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

[gaevaer]

@bitch-mittxns said "Cait - just sit down , they're not going to listen"

Caitlyn stormed to the front of the cell, her boots clicking sharply against the stone floor. She gripped the cold bars tightly, her knuckles turning white underneath black gloves. Her forehead pressed against the metal as she shouted,

❝ Like hell they won’t listen! Hey! Do you hear me, you idiots? Do you even know who I am?!❞ Her voice echoed down the empty hallway, her words laced with indignation.

❝ I am the Sheriff of Piltover!❞ she yelled, shaking the bars so hard they rattled in their frame. ❝ A member of House Kiramman! My partner and I are here on official business, and you’ve made a huge mistake locking us up!❞

Caitlyn paused only to catch her breath, her blue eyes blazing with fury. ❝ Hey! You, meathead! Are you deaf? I said let me out! You’ll regret this, I promise you that!❞

She gave the bars one final, frustrated shake before shoving them away in anger. Turning sharply on her heel, she stomped a few steps back into the cell, muttering curses under her breath. But she wasn’t done yet.

Spinning around, she stormed back to the door and slammed her boot against the bars with a loud clang. ❝ Do you hear me?! You’re going to regret this! Every single one of you! I’ll make sure you lose your jobs for this insult!❞

Finally, she let out a loud groan, stepping back from the door. Her chest heaved as she tried to calm herself, but the fire in her eyes burned just as bright. ❝ This is outrageous,❞ she muttered, pacing the cell like a caged lion. ❝ Completely and utterly outrageous.❞ Needless to say, being locked up in a Demacian prison for trying to break up a bar fight was not her bucket list for their diplomatic trip.

[gaevaer]

The first thing Caitlyn notices when she steps inside is the distinct burnt smell hanging in the air. Her brows pinch slightly, just for a second, before she glances over at the dogs sprawled lazily on the couch. Unbothered.

So — no emergency. Just Vi, she guesses. In the better case scenario.

She follows the scent into the kitchen, stopping just outside the mess of flour-dusted counters, scattered cutting boards, and half-prepped ingredients.

And there’s Vi, looking guilty as hell, steam rising around her like she’s standing in the middle of a crime scene.

Caitlyn bites back a grin. With no such success. She crosses her arms, leaning into the doorframe, her lips twitching up at the sheer sight of it all.

❝ No, no, don’t mind me,❞ she muses, voice thick with amusement. ❝ For all it matters, I’m still at work. Please, do continue.❞

She watches Vi freeze, groaning in exaggerated frustration. Caitlyn lets her gaze drift over the evidence of something resembling dinner.

❝ Do you need help with that?❞ she asks, taking a few slow steps forward, eyes flicking from the sink to the countertop, then finally settling back on her. ❝ Or should I just stand back and admire the efforts of my careful, doting, loving girlfriend?❞

She takes another step, close enough now that she can feel the warmth radiating from Vi’s body, close enough that she knows her presence alone is enough to fluster her. Her tone drops lower, just above a whisper.

❝ In fact,❞ she hums, reaching up to brush a bit of flour from Vi’s cheek, letting her fingers linger for just a second too long, ❝ I’d say, so loving that I deserve a welcome home kiss before you go back to your... chef duties, pouty miss. Unless, of course, I interrupted something really important.❞

she doesn't hear the click of the key in the lock of her apartment as she waves a towel over the smoking pan on the stove. another failed attempt ⸻ but at least she was getting closer ! it was going well until she got a little too confident and thought she could skip a few steps. in her defense, they seemed pretty pointless. but: lesson learned.

“ shit shit shit shit, ” she cusses as she picks up the pan to drop it in the sink basin, turning on the water to turn the smoke to s t e a m as the pan cools. it's only then when she sees a familiar form in the doorway of her kitchen. “ nooo, ” she moans, eyes falling shut as she tilts her head back, the elongated vowel almost echoing with a little laugh. violet tilts her head to the side to look to caitlyn as and says, “ you're EARLY. this was supposed to be a surprise ... ” ideally a good one ... and at least some of the food at turned out. it didn't matter that it was just a side.

@gaevaer liked for a starter from violet.

