moan. A rush of both heat and confidence flushed her—that was more like it. More like the blushing, apologetic mess Caitlyn recalled from the gardens. 

Vi’s hands were twisting in her shirt, and gods, did Caitlyn want to let her pull it off. Caitlyn had wanted nothing more than that for two weeks, but they were standing in a hallway in Mel and Jayce’s estate, only alone because everyone was too preoccupied with their glasses of champagne and the latest gossip. 

Reluctantly, Caitlyn broke the kiss, but didn’t pull away entirely. She rested their foreheads together, breathing hard, and found herself with a stupidly large smile on her face. 

In a rare show of honesty, Caitlyn said, “I’ve missed you.” 

Vi chuckled, eyes opening to Caitlyn staring at her intently. “Is everyone in Piltover this weak, or is that just you?” 

Caitlyn’s mouth went dry. Vi and her fucking play on words. “Just me.” 

Was that her own voice, sounding so hoarse? 

“And do you often miss strangers?” 

Caitlyn let her eyes fall shut at that because no, she didn’t. She didn’t long for anyone the way she longed for Vi. Was it even possible to be addicted to a person the way one was to wine? 

“We’re not strangers,” Caitlyn whispered. “I know your name. I—“ 

Vi interrupted her with a laugh. “I’ve heard this speech before.” 

Her laugh eased some of Caitlyn’s nerves. “Violet, I—“ 

“Just Vi.” 

Just Vi. Caitlyn nodded weakly, gulping, as Vi reached a hand up to brush her fingers across her cheek. The breath Caitlyn so desperately needed came as a stuttering gasp, and Vi just hummed. 

“I feel insane.” 

Vi sounded amused. “Oh?” 

Summoning every drop of courage she possessed, Caitlyn said, “Ever since we met, I’ve found myself looking for you at every event I attend. I…I find myself wishing for just another stolen moment with you, but—but even this, now, it doesn’t feel like it’ll ever be enough. I don’t…I don’t understand it. It’s maddening.” 

Vi looked almost…sad. She took a step back. “Caitlyn—“ 

“Cait.” 

Sighing, Vi said, “Cait, we hardly know each other. We had a-a…a fun night, but…but that’s not—“ 

She trailed off, shoulders sagging and looking deflated, and Caitlyn’s heart seized in her chest. Frowning, she said, “Are you telling me you don’t feel the same?” 

“I’m telling you I don’t know you,” Vi retorted. “What I feel doesn’t matter—you’re nobility. My family is hardly important enough to be of any benefit to yours.” 

She felt almost desperate. Perhaps it was insane, but Caitlyn felt as if she could not walk away from this conversation without something positive. Without at least confirming Vi was feeling equally bothered. 

“Then why did you bother bringing your brothers to the ball?” 

Vi snorted indignantly. “There’s no reason to not try.” 

“And if I’m telling you I want you, then why do you not listen to me?” Caitlyn stepped closer, close enough that she could feel Vi’s breaths on her lips again. “Why would my choosing of your brothers be believable, but not my choosing you?” 

Caitlyn’s eyebrows furrowed and she took another step, backing Vi against a doorframe. 

“You say I do not know you,” Caitlyn said. “You’re right. I don’t know you. I don’t know your favorite color, or how you take your tea or coffee, or if you prefer summer or winter. But I can see plainly that you think so little of yourself that you’d believe your brothers worthy of my attention and not yourself. I can see that you hide behind this—“ Caitlyn tugged at the collar of Vi’s shirt, frown deepening. “—because it is easier than admitting that you also want me.” 

Vi stared at her for a moment, mouth slightly agape, breaths coming in short and rapid gasps. But reality must’ve struck, because she blinked and frowned. 

Her expression contorted from one of confusion to one of anger. “You think you know me? We’ve had, what, two conversations before today?” Vi pushed Caitlyn away—not harshly, but firmly—and raked a hand through her hair. Relationships had been forged upon less—engagements were made upon less. “And who are you to accuse me of such things? What if I—“ 

Vi stopped, clearly unsure of what she was trying to say, and Caitlyn knew she had her. 

“—what if I am simply uninterested?” 

“Then why stand here and argue with me?” Caitlyn asked calmly. 

Vi scoffed. “You don’t know what you’re asking me for.” 

“I am asking you for a chance.” Vi’s head snapped around, eyes narrowing, as Caitlyn said, “I’m asking you to let me show you I mean this. I’m telling you the truth.”

“I would offer you nothing. My family has nothing in comparison to yours.” 

Caitlyn needed her to understand. Needed it more than anything—she had never been so sure about something in her life (and maybe she wasn’t used to being told no). 

“My family wants for nothing except an heir.” 

“And I can’t even provide that!” Vi retorted. 

“That’s not something you need to concern yourself with,” Caitlyn said. “It’s my responsibility and my worry. I can and will marry who I want.” 

A disbelieving laugh escaped Vi’s chest. “You want to marry me.” 

Caitlyn didn’t miss the fact that Vi said it as a statement rather than a question. She chose to ignore it. “I want you to let me court you.” 

“Court.” Vi repeated the word like it sounded absurd. “I’m not one of your ‘ladies,’ Caitlyn.” 

“Cait,” she reminded her, “and I don’t want you to be. I want you to be the same brave fool who threatened to behead me to my face.” 

Vi’s cheeks reddened slightly and Caitlyn’s heart skipped a beat. Gods, how was it fair that a woman so beautiful thought so little of herself? 

“I didn’t know who you were,” Vi said sheepishly. 

“Exactly.” Caitlyn risked totally exposing herself—as if she hadn’t laid her entire heart bare in the last five minutes—and reached for one of Vi’s hands. She was wearing soft, light gray gloves, and Caitlyn brushed her thumb along Vi’s knuckles. “I’ve spent my entire life at arm’s length with everyone I’ve ever shown interest in. You’re the first person that’s talked to me like I’m a person, and…” She gave a small laugh. “And maybe that’s why I’ve been so smitten with you.” 

Vi splayed their hands out together so they were palm-to-palm. “Smitten.” 

“Taken,” Caitlyn reiterated. “Obsessed.” Vi’s blush spread to her ears as she laughed. “I’ve been of a single-mind since I last saw you. I’ve asked everyone I know about you.” 

“And how many people do you know?” Vi asked, smirking. 

“Enough for it to have been embarrassing…if I cared about their opinions.” 

Vi did that thing where she threw her head back and laughed—Caitlyn had only seen her do that once, but gods, was it something. People didn’t act like that around her. People didn’t act like that enough in general. Everyone was so…serious and took their reputations so seriously and here Caitlyn was, standing alone in a hallway with a Zaunite. 

The implications would be obvious. Not that Caitlyn particularly cared about her own reputation (her family and their money wasn’t going anywhere regardless of what people thought of her), but she cared about Vi’s. 

Cared about Vi’s because…

“I hear you’re moving to Piltover,” Caitlyn said. 

Vi’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You really have been asking about me.” Vi shifted her grasp on Caitlyn’s hand, now taking the position Caitlyn once held—running her thumb over her knuckles. “Yes, we are. My family isn’t…as well-off as yours, but we’ve been making do. Between my funds and my sister’s, we do well enough.” 

“Your sister?” 

Amusement twinkled in Vi’s baby blue eyes. “I told you, you don’t know me.” 

Caitlyn intended to. Oh, did she intend to.

It was absolute torture. Of that, Caitlyn was certain. 

Seeing Vi. Openly talking to Vi. Choosing to talk to Vi and spend time with her publicly, knowing the whole while what Vi’s hands felt like. 

It was absolutely maddening, having to pretend this was a casual interest she had in a newcomer, when in all actuality, every second Caitlyn spent with Vi only reinforced that she didn’t want it to be casual. 

But Vi deserved respect. Both Caitlyn’s, and the people she would be associating with. 

So Caitlyn would behave. Caitlyn would “entertain” the new knight and her attention (despite it being more like Vi entertaining and humoring Caitlyn). When questioned about it, Caitlyn was very much open about the fact that she was the one attempting to pursue Vi. 

But that was much less interesting to read about in the papers. 

Vi, for all her grace, was taking it well. From what Caitlyn could tell, at least. Vi seemed more concerned about people’s opinion of Caitlyn—so they were on the same page in that regard. 

Caitlyn thought it was sweet (almost). Caitlyn also thought it was somewhat stupid; Caitlyn’s reputation would survive this little public stint of theirs. Vi’s might not…but then, Vi didn’t seem to particularly care what the elite of Piltover thought of her. 

Which was a ridiculously fresh change of pace. 

Everything was actually going quite well for Caitlyn. Her parents—who Caitlyn may have downplayed their feelings about her prospective match—did not seem very perturbed at the rumors and discussions about who her time was being spent with. Caitlyn had been privy to one-too-many conversations where someone “concerned” (they were being entirely too inquisitive) and her mother had shot the concerns down straight away. 

Granted, they were still trying to steer Caitlyn towards someone more suitable. But they’d raised her, and they were well aware that once Caitlyn had her sights set on something, there was little they could do to sway her. 

It was precisely why Cassandra had “suggested” Jayce take Caitlyn out to the range. Cassandra believed Caitlyn would much benefit from time practicing her hobbies, rather than waiting around for the next event. 

Tobias had teased her over breakfast. “We’ve never seen you so attached to someone.” 

Caitlyn had just rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “I’m surprised you see me at all, given how often you’re both looking at each other.” 

They were sitting shoulder to shoulder, having insisted long ago that they have a separate dining room for “just family,” which meant they had a small table and Cassandra and Tobias sat beside each other for each and every meal. Hells, they had been holding hands through half of breakfast. How had they ever expected Caitlyn to settle for anything less than what she saw from them everyday? 

