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tarareindeer · 21 days ago

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Ending : Uneven Paths

The rain was relentless, soaking you to the bone as you trudged toward the nearest bus stop. Of course, it had to start pouring the second you stepped out of the office, and naturally, you’d forgotten your umbrella. The universe really had a knack for kicking you when you were down.

As you stood shivering, clutching your bag close to keep what little was dry from getting ruined, a sleek black car pulled up beside you. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Claggor, looking annoyingly unbothered by the weather.

“Need a ride?” he asked, his smirk visible even in the dim streetlight.

You hesitated for a second. Accepting help from Claggor felt like losing some kind of imaginary battle, but the rain was freezing, and your pride wasn’t worth hypothermia.

“Fine,” you muttered, climbing into the warm, leather-clad interior of his car.

He glanced at you as you buckled in, water dripping from your hair onto the seat. “You’re absolutely soaked,” he said, amused. “What were you doing, trying to audition for a tragic indie film?”

You shot him a glare. “Some of us don’t have chauffeurs on speed dial, Claggor. We peasants walk.”

“Touché,” he said with a laugh, pulling away from the curb.

The ride was quiet, save for the soft hum of the car engine and the occasional splash of water as he drove through puddles. Instead of dropping you at your apartment like you expected, he pulled into the parking garage of a high-rise building.

“Uh, what’s this?” you asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

“You’re soaked and freezing,” he said simply. “You’ll catch a cold before you even make it to your door. Come on...I’ve got dry clothes and decent tea.”

You wanted to argue, but the warmth of the car was already making you realize just how miserable you were. Grudgingly, you followed him up to his apartment, which was, predictably, both luxurious and spotless.

“Here,” he said, handing you a hoodie and a pair of joggers that looked comically oversized. “These should do.”

You disappeared into his bathroom to change, emerging a few minutes later feeling a little less like a drowned rat. Claggor was waiting in the living room, holding out a steaming mug.

“Chamomile,” he said. “Figured you could use something calming after tonight.”

You took the mug and sank onto the couch, the soft fabric practically swallowing you whole. “You’re surprisingly domestic for someone who acts like they were born in a boardroom.”

He smirked, sitting down beside you. “I contain multitudes.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. “Thanks, I guess. For the ride, the clothes… all of it.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said, his tone softer than usual. “I’m not completely heartless, you know.”

The two of you sat in silence for a moment, the sound of rain pattering against the windows filling the space. Then he spoke again, his voice lower this time.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this before—vulnerable, I mean. You’re always so sharp, so guarded.”

You stiffened slightly, not sure how to respond. “It’s called survival,” you said finally, your voice quieter than you intended.

Claggor turned to face you, his expression unreadable. “I get that. But you don’t always have to be so hard on yourself. You’re allowed to let people in, you know.”

You let out a dry laugh, shaking your head. “And what, let them see the mess? No thanks.”

“I don’t mind the mess,” he said, and the sincerity in his voice made your heart stutter.

You looked at him, really looked at him for the first time that night, and saw something in his eyes that wasn’t just teasing or smugness. It was warmth, maybe even something deeper.

Before you could overthink it, he leaned in, closing the small distance between you. His lips were warm and soft against yours, the kiss gentle but full of unspoken emotion.

When he pulled back, he gave you that signature smirk, but there was a softness to it now. “I knew I could get you to stop arguing with me eventually.”

You rolled your eyes, but your lips curved into a smile. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” he said, leaning back against the couch, his arm casually draped across the backrest dangerously close to your shoulders.

For once, you didn’t mind.

#claggor x reader #arcane claggor #arcane #claggor #x reader #fanfic #my fic #enemies to lovers #enemies to friends to lovers #rivalry series lb

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stebeans · 21 days ago

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Arcane F1AU

The film crew interviews Caitlyn Kiramman and others for their insight during the shocking '24 silly season. A little bit of Caitlyn's history. Also grandma Matilda was the GOAT.

This one's a long one, please bare with me and hope you enjoy. Also hbd to our favorite Kiramman!

It's Lights Out - Part 2

"So..." The film director hesitated slightly as she watched the normally unflappable Caitlyn Kiramman shift uncomfortably in her seat, coined teasingly the "hot seat" by everyone interviewed thus far. Clearing her throat, the director switched tactics. "Are you comfortable? Is there anything we can get you?"

Caitlyn shot the director a small appreciative smile as she finally settled in, fingers still twitching nervously against her thighs. "No thank you." Blowing out a deep breath, Caitlyn nodded her head in affirmation, more to herself than anyone else in the room. "I'm ready."