[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]

@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]

@bitch-mittxns said: " quit being so stubborn and get into BED! "

Caitlyn clicked her tongue in frustration, turning her head away so she wouldn’t have to meet Vi’s gaze. She knew that look all too well — the one that told her Vi wasn’t going to budge. But Caitlyn wasn’t one to give in easily either. Even though she’d only been awake for six days, the restless fire inside her was burning brighter than ever. She couldn’t just lie there, useless, while everything around her fell apart.

Quietly, she had already started to get ready. Her turtleneck and jacket were awkwardly pulled on, each movement sending sharp pangs through her chest where her ribs and stomach were still healing. She’d even managed to throw her hair into a messy ponytail, though it was far from her usual polished look. Pain radiated from every breath, but none of that mattered. What mattered was getting back out there, back to doing what she needed to do. To fix what was broken.

❝ I’m not the one being stubborn,❞ she muttered, keeping her back to Vi, her voice low and defensive. She didn’t dare meet Vi’s eyes because she knew her resolve would falter. Her emotions were written all over her face these days, and Vi would see right through her.

Finally, Caitlyn let out a shaky breath, her voice softening but carrying an edge of desperation. ❝ Why don’t you help me instead? Help me get to my office. I’m ready, Vi. I can’t just sit here another day, watching everything fall apart. Piltover needs me. Zaun needs me…❞ She hesitated, her voice catching as her emotions broke through the cracks. ❝ Your sister needs me. I can’t just stay here and do nothing, not when there’s still a chance to make things right. A chance to find her, or anyone else that is missing. Please. I need to go back, Violet.❞

[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]

@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]

@gntlets has said: " stay with me. "

❝ Of course,❞ Caitlyn replied softly, her voice warm. She shifted carefully, pulling the blanket over her legs before easing herself down to lay properly on the bed. Her movements were slow and sluggish, a quiet invitation for Vi to let herself relax too.

As Caitlyn settled, her hand reached out, gently brushing Vi’s hair back from her face. Her fingertips lingered for a moment, tucking a stray strand behind her ear with tender precision. Her fingers traced the contours of Vi’s face — over her cheek, the bridge of her nose, pausing at the faint scars that crisscrossed her skin. The bruises, the wounds, the evidence of Vi’s strength and pain — they didn’t scare her. They never had. But her touch lingered longest on the freckles, those tiny constellations she’d always adored, even in the midst of chaos.

Caitlyn’s lips curved into a small, tired smile as she whispered, ❝ You know, I’ve always loved these. The freckles. They remind me there’s softness in the world, even when everything feels so… hard. Sometimes when I can't sleep, I just look at them and try to make shapes out of them. On your left cheek, they kind of could draw out a little star if they wanted.❞

Her hand moved again, brushing faint circles across Vi’s cheek, her touch soothing and grounding. ❝ I’ll stay,❞ Caitlyn murmured, her voice meant to be reassuring, just barely a whisper. ❝ I won’t leave unless you want me to. I’ll stay here all night, right here with you, so you can rest. How does that sound?❞

Her eyes studied Vi’s face closely, her tone dipping into something playful to soften the heaviness. ❝ And you need it, you know. You should go back to sleep — those bags under your eyes could carry a small village. Maybe two.❞ A faint chuckle escaped her, a light attempt to bring a sliver of normalcy into the vibes.

But even as she joked, Caitlyn’s hand remained steady, tracing those same reassuring circles on. ❝ You’ll be alright, Vi. No monsters are gonna get you while I’m here.❞

The words hung between them, borrowed from a memory Vi had once shared with her, a promise she’d made to protect her sister long ago. It was a promise Caitlyn wanted to make now — to hold that weight for Vi, to remind her she wasn’t alone in the battles she faced. Not anymore.

Her gaze softened as her hand stilled, cupping Vi’s face with a reverence that spoke of love and unshakable loyalty. ❝ Let me take care of you for once, love,❞ she said gently. ❝ Just close your eyes. I’ll be right here.❞

[gaevaer]

@galaxythixf has said : " can you hear me? " ( jinx )

Caitlyn lay still in the hospital bed, her single uncovered eye staring into the dim moonlight-lit room with a hollow, unfocused gaze. The rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring her pulse filled the silence, a sound she barely registered until the tempo spiked. Her heart rate quickened as Jinx stepped into the room.