“It’s just…quite the surprise, dear,” Cassandra said. Her tone was delicate, though Caitlyn wasn’t sure why. “You’ve never been…discreet with your partners, so you’ll have to forgive us if we’re…skeptical.”

Caitlyn did. Sort of. Mostly. It was a little hurtful that they thought she would treat this like a fling—when had Caitlyn ever made an effort to go to parties to see one of her flings?—but she could forgive them. They were actually concerned for her, unlike the entirety of Piltover. 

So when Cassandra had then informed her she had more or less coerced Jayce into taking her shooting, Caitlyn had agreed to go. Getting out of the house would do her some good, probably. Take her mind off Vi. 

Take her mind off kissing Vi, especially (because Caitlyn was respectful, and would not besmirch Vi’s name by getting caught doing anything other than holding hands). 

Again, the sweetest torture. She’d already had Vi. Had Vi between her legs, had Vi’s kisses, had Vi’s hands on her body, and now she had to pretend none of that happened.

But going to the range meant she could ride Sterling—when she was younger, Caitlyn would often make time to spend with the thoroughbred. He was a gentle creature, always patient and soft and attached to her like she was to him. They hadn’t had the chance to actually ride and run together in months with winter, and Caitlyn had almost immediately found herself preoccupied when the season started. 

It was a short trip, but it was a trip she took with her dearest friend—and Jayce (she had said as much to him and he pretended to be offended). 

Cassandra had been the one to get Caitlyn into shooting. When she was small, Caitlyn accompanied her mother everywhere to learn as much as possible before obtaining a formal education, which meant Caitlyn spent much of her time learning to use and care for both muskets and flintlock pistols. 

Caitlyn had first met Jayce at the range. She’d heard of him, of course, but had never met him—she was always to be in bed or studying at the hours he came over. She knew him as an Academy student from a lower house her parents were sponsoring. Now Jayce was the head of a household that rivaled her own, both in fame and wealth, due to his and Viktor’s research with magic and magical artifacts. 

Not that Caitlyn was thinking about marriage—most certainly not—but she might have to ask Viktor about that project he mentioned last month. 

Once Sterling was stabled and Caitlyn was sure he was in good care, she took her rifle and followed Jayce onto the range. She slung the strap over her shoulder, walking alongside Jayce through the muddy field. 

“I hear you have a new fancy,” Jayce said slyly, grinning at her. 

“Gods above,” Caitlyn mumbled. “Isn’t there a better subject to discuss at your parties?” 

“Than my dearest, closest friend?” Jayce teased, throwing his arm around her shoulders. “I think not. People come to me to talk about you because I’m far less intimidating than you or your parents.” 

Caitlyn snorted. “My father wouldn’t harm a fly.” Her mother, on the other hand…

“Hmm, true.” Jayce sighed dramatically, looking over the stalls. Most were empty, and no one appeared to be shooting at the moment. “Though he’s usually attached to Cassandra’s hip, so it’s quite the task to get him alone.” 

The air smelled of gunpowder and smoke. The scent was so overpowering it almost completely masked the smell of fresh rain and early morning sun. The light was warm on her skin, refreshing. Caitlyn could feel herself smiling into it—though Jayce might also be a contributing factor. 

They made for the stall on the far end. It was unoccupied and as far away from others as possible. To afford the most privacy, of course. Jayce took his time with Caitlyn seriously, as did she. Both had their own lives to lead. Both had their own obligations—Caitlyn to her family, and Jayce to Mel and his studies. Time for each other, specifically, came sparsely. 

So when they strolled past a very familiar shock of pink hair, Caitlyn immediately tried to contain herself. This was supposed to be time with Jayce. Time where she wasn’t actively thinking about or trying to pursue Vi— 

Jayce pulled up short as he caught sight of the unmistakably unique hair color. “Is that who I think it is?”

Oh no. “Jayce, I’d really rather not disturb anyone—“

But he was already gone, walking up to the stall like he didn’t have a care in the world. 

“Hello there, friends!” 

Caitlyn prayed to all the gods that she’d spontaneously combust. 

Not realizing he was talking to them, Vi and her counterpart didn’t turn until Jayce was standing beneath the awning with them. At his intrusion, Vi’s head snapped up and she looked about ready to punch Jayce in the jaw. Her friend—blue-haired with it drawn up in two small buns and shorter in height—looked confused. 

The way they were standing, close together and shoulders bumping, made Caitlyn pause. They’d looked like they were whispering between each other initially, but with Jayce’s interruption, that changed. 

“Have you struck your head?”

“No, I—“ 

Caitlyn marched over to Jayce, thwacking him upside the head. “What have I told you about interrupting people firing guns?”

Better she smack him than Vi—Vi’s knuckles were bruised, and squeezing her biceps so hard the skin was whitened. Caitlyn only noticed because she found her eyes drawn to the exposed skin, mouth somehow watering and going dry all at once at the sight of Vi’s muscles. 

Gods above, she was pathetic. 

She forced her eyes to a more appropriate location—Vi’s face. She looked more surprised, and she was now wearing that smug little smirk. 

Inclining her head politely—Vi acclimating to society’s “rules” was both somewhat sweet and annoying—she said, “Hello, Caitlyn.” 

Caitlyn managed a tight-lipped smile, shooting Jayce a dirty look even as he grinned. “Hello, Vi. I see you’ve already met Jayce.” 

Those pale eyes flicked up to the man standing alongside Caitlyn, one brow raising. “Against my will, it seems.” 

Jayce threw his arm around Caitlyn’s shoulders, much to her annoyance. “I simply couldn’t resist meeting the woman who captured my dearest friend’s interest.” 

Vi’s friend snorted a laugh, rolling her eyes. She wasn’t wearing anything that would indicate she was a Zaunite knight, so Caitlyn’s brain was absolutely racing trying to figure out who she was. 

Scowling, Caitlyn pushed Jayce off as he squeezed her. “You’re an embarrassment.” 

“I see what you mean about him,” Vi said, eyes narrowing as if scrutinizing Jayce. She looked down her nose at him (Jayce was taller than Caitlyn by several inches, and Caitlyn was taller than Vi, so it was almost comical). “I’m not sure how he gained his status, either.” 

Caitlyn had never said that about him, but she found herself laughing anyway as Jayce brought his hand to his chest in mock offense. 

“How dare you say such things about me,” Jayce said. “After everything I’ve done for you. Cruel, Caitlyn. Truly cruel.” 

“And what is it that you’ve done for me?” Caitlyn retorted, swatting his arm. 

“Well, I’m the reason you’re here today,” he said proudly, mischief twinkling in his brown eyes. “Otherwise you’d have to wait until next week to see your lady love.” 

She was going to kill him. Caitlyn was going to kill him and end up in prison. He was such a smug bastard—

Vi’s friend gagged, waving a hand dismissively over her shoulder as she turned away. “I’ll be with the horses. Let me know when you’re done entertaining the riff-raff, will you?” 

“No, it’s quite alright,” Jayce said quickly. “We’ll be on our way. As I said, I just wanted to make Vi’s acquaintance.” 

The woman hesitated, eyes locking on Caitlyn with an unreadable expression on her face. Caitlyn couldn’t tell if she was amused, annoyed, disgusted, something else, or a combination of all the above. 

“Oh!” Vi grabbed the woman, wrapping her arm around her shoulders in much the same way Jayce had with Caitlyn, and a hot pang of…of jealousy rippled through Caitlyn before she could stop it. “Speaking of ‘making acquaintances,’ Caitlyn, this is my sister. Powder.” 

Sister. That was right. Caitlyn had forgotten Vi’s mentioning of her. She’d even said Powder’s funds—whatever they may come from—were substantial enough to let them survive comfortably. 

“Powder?” Jayce glanced down at Caitlyn, and then back to the aforementioned sister. “Where do I know that name from?” 

“Perhaps one of your new laboratory assistants,” Vi said helpfully. 

His eyes widened in recognition and he snapped his fingers. “That’s right! You were the woman from Zaun who redesigned our storage devices so they can carry more mana. Genius work, truly.” He bowed his head deeper than Vi had for Caitlyn. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you.” 

Powder’s eyes went wide and the tops of her ears reddened. It was kind of cute that her blushes also started from the ears like Vi’s did—as much as Caitlyn hated to admit it. 

“Thank you,” Powder said. She didn’t sound awestruck or fascinated to be standing and conversing with the man who would soon be paying her. She just sounded…normal. 

Maybe the blatant disregard for class differences was a familial trait then, and not just unique to Vi. 

Which was, strangely, a little disappointing (but not at all a turn off). 

“Of course!” Jayce was saying. He was saying a lot of things, clearly overwhelming Powder with his excited chattering about her coming to work with him and Viktor. He was excited because Skye needed “a fellow woman.” He was excited because he genuinely believed Powder to be a genius. 

And Caitlyn was just staring at Vi, who was making no move to conceal the fact that she was staring back.

May came and went as such. Caitlyn being visibly obsessed and Vi enjoying her pursuit. Caitlyn trying very hard to impress, and Vi just smirking and pretending it wasn’t working. It was the most infuriating, yet downright addictive thing Caitlyn had ever encountered. 

Since their encounter at the range, Vi had been very open about the fact that her and Powder would be there on the regular. It was the most outward display of Vi’s interest since the parlor (aside from letting Caitlyn play her games with her poor attempts at courting). 

To make it appropriate, Caitlyn would only attend when someone was able to attend with her—whether that be Jayce, Mel, or one of her parents. Mel was quite taken with Vi herself, as was Jayce. They both found her amusing, which was nice. Even her parents seemed relatively surprised by how much they liked Vi, who privately (and most mortifying of all, openly) said as much. 

