#┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧ ɴɪᴄᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɢᴏɴɴᴀ ɢᴏ ғᴀʀ ᴋɪᴅ - Post Arcane

[gaevaer]

@allpossibilities has said: "we need more lights"

Caitlyn stepped down from the stool after hanging the last piece of the lights, carefully adjusting her balance as she surveyed the tree. Her gaze flicked over the countless strands of twinkling lights already wrapped meticulously around the branches. At Jayce’s suggestion, her voice shot up several pitches, tinged with disbelief. ❝ More?❞

She tilted her head to the side, narrowing her one good eye as she took in the tree. ❝ Jayce, I’m pretty sure if we add any more lights, we’ll not only blind everyone within a hundred-mile radius and in space, but the tree itself might just combust on the spot.❞

She stepped back, hands on her hips, squinting at the already dazzling display. ❝ Seriously, have you even looked at it? It’s practically glowing like a second sun. If we put anything else on it, we might need safety goggles just to walk into the room.❞

Caitlyn rolled her eye, gesturing to the top of the tree where a beautiful star already sat. ❝ The top is fine. In fact, the whole tree is fine. It’s festive, it’s glowing, it’s borderline dangerous. Mission accomplished.❞

She let out a small sigh, brushing her hair back and muttering under her breath. ❝ Honestly, if I’d known this was going to turn into a competition to see how much electricity we could waste, I would’ve stayed in my office.❞ She shook her head but couldn’t help the faint smile creeping onto her lips.

[gaevaer]

Caitlyn listened to Vi’s words, her heart aching with the weight of them. She squeezed her lover's hand gently, her thumb moving over her skin in slow, soothing circles. She wanted to believe in what Vi said, that she would choose her over and over again if given the choice, but she couldn’t ignore the reality of their choices, the complexity of it all. Caitlyn couldn't make herself hope, or believe that one would choose her life if it was between family or herself in a time of danger, yet she also couldn’t bring herself to doubt their bond now. Vi had made her choice, time and time again, and that alone meant everything.

❝ Of course, my sweetness,❞ Caitlyn said softly, her voice full of warmth. ❝ We can do this however you feel is right. If you want to cremate him and scatter his ashes where it matters to you, we can. If you want a ceremony and a burial, without the body, we can do that too. Whatever would help you say goodbye. I’ll make sure it’s exactly how you need it to be.❞ She paused, her thumb continuing its steady rhythm over Vi’s skin, her mind focused only on her girlfriends comfort alone.

❝ I’m here to help you through this, Vi. Just say the words, and I’ll make it happen. You’ll have what you need to lay your father to rest, in the way that gives you peace. You'll have everything you'll ever need in regards to this, and... Everything else in life.❞

As Vi settled on her lap, Caitlyn felt the weight of the moment settle over them. She sat up, which made her wince and groan, the pain from her injury and her ribs a constant reminder of her own fragility, but she knew she needed to keep moving, to show Vi she was still there and to ensure her body still remembered how to move. Slowly, carefully, she shifted herself into a sitting position, feeling a sharp sting in her torso as she did. She gritted her teeth, but the effort was worth it.

Gently, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Vi’s head in her lap, then sat back up with a deep breath. Her whole body ached, but she didn’t care. She kept her hand over Vi’s chest, her other hand moving to stroke through her hair, offering what comfort she could.

❝ It’s not selfish, sweetheart,❞ Caitlyn murmured, her voice soft but firm. ❝ It’s a request, and I’ll gladly honor it. I never planned on leaving you alone. Not for one second. You have my word, I’ll never leave you again. Not until I take my last breath.❞

She took a deep breath, her body reminding her that she needed to rest, but she couldn’t let go of this moment just yet. She gently pulled her hand away, moving it behind her to support herself as she eased back onto the pillows.