"So," the director began again, "can you explain to the audience, for those who might not know, what "silly season" is?".

The Kiramman driver looked thoughtful as she contemplated how best to explain the term.

"Silly season," Caitlyn began, eyes looking distantly over the shoulder of the director who was situated just out of camera range. "Occurs during the race break, typically in the middle of the season, when teams and drivers start negotiating for the following year."

"It refers to the period of speculation, rumors, and negotiations about driver lineups, team changes, and other off-track decisions for the upcoming season." The scene cutting to Mel Medarda, team principal for Hextech Petronas a powerhouse team in F1. She waved an errant hand in the air. "Usually all make-believe to stir up interest while the drivers are on break."

Another scene change. "Break my ass." Vi huffed, scratching the back of her neck. "If you're a driver with no permanent seat, it is hell. How can anyone relax or focus when you're waiting for that phone call confirming you have a seat for the next year? And even if you have it on contract, no driver is really safe. Hell, look at what happened with Kiramman!"

The director glanced briefly at her notes chewing on her lip on how to best approach the subject. Thankfully, Caitlyn caught her eye and gestured for her to continue. "You can ask." She murmured.

Feeling guilty for the question sitting just on the tip of her tongue, it was an obvious sore point for Caitlyn who she watched steel herself before gently urging her along. "Can you tell me about your contract with Kiramman Racing?" Lobbing her a soft ball.

Caitlyn, ever observant noticed the lead up but answered anyways. "When I first joined Kiramman Racing three years ago, I had signed a five year entry-level contract. Of course contracts aren't set in stone, anyone can break a contract if one had enough money." Caitlyn smiled sardonically. "And Kiramman Racing has a lot of money."

"Everyone has their own beliefs and ideals, we're human after all, even when the truth is dangling right in front of their faces."

The film director cleared her throat, her eyes observing the meticulous put together man sitting in the "hot seat". Slicked black hair, slowly whitening sideburns and a trim moustache, the man gave off an air of professional cool detachment. "And what is the truth?"

Team Principal of Kiramman Racing, Marcus Lee, flicked an imaginary fluff from the lapel of his pressed suit before folding his hands neatly in his lap. "The signing of young Kiramman had been a controversial act since day one." He stated. "Everyone in the Formula One community had came up with the same conclusion, regardless of the truth. It's a pretty easy conclusion sure. You're one of the richest family in Piltover, a family steeped with F1 legacies and acclaim, and it doesn't hurt when your parents own the team. How can anyone not come to the same conclusion?"

"Are you saying Caitlyn Kiramman bought her seat in F1? Regardless if it was intentional or not?"

Marcus barked out a surprised laugh. "Bought her seat?" He shook his head. "No. She would've had a seat in F1 eventually, regardless of her heritage. If you knew the Kiramman's as best as I do, you would know Cassandra Kiramman does not hand out freebies, even if it were her own daughter."

"Caitlyn Kiramman, from what I have seen despite the lack of recent results, is a true marvel to the grid." Mel stated truthfully, her eyes warm with affection. "I've watched Caitlyn through the years, when she had snuck out to fix up her grandmother's old karts to race with the other kids to the detriment of her parents. They didn't want her anywhere near karting you see."

"It's dangerous and unpredictable." Cassandra pointed out, legs crossed elegantly, posture perfect and outfit pristine underneath the harsh lights. "Of course I didn't want Caitlyn touching a kart let alone an F1 car with a ten foot pole. I was hoping she'd follow in my footsteps into business instead. But she's a Kiramman and we Kiramman women are stubborn to a fault."

Caitlyn laughed, posture relaxing a fraction as she took the aged photo from the director's outstretched hand. "This was my grandmother's, Matilda Kiramman, kart back in the day. My first kart actually." She ran a finger fondly along the slightly curled edges of the photo, where she sat in the the refurbished kart with an oversized helmet that clearly didn't belong to the tyke, her grandmother standing next to her with a proud smirk. "Took us weeks to get it running again. Mother nearly had a conniption when she found out.

I guess you can say racing has always been in my blood. I grew up watching videos of my grandmother, five-time world champion, and my great-grandmother. It was inevitable. I took to karting as a fish took to swimming. Started signing up for competitions as soon I was of age...and height," Caitlyn added self-deprecatingly. "I -uh, didn't get my growth spurt until I was fifteen."