The thing that surprised Caitlyn most, however, was Powder. Powder wasn’t openly hostile with her, no. She was openly competitive. Apparently, at one of the parties they’d attended, Powder had gotten wind of Caitlyn’s reputation as one of the finest marksmen in all of Piltover, and had immediately decided she needed to unseat Caitlyn from her throne. 

And then promptly succeeded. With both a musket and a flintlock. 

Caitlyn had been too surprised to be offended. It was honestly somewhat suspicious, how good of a shot Powder was, but Caitlyn didn’t mind too much—at every one of their impromptu contests, Vi would light up and encourage Powder. And Caitlyn with her newfound discovery that she was indeed capable of becoming jealous, could only smile because it was fucking endearing. 

Powder was an adult. A grown woman. But it was nice seeing Vi still be her biggest fan, even though she was apparently entirely capable of blasting both their heads off at over a hundred yards. 

Caitlyn was used to siblings competing with each other in almost every facet of life. She’d seen lesser houses implode over the years over foolish, petty squabbles. It was a pleasant change of pace, seeing a family actually act like a family, rather than mortal enemies. 

Unfortunately, however, today would be a day where Caitlyn remained indoors. Cassandra had developed a cough and was taking the day to rest, which meant Caitlyn was in charge of the day-to-day running of the estate. Since Cassandra had already balanced the ledgers for the month, Caitlyn thankfully didn’t have to attend to one of her least favorite duties, but it still left her responsible for heading into Piltover proper for a restock on some much needed supplies. 

Her mother wanted to have another ball later in the month, so the estate would need to be readied. Champagne would need ordered, materials capable of withstanding the elements as this would likely be held outside, things of that nature. Nothing Caitlyn hadn’t dealt with before. It was just, sadly, exceedingly boring, and it meant she wouldn’t be able to go to the range. 

With Sterling saddled and fed, Caitlyn led him out of the stables. The horse walked alongside her, tossing his head at one of the stabled mares. Caitlyn stroked his mane, chuckling softly. 

At least she wasn’t the only victim of their own hormones. 

Sterling had sired quite the line of racing horses. Several of the nobility had attempted to purchase him off Caitlyn for the intent of turning him into a race horse, but she’d rebuffed every offer. She let the stablemaster breed him, but Caitlyn wouldn’t let go of Sterling if someone offered her the world. He was her best friend and partner over the years, and she dreaded the day he became too old to ride. 

Those days were thankfully a ways away. And until then, she would enjoy every minute she got to spend with this magnificent creature. 

When they made it to the front yard, Caitlyn was moderately displeased to notice Steb had yet to arrive. He was her mother’s most trusted guard, and frequently travelled with Cassandra when she had to venture into the city. Not only was he a well-practiced swordsman, Steb was well-respected and knowledgeable. He often handled the finer details of arranging deliveries while Cassandra handled the broader aspects. Caitlyn, while having handled these duties before, liked having him present because he knew when a shopkeeper or salesman was trying to scam her. His presence made her life significantly easier. 

So Caitlyn let Sterling graze on the grass. He always seemed so happy at the prospect of eating grass that was outside of the pasture, so who was Caitlyn to deny him? 

She stayed at his side, enjoying the moment. His tail swished and flicked as he grazed, hooves making soft thuds on the ground. His ears twitched and turned, picking up every sound he could. 

Caitlyn ran a hand down his neck, patting his shoulder. “Always so alert. You can take a break, you know.” 

Sterling didn’t reply. Never had, never would. Sometimes he’d snort in her face when she annoyed him, sometimes he’d call out to her when she approached him in the pasture. But the day he started speaking would be the day Caitlyn checked herself into the nearest asylum. 

The sound of hooves clicking on the cobblestone pavement behind them distracted her. She didn’t turn, but both her and Sterling made note of it. Steb would have to pass them to get to the stables, so there wasn’t any chance he’d teleported behind them. Whoever it was, Caitlyn would pay them no mind. They were likely there to see her mother and Tobias would inevitably turn them away before they made it past the foyer. 

She heard the rider dismount. Heard the horse wander to one of the grassy spots of the front yard. 

But instead of hearing the doors to the estate open, Caitlyn heard someone clear their throat behind her. She turned, surprised but nowhere near disappointed to see Vi standing there, a bright smile on her face. 

She felt a smile overtaking her own lips before she could even stop it. About as alone as they could get, Caitlyn threw pretense to the wind. “Hi.” 

Vi’s smile was fucking radiant. Stole the breath right from Caitlyn’s lungs, and she inhaled sharply as Vi closed the distance between them. 

Caitlyn didn’t realize Vi was hiding something behind her back until she produced a bouquet of flowers. Nothing fancy or grand like roses or lilies—these were wildflowers, clearly picked by hand. Rather than bold or bright colors, they were soft. White daisies, marigolds, and sprigs of lavender. 

Vi did not appear to be embarrassed in the slightest as Caitlyn took the flowers. She was still smiling, still absolutely radiant. That was a good word for Vi—radiant. She lit up every room she walked into. Caitlyn would have to remember that. 

“They’re for your mother,” Vi said. Caitlyn’s head snapped up, almost offended, and then Vi laughed. “I tease. They’re for you.” 

Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed. “Is it because they secretly emit poison?” She brought the flowers to her nose, inhaling deeply. “Is this another attempt on my life?” 

“Is that possible?” Vi asked, abruptly very concerned. 

It was Caitlyn’s turn to laugh. “I don’t believe so, but I’m no botanist.” 

A sly smile crept over Vi’s face at that. Did she always smile this much, or was it because she was talking to Caitlyn? Was there a world out there where Vi was just as obsessed and infatuated as Caitlyn was? 

It was funny that Vi was the more responsible of the two. She would often share tales of her more troublemaking tendencies with Caitlyn when they had quiet moments together—which were few and far between—and it seemed wholly unlike her to be the responsible one. 

But then, Caitlyn was never one to interrupt polite conversation just because it annoyed her, let alone because she had seen someone she was hopelessly attracted to, so there was that. Perhaps they pulled out the worst tendencies in each other. 

Right on cue, Vi said something abhorrently responsible and polite. “How is your mother?” 

“She’s well,” Caitlyn said, regretting again that they couldn’t just throw pretense to the winds. “Just a cough. Nothing she hasn’t had before. Unfortunately, I’ll be preoccupied today with her usual tasks, so I won’t be able to properly thank you for these.” 

At that, she lifted the flowers again and took another sniff. They smelled like the river that ran through the city and cut across the edge of her family’s property. 

“Is anyone accompanying you?” 

“Supposedly,” Caitlyn said with a laugh. “My mother’s guard—Steb. He’s uncharacteristically late…” 

A knowing, bemused look was plastered to Vi’s face, so Caitlyn trailed off, one eyebrow raised. 

“What are you looking at me like that for?” 

Vi stepped hellishly close. Hands firmly clasped behind her back, she stood up on her toes to whisper, “I believe you’ll find your mother has already accomplished the chores you were set to fulfill for the day.” 

Caitlyn frowned. “What are you—“ 

Vi pressed her lips to Caitlyn’s cheek. The skin immediately flushed and Caitlyn’s heart skipped a beat (as it so often did with Vi). Bold. Extremely bold. Had they been anywhere else, Caitlyn might’ve panicked.

“While you and Powder were making fools of yourselves the other day, your father and I had an…enlightening conversation.” Vi rocked back on her heels, releasing some tension from her shoulders by letting her hands fall back to her sides. “Despite how much I’ve enjoyed your attention, I haven’t exactly made it obvious to you that I do enjoy it. So we concocted a plan.” 

Her frown deepened. 

“Your mother would fake an illness so you cleared your schedule. You’re an early riser, so I would go out before dawn to pick flowers, and then I would hopefully make it here before you left and were rudely surprised when you realized that there were, in fact, no chores to be done.” 

Caitlyn couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was…hare-brained insanity. A fucking scheme, if she’d ever heard one. 

“And then?” Caitlyn asked. 

“And then we could tour your property,” Vi said. “On horseback, because your father was very specific about that. He mentioned you love your horse more than you love him—“ 

Caitlyn snorted, shaking her head in disbelief. “That’s not true.”

“—and that you’ve been upset about the lack of time you’ve made for him.” Vi leaned past Caitlyn’s shoulder. “I take it this is Sterling?” 

Caitlyn was kind of stunned. Definitely overwhelmed. Vi knew Caitlyn loved this horse more than life itself, which was fine, but… Caitlyn could tell Vi she felt isolated because no one interacted with her as themselves, but the second Vi found out she loved animals, she was flustered? That was what she found too personal? 

Swallowing, Caitlyn nodded. She stood aside, lifting a hand to rest it on his shoulder. Vi filled the open space without hesitation, saying, “Hello, Sterling.” 

Sterling, for all his love for Caitlyn, would rarely regard her after she joined him. But for Vi, he paused in his chewing, lifting his head lazily at the sound of his name. Vi’s answering grin was enough to make Caitlyn’s head spin, and then, hand hovering over his neck, she asked, “May I?” 

Caitlyn nodded numbly. 

Vi ran her hand down Sterling’s neck, grinning like an absolute buffoon when he blew a puff of air through her hair. “You are such a delight, Sterling.” The awe in her voice wasn’t mistakable. “It’s no wonder that you’ve chosen such an intelligent rider.” 

A compliment. Caitlyn’s brain was hardly able to process, so absorbed in the realization that Vi had admitted she liked Caitlyn and her pursuit. 

“Does he like sugar cubes?” 

Her voice still wouldn’t work, so again, Caitlyn nodded. Watched with wide eyes as Vi produced a couple of the sweets from her jacket pocket, offering them to Sterling with barely-contained excitement. 