The faint glow of the monitors reflected in Caitlyn’s tired, pale face, her lips parting slightly as her swimming vision fixed on the figure beside her. Jinx. Even in her foggy state, she recognized her. Somewhere deep in her mind, she noted the obvious: Jinx had survived the war.

Caitlyn, however, hadn’t yet. Not fully. Her consciousness was shaky still, a fragile thing she had only regained hours earlier after spending twenty long days trapped in a coma. The weight of her injuries still clung to her, pulling her down, making every movement feel monumental.

Night had fallen over Piltover, blanketing the city and the hospital in darkness. The usual hum of activity had quieted; visiting hours were over, and she had been left to rest. Alone. Or so she thought.

The sound of footsteps — light but there — had stirred her, breaking through the haze of her exhaustion. Then Jinx appeared, and even in her dazed state, Caitlyn felt rather tense being alone with her, despite how their relationship had grown better in the previous few weeks.

She groaned softly, shifting against the stiff sheets as discomfort prickled through her. The tubes in her nose irritated her with every shallow breath, and her fingers twitched involuntarily against the blanket in response.

When she finally spoke, her voice was barely a whisper — hoarse, raw, and fragile, like the rest of her. ❝ What are you doing here?❞ The words came out broken, rasping against her throat. She winced at the sound of her own voice, unfamiliar and hollow, drained of its usual strength. It sounded… wrong. Like it belonged to someone else entirely.

But then again, maybe that was fitting. She hadn’t been herself for weeks — twenty days of drifting on the edge of life, and now here she was, waking up to find the one person she never expected standing at her bedside. Her gaze lingered on Jinx, tired and questioning, as if trying to make sense of the impossible.

[gaevaer]

@valiantthearts said: " you're burning up. " ( mel )

Caitlyn blinked, her mind sluggish as Mel’s words registered. ❝ Huh?❞ she muttered, her voice thick with exhaustion. It wasn’t that she was ignoring the councilor — she was just too drained to process the gentle touch on her forehead or that Mel even spoke to her.

❝ I’m sorry, Mel. Could you say that again?❞ Caitlyn asked, her tone polite despite the fatigue weighing her down. She managed to glance at Mel briefly before her attention drifted back to the stack of reports in her hands. Even while confined to her bed after everything they had been through, Caitlyn couldn’t bring herself to stop working whenever Vi was out cold asleep. The endless documents and unanswered questions pulled at her like an anchor she couldn’t let go of.

Her brow furrowed as she scanned the latest report, her frustration bubbling to the surface. ❝ I just don’t understand this,❞ she said, more to herself than to Mel, her voice strained and conflicted. ❝ Weeks have passed while I was unavailable, and they’re saying so many people are still missing? How is that possible? The search and rescue teams should’ve found survivors — or at least recovered the bodies — by now…❞

Her words trailed off, and she let out a shaky breath. She didn’t even seem to notice how warm her skin felt, her body practically radiating heat. Her injuries hadn’t healed properly, and the fever that had been simmering under the surface was now burning brightly, trying to force her to rest. But Caitlyn didn’t stop. She couldn’t. She gripped the paper tightly, her frustration over the missing people eclipsing any concern for her own well-being.

[gaevaer]

@valiantthearts said: " hey… hello there, sleeping beauty. you gave me a bit of a scare yesterday. how are you feeling? " ( vi )

Caitlyn’s eyes fluttered open slowly, her gaze searching for the familiar voice that broke through the fog in her mind. When she spotted Vi sitting beside her on the bed, a wave of relief washed over her, and a small, shaky sigh escaped her lips. For a moment, her eyes closed again, her body still weighed down by exhaustion.

She felt so drained, her limbs heavy as if they weren’t hers. Yesterday’s events came back to her in scattered flashes. She’d been in her office, looking over files late into the night, when everything suddenly started spinning. That sinking feeling of helplessness, the blur of falling, and then… nothing but darkness.