❝ Come here,❞ Caitlyn said softly, patting the spot next to her. ❝ Lay with me, here, where I can hold you. You can rest on my chest or my shoulder. Just come here, where I can be close to you.❞

Once the other complied, she kissed Vi’s temple softly, pulling her in closer. ❝ Stop thinking this is wrong or selfish, Vi. You’re asking me for what makes you feel safe and comforted. And I will always give that to you. I’ll never leave you again. You’ll never have to fight alone.❞

@gaevaer - "Does it hurt?" Caitlyn asked softly, her voice breaking the stillness of the room. She lay propped against her pillows, still weak, her head tilting slightly as she tried to adjust to her limited vision, focusing on Vi beside her.

"It has to," she murmured. "Losing Vander, Jinx... it must feel unbearable."

Her gaze lingered on Vi, looking for the emotions she was trying so hard to get out of her. "I spoke to my team — they never found her body, or any sign of her besides that bomb. Maybe... maybe she got out." Caitlyn paused, her voice soft and steady.

"You don't talk to me about this. Don’t hide from me, Violet. Not because I’m hurt, not ever. Don't hide your own pain."

Vi laid there in the bed, thinking Caitlyn had fallen asleep, which left her alone with her own thoughts. She pulled her legs up to her chest as her hand wrapped around her chest and her palm pressed against her face. She couldn’t stop thinking about it, Vander. She had him. Right there, and then they took him from her. They turned him into some mindless beast. His eyes were no longer warm; only empty and it broke her. She swore she saw a tear in his eyes when she held his face.

And then.... Jinx. She heard her behind her, but she couldn’t leave Vander, not again. She couldn’t abandon them all again. It was hard for her to resist the urge to blame herself, but she couldn’t stop it. And that echoing thought ripped through her again. They are dead because of her. Mylo, Claggor, Vander, Powder. And Now, Vander again, and Jinx.

Caitlyn’s voice snapped Vi out of her mind, not realizing she had tears streaking down her face. Her emotions complicated her thoughts. Both relieved and happy that Caitlyn lived and breathed, and yet guilt and regret that she had been the reason for their deaths again. “It’s my fault,” Vi whispered as she curled into herself. “My heart is ripped out all over again. I don’t know what is worse, when I first lost them, or to have them and lose them all over again. Everything hurts, and then... I thought I lost you.” Her throat clenched as she rubbed her eyes.

“I shouldn’t be troubling you with this. You need to heal,” Vi whispered, so desperately wanting to crawl into Caitlyn’s arms and cry into her chest, but she didn’t want to hurt her. Bruises colored her skin and wounds still needing to heal. “Why did I go look? I should have gone to look!” Vi pressed her fist up against her forehead and tightening her eyes closed. “She would have looked for me, why didn’t I...” Dare she have hope? that Jinx still lived; that she was out there somewhere. Living a life. She had to cling to this hope, otherwise she would die inside.

“It just hurts, all over. I want physical pain, I can handle that. I don’t know what to do with this. I can’t make it stop.” Vi lifted both of her hands up to her face and pressed her eyes against her palms as she couldn’t stop the emotional overload falling from her eyes. She would have found a bottle and drown herself in alcohol and it tempted her. Whispered against the edges of her lips to find that sweet whisky to disappear within its liquid.

[gaevaer]

@strxngertogether has found caitlyn crying

Caitlyn rarely cried anymore. She liked to think she’d grown too strong for that, hardened by everything life had thrown at her. The world had beaten her down, but she’d been tempered by it, like steel forged in fire. Or at least, that’s what she told herself. Tears didn’t come easily these days. But tonight was different.

Frustration had overtaken her, the kind that crept in when she let her guard down. She sat at her desk, trying — and failing — to return to work. She could only make it to her home office, since even with crutches, she couldn’t make it too far. Her elbows rested on the desk, both hands supporting her head, which was bowed in defeat. Her tears were quiet, slipping from her single good eye, the other hidden beneath an eyepatch that still felt unfamiliar.