“Atlas is quite fond of them himself,” Vi said, tearing her eyes off Sterling to look at Caitlyn. She must’ve looked faint because Vi hastily wiped her hands on her pants, reaching out for Caitlyn. “Are you all right?” 

“I—“ So her voice still worked. Excellent. The bare fucking minimum. “I’m a little overwhelmed,” Caitlyn admitted. 

Vi offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry.” She took the bouquet from Caitlyn gently, placing them into one of her saddlebags. They’d likely get damaged, but Caitlyn didn’t particularly care past the fact that Vi had brought her flowers at all. “I simply…felt guilty. I was unsure of how to fix that without making a complete fool of myself.” 

“Don’t apologize. I shouldn’t—“ 

Have been so pushy. Acted like an imbecile. Like a lovesick fool. 

Vi took Caitlyn’s chin in a hand, and then pulled her down to her lips. The kiss was chaste, gentle, not at all like the ones they’d previously shared, but it rendered Caitlyn speechless all the same. 

They’d kissed. In the open. On her family’s property, sure, but if the wrong person happened to be looking for her or her parents, Vi would be ruined. 

But Caitlyn was selfish and weak, and she hadn’t felt this woman’s lips on hers in weeks. She needed Vi like she needed air. Threading a hand through Vi’s hair, Caitlyn pulled her closer, deepening the kiss and erasing what little space was between them. 

Vi’s hands found a place on her waist, squeezing, as Caitlyn licked across her lips. A whine came out as Vi let their tongues slide together, and Caitlyn definitely thought she was going to faint. 

Her head was spinning. Vi hadn’t touched her, not like this, in weeks. She’d known she craved Vi’s touch, but Caitlyn didn’t know how much she needed it until she had it again, and gods, but she didn’t know how she’d be able to give it back up. 

In an effort to be the responsible one for once, Caitlyn started to pull away, sucking in a gasp of air, when Vi yanked her back down. 

Caitlyn must’ve died. There was no other explanation. On the ride into the city, Sterling must’ve spooked and she must’ve been thrown from his back. She had to have hit her head. There was no way this was her reality. It didn’t seem possible—not only was she kissing Vi, but Vi openly admitted she wanted Caitlyn back. 

And then Vi ended the kiss, a smug little smirk upon her swollen lips, and said, “Now I’m done with you.” 

Caitlyn blinked. Forgot how to breathe. “I…you…what?” 

Wordlessly, Vi strolled back across the yard to find her horse. It was a jet black thoroughbred, with a black mane and tail. Sterling, however, was a bay, with a ruddy coat, black stockings, and black hair. 

When Vi mounted her horse, Caitlyn’s brain snapped her into action. She swung herself into Sterling’s saddle with ease and he instantly was at attention, dancing slightly to the side as Vi—and presumably, Atlas—approached. 

“So I’ve heard you like architecture.” 

Vi said it so casually, so calmly, like she hadn’t just had every thought kissed out of that head of hers. She looked so earnest, so confident, and Caitlyn could only laugh. 

“I do.” 

Gesturing behind them to the house proper, Vi said, “So would you like to show me around?” 

Caitlyn would’ve loved nothing more.

The morning slipped by entirely too fast for Caitlyn’s taste. They made their rounds of the house, the stable and pasture, and the parts of the gardens accessible on horseback. Caitlyn promised Vi a real tour of them on foot at another time, trying (and probably failing, based on Vi’s knowing smirk) to sneakily invite Vi back to do this again. 

By the time they made it to the river, the sun was well into the sky. Caitlyn slipped off Sterling’s back easily, taking him by the reins to guide him to the water. He drank lazily, back twitching as she scratched at him absentmindedly. 

“Has this been what you hoped?” Caitlyn asked when Vi and Atlas joined them. 

Vi beamed at her. “It’s been better, honestly. I couldn’t have hoped for it to go so well.” 

So Vi was also having fun. Somehow, Caitlyn couldn’t quite believe it. Her parents had helped Vi do this for her—her parents wanted this to happen. 

“I’m glad.” 

Vi returned the smile burning Caitlyn’s cheeks. “As am I.” The smile quickly fell though, replaced by something akin to uncertainty. “Truth be told, I was worried you…would lose interest.” 

“Why would I?” 

Shrugging, Vi said, “I haven’t been very forthcoming. I’ve been…scared.” 

Caitlyn didn’t understand. “Of what?” 

Vi dropped Atlas’ reins to run a hand across the back of her neck. She couldn’t meet Caitlyn’s eyes. “That you would realize I bring nothing to a marriage. That I offer you nothing except myself.” 

“Vi…” Caitlyn’s heart ached. “I told you, I don’t want for anything except you. You treat me like a person. To be honest, I…” She laughed at herself. “I don’t see why you would return my feelings. If anything, I’ve been extremely insane.” 

“I kind of liked it,” Vi said with a chuckle. Caitlyn flushed at that. “Is it odd to say I decided I liked you when you didn’t immediately have me chained and whipped for accidentally threatening you?” When Caitlyn frowned, Vi continued, “You’ve been…different than what I expected. You see, my family hasn’t moved to Piltover just because we could—we moved here because the air quality in Zaun is poor. Our father is very sick. We hoped moving would help his condition, and it has, but it also really hasn’t. Everyone we’ve met and spoken to since we started traveling back and forth has been…less than welcoming, but…you, Caitlyn, have been nothing short of amazing.” 

Caitlyn felt her blush spread to her ears. 

“You’ve been the highlight of my life the last couple weeks,” Vi admitted. “I was trying to attend parties to make a good impression so my siblings could find happiness, but I never once expected to find someone like you.” 

Someone like me? Caitlyn let out a nervous laugh, looking out over the river because she also couldn’t be meeting Vi’s gaze. It was too much. It wasn’t enough. Caitlyn’s heart was hammering away in her chest. Her hands had begun to sweat. And the whole while, all Caitlyn could really manage to think was holy shit. 

“I never intended to become involved with a Piltie,” Vi said. “If you’d told me this was where I’d find myself a year ago, I would’ve ran you through with my sword.” 

“Hanger,” Caitlyn said, unable to help herself. 

Vi squinted at her. “What?” 

“Your sword,” Caitlyn explained. “It’s a hanger, technically.” 

Vi blinked. Caitlyn didn’t remember when she’d looked back at Vi. “Are you serious?” 

Panic hit. Caitlyn and her stupid mouth had fucked this up, hadn’t it? Who liked to be corrected on a fucking technicality when they were pouring their heart out? She was a fucking fool—

But then Vi was laughing. Laughing so hard her shoulders shook and tears formed in her eyes. Laughing so hard that she fell back against Atlas, holding herself upright by a saddle strap. She pressed a hand to her stomach, almost completely doubling over as she wheezed. 

Vi straightened slowly, letting out little chuckles as she went, brushing her hands down her shirt. Head shaking, Vi marched through the grass, straight up to Caitlyn, and pulled her in for another kiss. 

It was sweet. Short because Caitlyn lost the ability to function with Vi touching her in any capacity. It took her a moment to even attempt to kiss her back, but by then, Vi had already pulled away enough to say, “Is this what you want?” 

There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice. She wavered just slightly, barely enough for Caitlyn to notice. 

“If it is what you want, then yes.” Caitlyn gave her an encouraging smile. “If I’m not who you want, then you’ll be the standard I measure everyone else to for the rest of my life.” 

The smile seemed to ease Vi’s nerves enough for her to laugh. “No pressure then, right?” 

Caitlyn grinned. “None whatsoever, Violet.” 

“I told you—“ 

“Just Vi,” Caitlyn interrupted, “but I like your full name. It’s beautiful.” 

Vi ducked her face, presumably to conceal the redness showing on her cheeks. Unfortunately for her, Caitlyn could see it on her ears with her hair brushed back the way it was. 

“Whatever you say, Cait.” The pointed way she made sure to recall Caitlyn’s specification of her name made Caitlyn laugh. “So…does this mean we’re engaged? That is what you’ve been meaning, right?” 

“I believe that requires a ring,” Caitlyn said. Her stupid smile remained plastered to her face, though, because this outcome was so unexpected. She didn’t know what she did expect, but it wasn’t Vi, half-proposing next to the river with their horses. 

“I best get to work on that, I suppose,” Vi said with a half-nervous, half-excited chuckle. 

Caitlyn’s heart fluttered with warmth. There was no description that could accurately portray how she was feeling. She was elated. Thrilled. Terrified. Excited. Caitlyn briefly feared she had been poisoned with how floaty she was. 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to worry about that?” Caitlyn asked. It was the lone rational thought she had thus far—

“Have I given you the impression I want or need charity?” Vi shot back, not an ounce of venom in her voice. 

“It’s customary in Piltover for the wealthier family to pay for such things. It shows a willingness to support your future family members.” 

Vi arched an eyebrow. “That sounds made-up.” 

Caitlyn scoffed. “I can assure you, it is not. Dowries are things of the past.”

Vi maintained her skeptical look, but shrugged. “I don’t need your charity.” 

“You do realize if we marry my money becomes yours?” Caitlyn said. 

“But until then, I am perfectly independent and capable of purchasing an engagement ring,” Vi said proudly. Caitlyn just rolled her eyes good-naturedly, laughing. 

“What if I wanted to propose?” 

“I’m proposing,” Vi said resolutely. “I’ve decided.” Then, as an afterthought: “I hope you’re not expecting a grand spectacle, though. I’m not interested in that.” 

“Don’t worry, neither am I. I’m sure my mother will want to make a wedding enough of a spectacle to cover both.” 

Vi groaned. “You’re going to be the death of me.” 