❝ I’m okay,❞ she murmured, her voice raspy and quiet, the sound unfamiliar even to her. She swallowed and tried again, opening her eyes fully this time to meet Vi’s concerned gaze. ❝ I don’t know what came over me. One minute I was going through some files, and the next... everything went dark. It just… happened so fast.❞

Her hand reached out instinctively, brushing against Vi’s, needing the reassurance of her presence. ❝ I’m sorry I scared you,❞ she added softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ❝ But I’m okay now. I promise.❞

[gaevaer]

@five16 held a [ DAMP ] cloth against Caitlyn's forehead to combat her fever

Bright blue eyes fluttered open as a sharp, involuntary hiss escaped her lips as the icy touch of the damp cloth sent a jolt through her overheated body. The shock was immediate, her muscles tensing as if trying to brace against the unwelcome sensation. Her hand shot up, trembling slightly, and she tried weakly to shove the cloth away.

❝ Ugh, what the hell? That’s freezing — get it off me,❞ she mumbled, her voice hoarse and breaking apart, an attempt at sounding tough despite the weakness behind it. The effort didn’t hold; her arm dropped limply back to the bed, unable to fight gravity or the bone-deep fatigue weighing her down. She squeezed her eyes shut again, as if closing them could block out the piercing cold and the burning pain coursing through her.

Her whole body felt unbearably heavy, every muscle dragging like it was pinned beneath a crushing weight. The fever raged through her, turning her skin to fire, while the deep, aching throb of her injuries refused to relent. The clash between the searing heat and the biting cold only heightened her discomfort, leaving her too exhausted to fight, too overwhelmed to find relief. A shaky breath escaped her, more a sigh of frustration than anything else. Even in this miserable state, a flicker of stubborn defiance lingered in her tone.

❝ Seriously, Vi,❞ she whispered faintly, her voice barely audible, ❝ this isn’t helping…❞ But even as she complained, her body betrayed her, sinking deeper into the mattress as fatigue overtook her once more.

[gaevaer]

@fishymedic said: " i know, i know, i turned off all the lights once i figured you had the migraine. you want some tea? water? "

❝ I appreciate it, Steb,❞ Caitlyn said with a tired but genuine smile. She was grateful for him in more ways than one. Their bond had grown significantly since they’d fought side by side against Ambessa and the Noxians. He’d earned her trust completely, and after everything, she didn’t give that away lightly. More than that, he’d been quietly looking out for her during her recovery, always noticing when she wasn’t at her best. It didn’t go unnoticed. After all, he’d saved her life — it wasn’t something she could forget.

❝ A glass of water would be great,❞ she added, her voice softer now. Her eyes flicked toward the scattered reports on her desk, the weight of unfinished work pressing on her. ❝ I still have to finish reviewing the reports from that break-in at the zeppelin garage before I can call it a day.❞

She leaned forward, resting her forehead in the palm of her hand, the tension in her temples making her wince. The dimmed lights helped, but the strain of the day hadn’t lifted. Still, she tried to sound upbeat for his sake. ❝ What about you? Did you manage to get everything you wanted done? Or are you planning to stick around and burn the midnight oil too?❞ Her tone carried a faint note of teasing, though it was clear she was genuinely curious.

Caitlyn glanced up briefly, her expression softening. ❝ If you’re done for the day, you should go home. You’ve earned it.❞

[gaevaer]

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

Caitlyn sighed, her chest heavy with the weight of the conversation. It never was going to be easy. Not after what they all had gone through in recent weeks. Sitting on the ground beside Isha, her leg in a cast stretched out awkwardly in front of her while sitting on the other, she tried her best to sound calm and steady, though still comforting regardless of the situation.

❝ Isha, I wouldn't lie to you,❞ she said gently, though her voice carried the strain of exhaustion. ❝ I know this is hard to hear, and even harder to believe. But... we haven't found her yet. We're still searching, and I won’t give up. But we also have to be honest with ourselves. There's a chance we might not find her. That she might be... gone. Do you understand what I'm saying?❞

She paused, watching the child carefully, giving her time to take it in.

❝ Whatever happens, I want you to know that Vi and I are here for you. We'll take care of you, no matter what. And I’ll keep trying to find Jinx. I promise you that.❞

[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?❞