She was angry. Angry that she couldn’t see properly anymore. Angry at her own weakness, at how her body refused to move the way she needed it to. Her legs were useless. Her hands shook too much to hold a pen, and when she tried to write, even her name came out as an unrecognizable scrawl. Every small failure felt like a knife twisting deeper in her heart. She felt trapped in a body that had betrayed her.

The soft creak of the door pulled her from her spiral. She blinked, quickly swiping at her face with the back of her hand as a small figure peeked through. Isha. Of course it was Isha. The child had a knack for showing up when Caitlyn least expected it, her presence a quiet, unspoken comfort.

Caitlyn straightened up immediately, wiping the last traces of tears from her cheeks. She cleared her throat and forced herself to sit straighter, regaining her composure as best as she could. The frustration still burned beneath her skin, but she buried it.

❝ Isha,❞ she said, her voice soft but steady as she turned to the girl. ❝ Did I forget something? Is it close to dinner now? Are you hungry? I can make something if you’d like.❞

The words came quickly, a deflection as much as a genuine offer. She didn’t want the child to see her like this — weak, vulnerable, struggling. Caitlyn’s hands shifted awkwardly, brushing at the papers on her desk as if to make herself look busier. But her gaze stayed on Isha, watching for the telltale signs of concern in the girl’s expression.

[gaevaer]

@hexwrought said: "regardless of how we got here , i'm having a really good time."

Caitlyn let out a soft snort of amusement, barely glancing up from the book in her lap. She was settled comfortably on the couch, her two dobermans, Sprinkles and Cookie, curled up sleeping at her sides and radiating warmth. Her broken leg was carefully propped up on a pillow atop a pouf, and a pair of glasses perched on her nose to ease the strain on her one good eye.

❝ Is that so?❞ she replied, her tone teasing as she finally looked up at Jayce. Setting her book aside, she inserted the bookmark with precision before snapping it shut with a satisfying thud. The sound made Sprinkles lift his head lazily, but Caitlyn just reached out to give the dog a soothing pat before turning her attention fully to her friend.

She raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful smile. ❝ So, this ‘really good time’ you’re having — is it because of the endless baked goods I’ve been spoiling you with, or my dazzling company you get to enjoy every day now? Surely, it’s the latter, right?❞ She gestured to the coffee table, which once again had a fresh batch of red velvet cupcakes on it, their rich frosting practically begging to be eaten. Baking had become her current pastime in the time she could not return to work yet, filling the hours she couldn’t spend on duty.

❝ Go on, have one, or ten❞ she added, her smile widening as she leaned back into the couch. ❝ You’ve earned it. Or at least you should pretend you have — those cupcakes won’t eat themselves.❞

[gaevaer]

@vesthnik asked for an encounter .

❝ I might not fully grasp why you did everything you did,❞ Caitlyn began, her tone steady and thoughtful, ❝ but I’ve come to realize something through my own actions. Being forced into impossible situations can twist your motives. It can push you into choices that aren’t always the right ones. Sometimes you have the right idea, the right purpose, but you take the wrong actions to get there. And that’s… that’s quite okay.❞

She sat on the couch, her broken leg elevated on a stack of soft pillows, the lines of pain still faintly etched into her features. She should have been in bed — resting, healing — but staying still had never been Caitlyn’s strength. Returning to work, even from home, felt like reclaiming a piece of herself.

And besides, speaking to Viktor didn’t feel like work. It felt like catching up with a good friend.

Her gaze softened as she looked at him, her teacup resting lightly in her hands. ❝ I’m not going to condemn you for your actions. I don’t believe in labeling you a war criminal and locking you away forever. For all Piltover knows, the threat ended with Ambessa Medarda’s fall. They don’t need another villain, Viktor. That chapter is closed.❞

She took a small sip of tea, exhaling softly as if the weight of her words needed space to settle. ❝ After I recover, I’ll officially be appointed Sheriff of Piltover,❞ she continued. ❝ I’ll be calling the shots, I already sort of am, and what I just told you is not going to change — unless you give me a reason to. The choice is yours, Viktor.❞