Emboldened by the adrenaline and emotions coursing through her body, Caitlyn went straight to Vi and wrapped her arms around her neck. Vi’s lips curled into a downturned smile and her eyes lit up. There was no hesitation when she put her hands on Caitlyn’s waist—even with layers of clothing separating them, Caitlyn swore she could feel warmth spreading through her stomach. 

“In a good way, I hope.” 

“Is there a good way to die?” 

If the heavens opened up and struck her down at this very moment, Caitlyn would die the happiest woman in the world. She was certain of it. So she would say that yes, there was a good way to die. Wrapped in Vi’s arms, the last thing she’d ever see being Vi’s brilliant smile. 

“I can think of a few.”

Throughout much of her life, Caitlyn had dreaded marriage. She didn’t ever enjoy “polite small talk” with any of Piltover’s nobility, and no one was ever brave enough to be themselves around her. There was never anything to talk about those people with—the only exceptions she’d met were already her friends, and Caitlyn could never see Jayce, Mel, or Viktor in a romantic light. She’d known them far too long as close friends. 

But Caitlyn had dreaded it for such a specific reason—knowing she would need to have children. Piltover was accepting enough that it didn’t matter who married who, but if a child was not blood-related to the matriarch/patriarch of the household, they couldn’t inherit. It was an archaic rule, one that many a line had tried and failed to abolish. It just seemed that every time the topic came up, there was never enough support to get rid of it. 

It wouldn’t be a problem any longer, however. Jayce and Viktor had taken Caitlyn and Vi’s marriage personally and thrown almost all of their efforts into figuring out their conundrum with reproduction. It had been a very late wedding gift—it was awkward as all hell in spite of the fact that Jayce had sent it in a package through the fucking mail. 

Awkward as all hell because it was a fucking sex device, and Jayce and Viktor wanted feedback from both of them on how it functioned. 

Caitlyn would never be able to look at either of them again. Her social circle was going to be limited to Mel and Vi’s siblings. 

She was going to be mortified, knowing that if it worked as intended, everyone in all of Piltover would fucking know about it before her or Vi were ready to share that they were pregnant. It would be revolutionary—it would change Piltover, Zaun, maybe all of Runeterra forever. 

The…item, as Caitlyn had decided to call it, was sitting on their nightstand in the package it had come in. She’d opened it, of course. Curiosity and all. She’d wanted to see what it was. Not really knowing what to expect, finding a phallus-shaped object had been startling. Caitlyn knew there were such things around, but she’d never used one with any of her previous partners, so… 

But thinking about it made her wonder if Vi had ever used such an object. It made her wonder if Vi had been the one doing the fucking or getting fucked. And that led her to fantasies of both—Vi above her, hips snapping into her furiously with single-minded determination, or Vi below her, face screwed up in pleasure as she panted and whined. Caitlyn’s fantasies led her down a dark path of need and she’d spent the rest of the workday uncomfortably aroused. 

Which would’ve been fine, except Caitlyn was home alone. Vi was finishing up some contract for some noble family Caitlyn didn’t really care about—someone had stolen some prized familial possession and they offered Vi quite the sum to track down both the thief and the item. Vi had sent word ahead saying she’d be home that day, but she didn’t specify when. 

Caitlyn wouldn’t feel right about immediately propositioning her, but Vi had never been one to say no to sex. Even when they were little more than strangers. If Caitlyn suggested she was remotely interested, Vi was interested. It was both refreshing and overwhelming at times—Caitlyn had once thought that she was sex-crazed, having to be almost constantly sneaking women into her chambers, but Vi was something else. Vi could go from dry as a desert to wetter than a jungle in the blink of an eye. 

Even when she was overwhelmed by it, Caitlyn loved Vi’s eagerness. Caitlyn knew she was attractive—there were never any questions about that. But knowing Vi could be reduced to a desperate puddle in mere minutes just by having captured Caitlyn’s attention was the headiest aphrodisiac Caitlyn encountered. Vi simply wanting her did wonders to put Caitlyn in the right mood. 

Before they married, Caitlyn had confessed to her…troubles. Her affairs. She’d also confirmed that since meeting Vi, she had never had eyes for anyone else, and Vi had just laughed at her. Said something about how Caitlyn shouldn’t find her tastes embarrassing. 

Caitlyn had only been this frustrated once—the days and weeks after their first encounter in the parlor. When Caitlyn had only been able to hope to end up in a similar position. 

Now that she had Vi practically whenever she wanted, Caitlyn found that she could, in fact, become more sex-obsessed. It was a good thing the priests couldn’t read minds, or Caitlyn would be labeled a deviant. 

In her frustrations, Caitlyn had dressed down into a silken robe. It was gentle on her heat-sensitive skin, airy, all while protecting her modesty should any of the house staff walk in (they shouldn’t as they knew she was home, but Caitlyn liked to be safe anyway). 

She found herself in bed, laying atop the covers. Beneath would be too hot—summer really wasn’t her season, was it?—so she stretched out and tried to think about any of the lessons her mother tried imparting on her today, rather than the wife she was waiting to see. 

Wife. Wife. Gods, how had she gotten so lucky?

Vi’s entire day was decidedly terrible. Actually, no, the entire week was terrible. The Lyndovers had contacted her the week prior, offering her a ridiculous amount of money to track down the man who’d stolen their late daughter’s bracelet. It was a golden band inlaid with pearls—so in and of itself, worth a small fortune. 

The only reason Vi had accepted was due to the stolen item being so sentimental. Vi didn’t want or need their money—Caitlyn had enough of it that Vi never wanted for much of anything these days—but she’d take it. She’d give it to Powder, but Powder was being paid equally absurd amounts by Jayce and Viktor, so she didn’t really need it, either. So Vi had decided to give it to the orphanage that had raised Mylo before Vander had adopted him—her and Powder had been with Vander for so long she couldn’t remember a time before that, and the family that had housed Claggor was…well, they weren’t around anymore. 

Caitlyn never seemed bothered when Vi asked to send money to Zaun. If anything, she was bothered that Vi asked her for permission, but Vi wouldn’t feel right about just doing it. Caitlyn’s money would never feel like her own (and most days, Caitlyn was okay with that—she encouraged Vi to keep whatever she made herself, for herself). 

It was an entirely odd situation in Vi’s head. One she still struggled to come to terms with. Not only was she married, but she was married to a Piltie. And not just any Piltie, but the only godsdamned one that seemed to care about Zaun’s struggles for Piltover’s benefit. There was many a night Caitlyn stayed up late, working either alone or with her mother, on crafting laws that sounded like they benefited Piltover over Zaun, but were carefully concealed lies that would do the exact opposite. 

And Caitlyn’s absolute passion for it was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It baffled Vi that anyone would make sacrifices at their own expense for people they should think beneath them. 

Caitlyn had never given Vi reason to believe she thought like that. Not once in the three years they’d been married had Caitlyn ever given Vi cause for concern—she frequented the shooting range with Powder of her own accord these days. Something about “needing to improve” so she could reclaim the title she’d been most proud of (Powder made a distinct point to kick Caitlyn’s ass every time the opportunity arose). And aside from Powder, Caitlyn made an effort to befriend their brothers as well—they didn’t have much in common, but she tried. 

Caitlyn was, in fact, the craziest thing to have ever happened to Vi. 

So when Vi finally dragged herself through their bedroom door, late into the evening, her awful day turned into a tolerable one. Caitlyn was sprawled out on her stomach, wrapped in some fancy purple robe, and absolutely unconscious. Her hair was mussed with strands of cobalt laying over her face, shoulders rising ever so slightly with each breath she took. 

It was fucking surreal. Vi had to sit down sometimes, had to really think to make sure she could remember the decision that led her to this point. How the hell had she gotten so lucky? 

Shaking her head, a faint smile on her lips, Vi began to disrobe. With muskets and flintlocks, armor had become a thing of the past, and Vi was only wearing padded leathers over her uniform (Vi was technically no longer a knight as she didn’t live in Zaun anymore, but she kept the uniform anyway). She pulled her pistols from their holsters, setting them on a dresser, and rested her hanger on the floor beside it. 

The rustling of her clothes must’ve been loud—not that Vi had tried to be particularly quiet about it—because she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. A chin came to rest on her shoulder, and Caitlyn hummed sleepily. 

“Hi.” 

Vi felt a smile work its way onto her lips. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” 

“You most certainly did,” Caitlyn replied, pressing a kiss to her hair. “You came in stomping.” 

“Sorry,” Vi said, though she wasn’t in the least. She’d been hoping Cait would be awake. 

She yawned, stretching against Vi’s back. “What time is it?” 

“Just before midnight.” 

Vi turned in her grasp, smiling up at her. She stood up on her tiptoes—she didn’t need to, but she liked to—so she could kiss her wife, wrapping her arms around her neck. 

Cait was smiling against her mouth. “Welcome home.” 

Home. It warmed Vi from the inside-out. 

“How was your trip?” 

So flippant about it. Vi laughed, saying, “I’d hardly call it a trip. It—what are you doing?” 

Caitlyn had pulled Vi’s belt free of her trousers. Then she was on her knees—gods help her, Vi’s heart ratcheted to the fastest speed it could beat at the sight. Cait’s long, delicate fingers were beginning to make work of Vi’s bootlaces. Her mouth ran dry. 

“Helping,” Caitlyn said in what was a perfectly innocent tone. “Keep talking. I’m listening.” 

The look on her face was anything but innocent, so Vi looked elsewhere, trying to keep her focus. 

“I’m no bounty hunter,” Vi said. 

Caitlyn made a noise of affirmation, applying gentle pressure to Vi’s ankle so she’d lift her leg. The first boot was off, and so was Vi’s rapidly slipping sanity. It was a fucking boot, but Caitlyn fucking staring at her like that, using those devilish hands of hers to rub her ankle? Fuck, Vi wasn’t even supposed to be looking at her because it made it too hard to think. 