"She was so tiny!" Jayce, race engineer for Kiramman Racing teased. "I've know her since she was a kid. Didn't let anything or anyone stop her though. Even when there were times I questioned if she could even see over the wheel. I'm honestly quite surprised how tall Sprout ended up growing."

"In 2019, as the CEO of Kiramman Corporations, purchased the F1 team formerly known as Enforce Piltover and I retained Marcus as team principal, it wasn't my intention to shake up the team too severely. Caitlyn at the time was competing in the F2 circuit but it was pretty clear her talents and skills were no longer being utilized to the utmost potential."

"And was Miss Kiramman aware of the purchase?"

The head of Kiramman House, Corporation and Racing – goodness that was a mouthful – barely moved besides a slight uplift of her chin and a raised eyebrow. Even without saying anything it was very much a look of "are you seriously asking me that question?". The director winced inwardly. Grey eyes observed the director before finally relenting. "Heaven's no. I'm sure my daughter has spoken about how dramatic I can be but let me assure you no one is more dramatic than my daughter." Cassandra Kiramman answered wistfully. "Caitlyn had called me the second she had heard the news. It was a...spirited discussion, especially one at three in the morning. She had been in Ionia and time difference be damned.

Did I buy Enforce Piltover for her benefit?

Was I manipulating the grid in order to buy her a seat in Formula One?

What were my intentions with this new team of mine?

Trust me, there was not one question she didn't ask me that you, the media, and everyone else had not yet thought or accused her of.

At the time, there were only two real prospects from the F2 league, my daughter and Vi Lanes." Cassandra Kiramman continues, her brows furrowed just the slightest. "If possible, Kiramman Racing would've signed both drivers but as with the budget cap at the time it was impossible to sign both drivers and re-work the car. I left the decision solely up to my team principal."

Marcus scratched at his beard, looking thoughtful. "It was a team decision in the end. We went over the stats for both Caitlyn and Vi, both very outstanding but very different racing styles. Caitlyn, even at age 17 was all about precision, being sharp yet smooth, very methodical with her driving - no room for error.

Vi Lanes was quite the opposite, very aggressive and bold yet passionate with a tenacity that out shown every other driver on the grid - very exciting to watch.

It was a tough call but we found Caitlyn a more suitable match with our team style. Vi ended up being picked up by Shimmer Wolf as a reserve driver in the same year so we knew it wasn't the end of the line for Lanes."

"Do you regret your choice in signing Caitlyn Kiramman? You've dropped her from the team just about halfway through her 5-year contract."

"Let me make this clear. I am loyal to Kiramman Racing and before that, to Enforce Piltover. I am not loyal to the Kiramman family. I had been team principal for the Enforcers for nearly twelve years. The decisions I make is for the good of the team. That is my only concern. Dropping Caitlyn for the upcoming season was a strategic move and not a light one at that."

The director glanced down at her notes, highlighted and side-noted with multiple different colors from the research she had spent doing for the past week. "You say that but since Kiramman Racing's inception in 2019, since Caitlyn had been drafted as lead driver, the team has steadily rose through the constructor's standing. Enforce Piltover was considered a mid-field contender in the past handful of years, a low one at that. Yet in the first year, Kiramman Racing placed 4th in the Constructor's Standings and only 10 points behind 3rd place, a significant jump from 7th place. Kiramman herself had placed 3rd in the Driver's Championship in her debut season. Not an easy feat for a rookie.

And mind you, Kiramman had pulled Kiramman Racing kicking and screaming with her results. While the stats of your second driver isn't bad, it can be considered average at best.

Last year, Kiramman Racing gained a position, landing in 3rd overall in the Constructors Standings, which had not happened since nearly over a decade ago with Enforce Piltover.

Even this year, Kiramman Racing is in fourth position, with nearly half a season left. If my notes and research are sound, can you tell us the reasoning for dropping Kiramman from the team?"

Despite the cold hard facts that she's laid out for him and the audience. Marcus is stubborn, the director will give him that. He doesn't rise to the bait and instead coolly states "I have nothing to add from what I've already said. Caitlyn Kiramman wasn't performing like we had hoped. Now, is this interview over? I have a team to look after."

"I was shocked. To put it bluntly." Caitlyn said, eyes unfocused. "I knew the team was unhappy with my last few races leading into silly season. 3 DNF's certainly doesn't do the team any good. I certainly wasn't happy with the results."

"Out of the 3 there was one DNF that made headlines. During and post incident."