Her voice grew gentler, her blue eyes steady and kind as they met his. ❝ If you want to go back to your home, I’ll respect that. If you’d rather stay here at the Kiramman estate, you’re welcome to. You can rest, recover, continue your studies, receive the medical attention you need. Whatever you choose, I’ll do my best to aid in getting there.❞

Caitlyn placed the cup down with a soft clink, a soft smile on her face. ❝ I trust you, Viktor. I have faith in you. So, take your time. Think it over. When you’re ready, let me know what you need.❞

[gaevaer]

@onebigerror said "i feel like we got off on the wrong foot." ( sevika )

Sitting across from Sevika, Caitlyn allowed herself a brief moment to reflect on the irony of the situation. Not long ago, they had been mortal enemies, locked in brutal conflict, each fighting to take the other's life. Yet here they were, seated at the same table, the battlefield replaced by careful diplomacy.

❝ A wrong foot,❞ Caitlyn began with a small nod, ❝ would indeed be the correct phrase for it." Her gaze didn’t waver as she spoke, her tone steady but polite.❞ ❝ I’ll get straight to the point. I respect your time, and I appreciate that you agreed to meet with me.❞

She leaned forward slightly, folding her hands together. ❝ There’s a reason I asked you to come today, and it’s not a small matter. As you may know, with my mother’s passing, I’ve inherited the Kiramman council seat. She oversaw Piltover’s enforcers and was responsible for the city’s security. However, I have no intention of following in her footsteps.❞

Caitlyn paused briefly, giving her words a moment to settle. ❝ Instead, I want to take on the role of Sheriff, to directly oversee the enforcers and their operations. But that leaves a gap — one I think you are uniquely qualified to fill.❞

Her expression softened, though her tone remained professional. ❝ I want to offer you the opportunity to take my council seat. You would be Zaun’s voice in Piltover. You would ensure that our councilors understand the challenges and needs of the people in the Undercity. Your perspective, your experience — those are things Piltover’s leaders desperately need if we are to build a future that benefits us all.❞

Caitlyn straightened slightly, her single eye meeting Sevika’s unflinchingly. ❝ This isn’t something I would leave you to handle alone. If you ever feel that the other councilors aren’t listening to you, I will personally ensure that they do. I will be at your side when needed, and I’ll make it clear that your voice carries weight. Together, we can rebuild and improve both of our cities in a way that serves everyone.❞

She let out a small breath, her sincerity evident. ❝ It’s a position of power and authority — one I believe you are more than capable of handling. What do you think?❞

[gaevaer]

@petitepowpow has said " no , i don't believe you . you're lying . "

Caitlyn bent down carefully, wincing as her still healing broken ribs and leg protested the movement, but she pushed through the discomfort. She needed to look Isha in the eyes — needed her to understand that she wasn’t lying. Her hands reached out tentatively, gently taking the child’s smaller ones in her own, her touch as soft as her voice.

❝ I know this is hard to believe, I've been where you are not too long ago,❞ she began, her tone steady but filled with sincerity. Her single uncovered eye, vibrant and determined, searched Isha’s for any sign that her words might break through the child’s doubt. ❝ But I’m not lying to you. I would never lie to you.❞

She paused, taking a slow breath, willing herself to be a source of calm even as her own heart ached for her. ❝ I’m sorry. I know it hurts that we haven’t found her yet. We’re doing everything we can, Isha. I swear to you, if we find her — when we find her — I’ll bring her back to you. That’s a promise.❞

Her voice softened further as she added, ❝ But for now… Jinx isn’t here. And I know that’s not what you wanted to hear. But Vi and I are here, and we’ll do everything we can to take care of you. I won’t let you face this alone. Does that sound okay?❞

[gaevaer]

@gntlets has said " oh, i get it ... you're jealous. "

Caitlyn let out a sharp scoff, turning her head away from Vi as her arms folded tightly across her chest. ❝ Jealous?❞ she repeated, her voice carrying a forced lightness that didn’t quite match the tightness in her posture. She avoided looking directly at Vi, her gaze instead fixing somewhere distant, her jaw set. The truth was a bitter pill she wasn’t ready to swallow, and the word itself — jealous — felt foreign and unwelcome. She’d never been one to envy others, not like this.