She refocused again, eyes locking firmly on the windows on the far side of the room. The entirety of the gardens could be seen from there, and Vi almost laughed at the sight everyday. She’d gone out there all those years ago to get a fucking grip and diffuse the irritation those Pilties were causing, and ran into the most infuriating of them all. 

Caitlyn pinched her thigh. “Get distracted, darling?” 

Eyes firmly locked on the distant bushes and flowers, Vi persisted. “It feels…beneath me. To be reduced to such things.” 

“Hmm.” Caitlyn repeated the motion, tugging Vi’s other boot off. “You are a knight. Perhaps you should’ve told them that.” 

“I’m no knight anymore,” Vi said with a snort, “but I’m no bounty hunter, either. I’m not a thief.” 

Bounty hunters had a reputation in both Piltover and Zaun for a reason. 

“I know that, love.” Caitlyn kissed the inside of Vi’s thigh—she couldn’t feel Caitlyn’s lips, but it sent a shiver down her spine anyway. Caitlyn stood then, offering what was probably an apologetic smile. She kissed Vi’s face—her forehead, her nose, both eyes. “You don’t have to defend yourself to me.” 

“I know,” Vi ground out, eyes locking on Caitlyn’s with the sheer determination of a woman who wouldn’t be beaten. Mischief was twinkling in those blue orbs. Vi was no stranger to Caitlyn’s games—she liked to tease. She liked to see how far she could push Vi until Vi snapped, but there wouldn’t be any of that tonight. 

If Caitlyn was starting this so early, then she’d been desperate for hours. And if she was that desperate, then Vi was going to make her work for it. 

“I don’t like being reduced to a criminal by these people,” Vi said, resolutely ignoring the fact that Caitlyn’s hands were working from the bottom of her gambeson up. “I told you they’d never accept a Zaunite.” 

“I don’t care what they think of you,” Caitlyn retorted. “You’re my wife and a better person than anyone I know. They can rot in the hells for all I care.” 

Vi laughed again, accidentally letting her gaze fall to Caitlyn’s hands. She was untying the knots holding the gambeson in place; she’d made it past Vi’s hips, thank the Gods. Vi wouldn’t survive watching Cait’s hands work by her hips. In fact, she’d probably have to look away when her hands made their way up to her chest, too. 

“You’re raunchy today,” Vi commented. 

“Because my wife has been gone for nearly a week. I was lonely.” Vi tore her eyes up, smiling faintly when she noted the look of absolute concentration on Caitlyn’s face. Her brows were furrowed ever so slightly, totally focused on her self-imposed task. “You try putting up with every upstart noble in the city and tell me how you like abstinence.” 

The pout was adorable. It made Vi’s heart fucking melt so quickly she thought it might fall into her stomach. 

If that was what Caitlyn wanted, Vi wouldn’t deny her. She was still determined to make her work for it, though, and Vi had a willpower to rival a god’s. 

When Caitlyn made to push the garment from her shoulders, Vi let her arms fall back to her sides and held them there. She let herself admire the curve of Caitlyn’s lips as she smirked, clearly proud of herself. She admired the expanse of pale skin on display—Vi could never decide if her favorite part of Caitlyn was her neck or her ass. Sure, Vi liked the rest, but Caitlyn’s ass was fucking perfect. It looked even better with reddened cheeks as Vi took her from behind. And her neck was so sensitive. Vi could turn her into a panting mess in seconds with a few well-placed kisses. 

But Vi could only see so many inches, none of which were her ass. So for the time being, her favorite would be Caitlyn’s neck. 

The robe she wore was both flattering and maddening. It hugged her curves, somehow making her waist even fucking smaller—no, her waist was Vi’s favorite feature because how in the fuck was that possible—with an opening that left little to the imagination. Maybe it was the way Caitlyn had wrapped herself in it, or maybe it was from the way she’d slept in it, but the opening split down between her breasts, leaving just enough skin covered that it bordered between a tease and full-on pornography. 

Vi so desperately wanted to be between her tits, but she remained still. Caitlyn was working on the buttons to her trousers, knelt in front of her again, that fucking pout back on her unfairly beautiful face. 

Her eyes glanced up at Vi briefly. The pout shifted to a grin, and Vi knew all this was intentional. She was playing her games. 

Vi was going to be strong. She was going to win this round. She was not letting Caitlyn play her like a fiddle. 

Lifting her chin, trying to appear uninterested—which was a miserable failure, based solely on the way she felt her face burning—Vi said, “Take your robe off.”

Caitlyn’s hands froze. She didn’t look up. “Excuse me?” 

Scoffing, Vi said, “You heard me. Take it off.” 

She needed the upper hand before Caitlyn got her pants off and found her uncomfortably wet. 

“That’s very improper, Violet,” Caitlyn said in that snarky, bratty tone of hers. 

So that was how tonight was going to go. Vi couldn’t object to that. 

Just as Caitlyn’s hands slipped beneath her tunic to go for the hem of her pants, Vi jerked her upright. Fisting a hand through the hair at the nape of her neck, Vi pulled her in for a bruising kiss. Caitlyn didn’t seem disappointed in the least, humming happily as Vi snaked a hand behind her. She took a handful of her and Caitlyn gasped. A rush coursed through Vi’s body as she took the opportunity to slide their tongues together. 

She tasted of wine. Had she been drinking? Without Vi? How inconsiderate.  

All of this was inconsiderate, actually. Caitlyn thought Vi wasn’t also frustrated after being apart for a week? Caitlyn thought it was fair to be prancing around in a revealing little outfit? It was absurd—since Vi first had Cait in that parlor, every time she’d seen her, it was the equivalent of reading a dirty romance novel. Her brain would replay that night over and over on repeat. 

Vi could never have enough of her. 

She walked them back towards the bed. Didn’t miss the way Caitlyn willingly fell backwards on it after her legs hit the mattress. Didn’t miss the way her chest heaved as she took a deep breath. Didn’t miss the way her hands fisted in the blanket. Vi definitely did not miss the way Caitlyn’s hands ran up her chest when she climbed on top of her. 

Putting her weight on an elbow, Vi used her free hand to untie the loose knot of Caitlyn’s robe. Forced herself to refrain from kissing her senseless—Vi’s favorite quirk of Caitlyn’s and there was no debate about that—so she could look upon her body. 

Even three years of marriage could put no damper on how beautiful Caitlyn was. It could never diminish that initial sense of holy shit this is my fucking wife Vi got every time she saw Caitlyn’s tits. 

Vi groaned as she pushed the flaps aside, leaning down to run her tongue across the underside of her breast. Caitlyn made some strangled noise deep in her chest as she arched her back. 

“Gods, I’ve missed you.” Vi pressed open-mouthed kisses up her sternum, forgoing Caitlyn’s nipples just to frustrate her. “I’ve missed you so much.” She turned to press those same kisses along the column of her throat, letting her eyes drift shut so she could truly bask in her wife’s presence. When she inhaled, she got such a strong whiff of Caitlyn’s soap—cinnamon and cardamom—that it almost made her dizzy. 

“I missed you,” Caitlyn replied, sounding a little breathless. One of her hands had found Vi’s hair, and she was dragging Vi’s mouth up, away from her neck, so she could kiss her properly. When Vi tried to lean in to accommodate, Caitlyn placed a finger on her lips. “I need to tell you something before we get…distracted.” 

Vi blinked. A muffled, “Distracted?”

“Jayce sent us something.” As her eyebrows rose, Caitlyn pushed on her chest to get her to sit up. Confused, Vi sat back on her haunches, but Caitlyn remained sprawled out, opting to simply prop herself up with her elbows. “He claims it’s a solution to one of our…more obvious problems.” 

That didn’t exactly go inspiring any confidence. Or provide any answers. 

“We have problems?”

“The heir problem,” Caitlyn said, like that alone would answer the multitude of unfinished questions swirling through Vi’s head. 

“How is Jayce going to fix that?” 

Dragging a hand down her gorgeous face, Caitlyn pointed at the nightstand. There was a box that had once been tied shut—the cord was cut open, laying beneath it in frayed tatters, and the lid was half-on, half-off. 

Vi stood, reaching to shed her tunic. Something about that made Caitlyn groan and Vi flashed her a grin. 

“You know I hate unwrapping you,” Caitlyn complained. Vi had her breasts bound with linen—it was fresh…at one point. She’d spent most of the day sweating, so she was sure there were stains on the fabric and that it didn’t smell very nice. 

“You do not.” 

Caitlyn flopped over dramatically. “…you’re lucky you’re right.” 

As Vi pushed aside the lid, she said, “I’m beyond—“ 

Words failed her. 

Inside the box sat what could only be described as a very strange-looking dildo. Vi had seen plenty in her time. Usually, they were crafted from wood or leather, but this was made of something…else. Vi wasn’t sure what the material was, but when she lifted it from the box, it was surprisingly soft. Not soft enough to be incapable of fulfilling its purpose, but soft enough that it likely didn’t hurt, or require the usual amount of getting used to. 

“They sent us a penis,” was Vi’s first thought. And not just any penis, but an odd, floppy blue thing. “Why did they send us a dildo?” 

Caitlyn was blushing furiously, all the way down to her breasts. “They claim it’ll fix the problem.” 

Vi blinked. Looked at Cait. Looked at the dildo. Looked back at Cait. “We can get pregnant from this.” 

It was meant as a question, but came out very seriously. 

“That is what they claim.” Caitlyn slid from their bed, shucking her robe to the floor. “It’s magic. Viktor told me about it, uh, right before I met you, actually.” 

Completely straight-faced, Vi said, “So it’s a magic penis.” 

Caitlyn had the gall to look offended as she laughed—all the while being naked. “Vi, you can’t say that!” 

With her cheeks reddened and shoulders shaking, Vi let herself laugh too. “But that’s what it is!” 

Looking down at the dildo, Vi was overcome by a wave of emotion—which sounded absurdly ridiculous, but you couldn’t blame her. Vi was skeptical, yes, but she was being offered the chance of having a child of her own (you would never catch her following that Piltie custom). How was she not supposed to be a little emotional? 

“I-is that…what you want?” Vi asked, sounding small and unsure. Vi was comfortable admitting Caitlyn loved her, but this was a different kind of love. It was a different kind of trust. “Tonight?” 

Despite feeling overwhelmed, Vi was still just a woman, and the idea of fucking her wife senseless was becoming more and more appealing the longer she stood here. 

Caitlyn lifted her head. Her throat bobbed as she gulped, but she nodded. Slowly. Hesitantly. “If you do.” 

“You think we’re ready for that? For a baby?” 

“We don’t even know if it’ll work, Vi.” Caitlyn stood, took a few small steps to her side. “And if it does, our child will be a blessing. They’ll change everything.” 

Unable to help herself—jokes helped her calm down—Vi said, “Sounds like a lot of responsibility for a toddler.” 

“I’ll have you know I came out of the womb holding an inkwell and quill.” 

Caitlyn understood her so well. She could see the conflicting emotions written so plainly on Vi’s face—she didn’t need Vi to explain herself. She knew Vi better than Vi knew herself, and gods, did she fucking adore that about Cait. She always knew what Vi needed—whether it was a swift kick in the ass or a good boob joke, Caitlyn was prepared. 

“I’ll also have you know I’ve been fantasizing all day, so you better not disappoint me.” 

Vi snorted a laugh. “You’re dropping unrealistic expectations on our child that doesn’t even exist, and now you’re pressuring me for sex?” 

Caitlyn blinked innocently. “No pressure. Just…heavy encouragement.” Then she smiled gently, resting a hand on Vi’s cheek. “I would never make you do something you’re uncomfortable with.” 

Vi returned the smile. “I know.” Her eyes were drawn back to the dildo, and then back to Caitlyn. She swallowed, willing her heart to calm down. It left a strange hole in her chest, one that only filled when she took a deep breath. “Was I the one using this on you? Or were you using it on me?” 

At that, Caitlyn’s cheeks reddened. “You…were wearing it. You missed part of the package.” 

Vi turned, peering back into the box to find a simple set of leather straps. A brass ring sat on one end while each loop had spare length to tighten and adjust the fit—a harness. 

It felt like Vi was struck by a cannonball, center mass. The very idea, the fucking concept, of having Caitlyn pinned beneath her, whimpering and moaning into her ear, was enough to make Vi ravenous. It was enough to forget her self-consciousness, and she grinned wolfishly at Cait. 

She would look so good impaled on Vi’s cock. Vi could picture it in her head—Caitlyn, sweat-slicked and flushed, a babbling, begging mess while Vi took her slowly. Caitlyn, sitting on her lap and rocking her hips to take more and more. Caitlyn, bent over in bed with Vi pressing her shoulders down while she tried to fuck herself back on Vi’s cock.

“I must warn you, though,” Caitlyn started, an obvious quiver in her voice, “I’ve never…done this before. With the…object.” 

Vi’s entire thought process crashed around her. Suddenly, this was about making this an enjoyable experience for Caitlyn first, rather than both of them. This was for Caitlyn because Caitlyn wanted Vi specifically to fuck her. 

“I’ll take care of you,” Vi promised. 

Caitlyn smiled as Vi pressed her lips to her cheek. “I know.”

They’d been in bed for what felt like hours, Vi teasing her with her mouth and fingers, before Caitlyn finally got what she’d been craving since she’d opened that damned box. Vi, standing before her in that harness, slipping the base of the dildo into the ring. 

“It has to sit against your skin,” Caitlyn said, reciting Jayce’s instructions. “It—“ 

The thing fucking glowed. Not only was it blue, but it fucking glowed. It wasn’t bright; it was dim, but very much visible in the low lighting of their quarters. Vi’s breath hitched as it activated and Caitlyn watched her abdominal muscles clench and relax and clench again. 

Vi let out a breathy little whine. “It…shit, Cait, I—I can feel it.” 

Unable to help herself, she reached a hand out to press to Vi’s stomach. She was shaking and breathing hard, staring at Caitlyn’s hand as she traced through the divots and grooves down to the base of the dildo. Vi sucked in a sharp breath and held it as Caitlyn stroked down the length, hands curled into tight fists at her side. 

“This isn’t real.” 

A laugh bubbled out of Caitlyn’s chest. “I can assure you, darling, that it is.” 

She experimented with different types of touches—after all, she’d never experienced this before, and she was certain Vi hadn’t felt anything like what she was feeling either. Caitlyn wanted it to be good—she wanted Vi to feel good, to know wholeheartedly that Caitlyn loved her more than anything in the world, that she was so, so glad that they were going to both be trying something new and that they were doing it together. 

Flicking her thumb over the tip, Caitlyn delighted in the way Vi gasped and jerked, jutting her hips forward for more. Her eyebrows were drawn, as if she was thinking hard about something, but her focus was entirely on Caitlyn, watching with a hooded gaze as Caitlyn played with her. 

Squeezing at the base before stroking her to the tip. Squeezing the entire length as she ran the cock through her hands. Using the barest pressure, ghosting along the length. By the faces Vi was making, it was simultaneously one of the best things she’d ever felt, and also pure, unadulterated torture. 

Caitlyn liked this side of Vi. The one that let her take the lead, use her body as she saw fit, tease her and work her up and over until Vi was the one seeing stars. Caitlyn had no complaints about their sex life, but gods, did she love seeing Vi let go like this. 

All the better, then, that Vi had spent the better part of the last hour bringing Caitlyn so close to the edge, and then backing off. It made it more rewarding, made her feel all smug and fuzzy inside that she too could leave Vi feeling this strung out. 

After three years, Caitlyn would have thought she might’ve settled into this. Into them. 

Feeling emboldened by the look on Vi’s face, Caitlyn leaned her head down and carefully—albeit somewhat nervously—licked the head. 

Vi’s hips bucked. “Shit—fuck—Cait, what are you—“ 

Caitlyn liked the breathlessness of Vi’s voice too much to stop there. She licked Vi’s cock to the base, deciding it was fine to not feel comfortable shoving it down her throat just yet—regardless of how enticing the thought of Vi owning her so thoroughly might be. 

She’d barely made her way back to the tip when Vi was pulling her off, chest heaving from heavy breaths. 

“Not gonna last with you doing that,” Vi slurred. She pushed Caitlyn down to the mattress, sucking a hungry mark into her neck. The noise Caitlyn made in response was shameful, but Caitlyn couldn’t bring herself to care. “Gods, you’re beautiful. Cait—“ 

Always such a talker. Caitlyn fucking adored it. 

She met Vi halfway, both dragging her and lunging up to claim Vi’s mouth with hers. The kiss was sloppy, wet, messy. It was hard to be coordinated, what with Vi’s hands touching her hips. Then her stomach. Then back to her hips, down to her thighs. Her legs shook as Vi spread her by the knees, trying valiantly to stifle the whimper that worked its way out of her. 

Vi groaned at the sight of her, like she hadn’t just had her head buried between Caitlyn’s thighs. “Always so wet for me.” 

Caitlyn nodded hurriedly, rapidly losing any semblance of coherence with Vi looking at her like that. “Just for you.” 

The first time they’d done this, Vi demanded Caitlyn admit she was hers. That felt significant somehow, but before Caitlyn could finish connecting the dots, Vi had taken the dildo in her hand—not without a pleasant little gasp—and begun dragging it painfully slowly through Caitlyn’s folds. 

It was warm, and maybe Caitlyn should find that disturbing, but in the moment, the only thing she could think about was how close she felt to Vi. They’d experimented with different positions, trying to fit into each other so they could get off and be as close as possible at the same time. They’d laid with their cunts pressed together, hips jerking and rolling, and while it was fucking amazing, it never provided enough stimulation. It was never enough. 

But like this, Vi could bury herself inside Caitlyn and they could rock their pelvises the way they both needed, and Caitlyn could have Vi’s body squished onto hers the way she desperately craved. 

Just the fucking thought of it made her clench. 

Vi dropped forward onto her free hand, panting. Her eyes were squeezed shut, but flew open when Caitlyn’s hands came to cup her face. 

Radiant would never be enough to describe her, but it was the closest word Caitlyn had. 

“Is this—“ Vi cut herself off as she shuddered, licking her lips. Her motions stilled and she braced her hand on Caitlyn’s thigh. “Fuck, is this okay? Is this what you want?” 

Caitlyn nodded again. “I wouldn’t have asked if I hadn’t already thought it through.” 

Caitlyn had thought of it many times. Of how it would feel to have a child running through the halls, across the grounds. Of how it might leave her feeling hollow, knowing the child wasn’t really hers and Vi’s, and how this fucking dildo could magically—literally—change that for them. Of how mind-numbingly, stupidly happy Caitlyn would be, seeing Vi with their child, hoisting them up, smiling, laughing. 

If some part of Caitlyn didn’t want that life with Vi, then she wouldn’t have said yes. Even if she never really put thought into marriage aside from her general disgust with the inheritance concept, part of Caitlyn had known she wanted this. With Vi. 

Vi’s smile was easy, if a little wrecked. It might’ve even warmed Caitlyn’s heart had the rest of her blood not rushed south. 

“I love you.” 