She'd known the envy for freedom, for carelessness, but never the envy... of a Lover.

But this was different. The knot in her chest twisted every time she thought about it. The way that blonde — so confident, so alluring — had looked at Vi, spoken to her in that infuriating honey sweet tone, her words laced with familiarity. Caitlyn couldn’t stand it. It made her stomach churn and her heart race all at once, a messy, unpleasant tangle of emotions she didn’t quite know how to deal with.

❝ Don’t be ridiculous,❞ she said at last, her voice clipped and defensive. ❝ Why would I be jealous? Nothing happened.” She straightened her back, attempting to sound composed, but her words came too fast, spilling out before she could filter them. ❝ She just offered to buy you a drink, winked at you a couple of times, and — oh, right — called you darling. That’s nothing. Nothing at all.❞

Her voice wavered slightly, and her irritation started to seep through her constructed facade. ❝ She’s just... some stunning blonde from prison who obviously knows you better and longer than I do. Why would that bother me? Why would I care?❞ She shook her head, letting out a small, bitter laugh that sounded more like a scoff.

❝ I’m not jealous,❞ she insisted, her tone more forceful now, but the cracks in her resolve were starting to show. She was a terrible liar, and even she knew it. Even as she tried to hold her ground, her furrowed brow and the flush creeping up her neck betrayed her emotions. ❝ I’m not.❞

[gaevaer]

@piltoversfinest has said: She dangles the plant above their heads, a smirk on her lips. "Well Cupcake, you know the rules don't ya?"

Caitlyn felt the smile tug at her lips before she could stop it, the sight of Vi holding the mistletoe above their heads with such a smug expression that was impossible to resist. She shook her head, letting out a soft chuckle at it all. Trust her girlfriend to turn a simple holiday tradition into an excuse for mischief.

❝ Honestly,❞ Caitlyn started, tilting her head and crossing her arms in mock exasperation. ❝ You couldn’t even wait until we finished decorating the tree, or maybe cuddled up by the fire? You had to pull this move right here, right now, in the middle of all this mess?❞ She gestured vaguely around the room, though there wasn’t much to see beyond the messy holiday decor all of the place, not yet finished.

Her words were teasing, but the warmth in her tone gave her away. Caitlyn’s gaze flickered up to the little piece of greenery in Vi’s hand, a delicate cluster of leaves and berries that seemed absurdly small to hold so much power. It was almost ridiculous how such a thing could feel like a command. A tradition, that you could not possibly ignore. She smiled softly, her resolve slipping further as she glanced back at Vi’s face, her smirk widening with every passing second.

Caitlyn huffed a little, accepting her defeat, but the smile not faltering from her face. ❝ You’re impossible, you know that? Absolutely incorrigible...❞ She trailed off, stepping closer to Vi, her hand lowering to rest lightly on her wrist, steadying the little bundle of leaves above them. Her breath hitched slightly as the space between them all but disappeared.

❝...It is such a silly tradition, but I suppose it does have its charms,❞ Caitlyn finished softly, tilting her head just enough to close the gap. Her lips met Vi’s, the kiss gentle at first, almost tentative, but quickly deepening into something warmer, fuller, the kind of kiss that chased away the winter chill and filled the moment with festive cheer and happiness. When she finally pulled back, just enough to look into Vi’s eyes again, Caitlyn felt her cheeks warming, though her smile was brighter than ever.

❝ You win this round,❞ she said, her voice breathy but still teasing. ❝ But don’t think for a second I’m going to let you dangle that thing over my head every chance you get. You’ll have to earn the next one. Now, get back to decorating. You're not off tree duty.❞ Despite the playful threat, Caitlyn didn’t move away, lingering close enough to leave no doubt that there would, indeed, be a next time.