It wasn’t the first time Caitlyn had said it, nor would it be the last, but it always had the desired effect. Vi’s grin grew until her face threatened to split in half. 

“I love you.” 

Always the same response. 

Vi shifted back on her heels, manhandling Caitlyn until her ass was resting on Vi’s thighs. A hand ran up Caitlyn’s torso, pausing briefly to squeeze a breast, before resting on her neck. 

A thrill shot through Caitlyn’s body and Vi grinned wickedly. But despite that evil, evil grin, Vi’s voice was gentle when she said, “Tell me if it hurts.” 

Caitlyn nodded once, sharply, as Vi teased her again with the head. She groaned, lifting her hips, trying to force them closer because now she was abruptly, painfully aware of how fucking desperate she was to be fucked. 

It was that little rock, the insistent jump, that let the tip slip inside. Caitlyn’s breath hitched and Vi whined, free hand slapping down around Caitlyn’s calf. 

“Gods, god, fuck—“ Vi’s nails dug in as she jogged her hips, pressing just slightly deeper. “—it’s… Cait, mmph, you’re so tight—“ 

One of Caitlyn’s hands scrambled, seeking out Vi’s. She needed this. Needed to be close. Needed it more than air. The ache between her legs was so great that even the couple inches Vi had given were more maddening than satisfying, and she whined, “Please, Vi.” 

Thank the Gods that knocked some sense into her. Vi gave up on pretenses and crumpled over Caitlyn as she snapped her hips forward. Caitlyn’s head fell back as she cried out. 

Vi was so warm. Her skin was hot, but her cock burned, igniting Caitlyn from the inside out. She whimpered as Vi shifted, withdrawing only slightly before burying herself again. 

“Feels so good,” Vi panted. She pressed their foreheads together and Caitlyn seized the opportunity—she fisted her hand into the hair at the nape of Vi’s neck, dragging her in for a kiss. Vi moaned against her lips as Caitlyn licked a path across them. 

It was good. Better than Caitlyn had dared to hope. Better than she could’ve expected in her wildest fantasies. Whatever material the cock was made of was fucking divine—it caught, it slipped, it dragged along her walls, and Caitlyn was drunk on the way Vi moved against her. Vi knew exactly where that delightful spot inside of her was after years of experience, and once she’d figured out exactly how to pump into it, Caitlyn was gone. 

She got lost in the syrupy pleasure of Vi fast. Had they not been together as long as they had, Caitlyn likely would’ve been embarrassed by how easy it was to get her so turned on. 

But they’d been together for years and Vi knew exactly how to touch her, fuck her, kiss her, to turn Caitlyn into a blabbering mess. And gods, did Vi fuck her. 

After a few shallow thrusts to allow Caitlyn to get used to the stretch, Vi sank the entire cock into her. Caitlyn keened, back arching as she tried to press their bodies closer, craving, needing, desiring nothing more than for them to fuse into one being because holy fuck, did she want Vi to feel what she was feeling. 

Vi’s shoulders were shaking from restraint even as she whispered praises into Caitlyn’s ear—“you’re so good for me”, “you’re so gorgeous like this”, “take me, Cait, please.” 

Then Vi withdrew, leaving Caitlyn almost entirely empty, before thrusting back in as deep as she could get. Gods, it was fucking good. Her toes curled with each thrust. Their breasts rubbed with each twitch of their bodies. It was intoxicating, feeling Vi like this, listening to Vi’s whimpers and gasps, watching her get off even as Caitlyn did. Getting to be part of it in more ways than simply being a spectator. 

Vi moaned into her neck as Caitlyn threaded her fingers through her hair to pull them down. “Please, Cait—I—please—“ 

“Yes, yes, Vi, yes—“ 

Vi crushed their lips together, but they didn’t really kiss. They were both panting, breathing into each other, little more than desperate fools searching for release together. 

“You feel so good,” Caitlyn breathed. Each stroke could be felt all the way from her toes to her head. It spread from her core like a wildfire, consuming every thought she had until Vi, in this very moment, was all she could think about. “So good, Vi, please, please, please, I—“ 

The heat was coiling tighter. It was never going to take her long, not after seeing Vi on her knees earlier. Caitlyn loved looking at Vi like that, knowing she was the only person in the world that Vi would offer herself so completely to, the only person Vi trusted enough to fully turn her gaze away from. 

“Cum for me.” Vi lifted one of Caitlyn’s legs, dragging it over her hips. “Please, Cait. Wanna feel you cum. Please, gods, shit.” Caitlyn’s legs were shaking and she was starting to grind up into each of Vi’s thrusts, whimpering with each brush against her clit. After a few passes, Vi noticed each whine, and she dropped her hand from Caitlyn’s thigh. “Yes, that’s it. Good—hnff, fuck—good girl. Cum for me.” 

All it took was that first brush of Vi’s thumb against her clit and the tension snapped like a wire. Caitlyn cried out as her muscles contracted, every fiber of her being trying to pull Vi closer, deeper, into her fucking skin. Vi fucked her through every tremor, moaning unabashedly into Caitlyn’s neck, kissing and licking her way along smooth, soft skin. Vi fucked her until Caitlyn forgot what it was like to not be pinned beneath her, cock sliding in and out of her cunt. Vi fucked her until Caitlyn couldn’t feel her legs and was so sensitive she had to push her hand away.

When Vi came, it was different. Her hips stuttered against Caitlyn’s and she dropped forward, losing all strength in her arms, as she jerked and buried her cock as deep as she could go. A rush of heat filled her, coating her walls, making Caitlyn feel sticky, and…she smiled. 

Caitlyn had never felt so full. 

She stroked her hand absentmindedly down Vi’s spine as she trembled, breathing hard into the crook of her neck. Vi’s muscles twitched and jumped beneath her hands, shivering and recoiling and pressing closer all at once. She hummed a tune as she ran her hands up into Vi’s hair, brushing sweat-slicked strands out of her eyes. 

Vi blinked up at her, eyes hazy. A dopey smile overtook her lips and Caitlyn’s heart swelled. “Hi.” 

That was Caitlyn’s line, but she’d let it slide. “Hi.” 

Vi’s eyes closed as she nuzzled closer. “Was nice.” 

Laughing, Caitlyn said, “It was quite pleasant.” 

Vi mumbled something, but didn’t make any move to roll off her. Instead, she lifted her head when Caitlyn didn’t respond. “Was that okay?” 

The worry in her wife’s eyes was palpable. It was appreciated, but unnecessary. 

“It was amazing.” 

Vi offered a hesitant smile. That didn’t mean her worries were erased, apparently, because then she was asking, “What if it…works?” Caitlyn arched an eyebrow—clearly it worked if they were both having mind-numbing orgasms from it. “What if you get pregnant?” 

Caitlyn took her adorably concerned face in her hands. “Then you and I will raise the most spoiled, honorable, loving child Piltover and Zaun have ever seen.” 

Vi settled back down. She paused, mulling over her thoughts. She didn’t lift her head again when she spoke, instead muttering into Caitlyn’s skin, “What if I’m not a good mother?” 

That made Caitlyn’s heart ache. She ran her fingers through Vi’s hair, saying, “You are the most devoted woman I know. You’re going to be a fantastic mother.” 

“I didn’t—“ She swallowed. “I didn’t have a mother for much of my life. I don’t know how to act…motherly.” 

Caitlyn continued humming, kept brushing through Vi’s hair because she knew Vi liked it. “You concoct a plan with your child’s suitor and pretend to be sick so they can get fake-engaged.” A small chuckle escaped Vi, so Caitlyn added, “You’re fantastic with your siblings. You almost act like a mother to them. It’ll just be…transitioning that to a child.” 

Vi made a noise. “Easier said than done.” Huffing, Caitlyn flicked the top of her head. Vi flinched, head snapping up. “What was that for?” 

“For being unnecessarily hard on yourself. Stop it. I don’t like when you talk about yourself like this.”

Vi made a face like she thought to argue, but Caitlyn must’ve been matching her glare tit for tat, so Vi deflated pretty quickly. She wouldn’t want to argue after just getting home (and Caitlyn didn’t either). 

When Vi laid her head back down, rolling slightly to the side so Caitlyn could hug her, Caitlyn said, “I wouldn’t have married you if I thought you’d be a bad parent.” 

“You married me because you thought I was mysterious.” 

Caitlyn couldn’t help laughing. “You can’t say someone threatening to behead you—to your face—when they don’t even know who you are isn’t a little intriguing.” 

Vi shifted so her head was resting on Caitlyn’s shoulder, and then rolled so they were face-to-face. She was wearing a sleepy smile. “Is it not ‘intriguing’ when that same person lets you in their trousers not an hour later?” 

“Hmm.” Caitlyn kissed her nose, her eyes, her cheeks. Vi made an appreciative noise deep in her throat. “I knew you were exceptional the moment I met you.” 

“Could’ve been exceptionally insane,” Vi replied, biting back a yawn. She wrapped her arm around Caitlyn’s waist, dragging her body closer. Caitlyn watched as Vi got comfortable, stretching her legs out with a satisfied groan before nuzzling back in. 

“You would’ve been exceptional either way.” 

Vi snorted half-heartedly. Each blink of her eyes was coming slower, taking longer to reopen, and Caitlyn couldn’t stop smiling. “You’re such a sap.” 

“Only because I have a wife worth being sappy about.” 

Vi just hummed, eyes closed, and Caitlyn was sure her face would split in half with how hard she was grinning. It burned her cheeks. 

By the time Vi was snoring softly, Caitlyn’s heart was so warm and full of love and happiness that she didn’t rightly care if Jayce’s invention worked or not—she could care and worry about it tomorrow. For now, she just wanted to sleep, curled tightly around her wife. 

So she did.