Even at the mention, Caitlyn winced, running a hand through her hair. Normally her hair would be held up in a severe updo, today it fell in soft waves, a few errant locks framing her sharp features. While far from being disheveled, it was the most...unkempt that the director had ever seen Caitlyn Kiramman.

Press Conference - Kiramman Racing and Shimmer Wolf beginning of '24 Silly Season

Caitlyn's in the midst of a press conference when the news breaks. Dressed in her typical pressed-within-an-inch-of-its-life team dress shirt, sleeves rolled up her forearms and dark trousers, she sits at attention in front of the reporters, hands folded neatly on the table in front of her.

She doesn't look to her left but she can see a glimpse of the tv monitor in the corner of her eye and seated, and looking, very opposite of her is Vi Lanes. She looks comfortable as can be, despite the media attention, in fact Caitlyn probably thinks it's what fuels her. Her ball cap is flipped to sit backwards underneath her tousled hair, her Shimmer Wolf team polo sleeves are hazardously cut off, exposing the cut muscles of her biceps, tricep - all the "ceps" really - as she crossed her arms across her chest, the front legs of the chair lifted in the air as she leans precariously back.

Caitlyn just barely manages to keep herself from rolling her eyes at the nonchalant, devil-may-care attitude. It was especially infuriating as the focus of this press conference was solely due to her lack of professionalism on the track.

Normally the team and the drivers are on their mid-season break but since the racing incident during the Freljord Grand Prix was still fresh in everyone's minds and the FIA had finally reviewed and declared their conclusion, as well as handing out fines, there had been a call for one last press meeting.

"Vi, can you please tell us what happened on lap 48 during last week's race?"

Vi. Fellow drivers, opposition crews, fans and even the media calls her Vi as if they were all one big happy family, while she's been regulated to "Kiramman" if they were being nice. Most of the time it was some uninspired nickname, Piltie Princess was a fan favorite amongst the crowd. Please, she's been called that since her preschool days and they were toddlers, surely people could come up with more creative names for her by now.

Vi lifts her broad, muscled shoulders, dropping them in a heave. "Not much to say really. I was ordered to give the position back to Kiramman after what the stewards had "claimed"," Vi punctuates with actual air quotes, "was an illegal overtake. I was giving the position back."

The response is rehearsed, the statement is familiar now that Caitlyn's heard it a thousand times over since the racing incident, though she notes the dramatic flair Lanes add to it, most likely against her team's directions.

Caitlyn just manages to keep her mouth shut as per advice from the team media advisor but her molars are paying the price as she grinds them to a dust in irritation. She's watched the tape a thousand times over and she still can't see fault in her decision. She can't see what the Shimmer Wolf team, the fans and a handful of media are claiming. She had spent hours turning the events in her head and Caitlyn had been so sure that it had been a move made out of malice but every "Kiramman had it coming", "Can't even make a clean pass to save her life", "Can't play play fair so she decides to take out her opposition" and the miliion other variations has her questioning herself.

Her own team had failed to come to her defense after she stated that Lanes had intentionally brake checked her in the middle of the race. Her Team Principal, Marcus, had practically laughed in her face. Told her that she wasn't in preschool anymore, shifting blame and tattle-telling because she didn't get her way was a sure way to make enemies in the league and she was already unpopular as it was. She had been reminded that it was her that was smearing the Kiramman Racing team name.

A frown settled across her features, ignoring the couple dozen cameras and flashes pointed front and center where she was an unwilling participant. She didn't particularly enjoy media day but lately the conferences felt even more daunting than usual. "And the scuffle that happened in the paddock afterwards?"

Vi lifts her hands in the air. "Hey now, I was only defending myself. I didn't throw the first punch."

Almost simultaneously Caitlyn could feel the eyes of everybody in the room. "And what do you have to say for yourself Miss Kiramman?"

Miss Kiramman. If anyone was drawing the line in the sand it was the media. They had been the ones to create the divide, the cavern that gradually gaped further and wider with every passing day. Caitlyn had given up after the first year when she insisted she didn't stand on formalities, especially when racing.

The clip of her lunging at Vi Lanes is played on a loop on the tv monitor now, different angles, different commentators, different takes. Same conclusion: Caitlyn Kiramman was unhinged. A danger on and off the track.

Honestly, Caitlyn didn't even need to refer to the script in front of her anymore, it's like every damn interview has been one big broken record, forced to repeat the same thing over and over. "I have made my formal apologies to Vi Lanes, the Shimmer Wolf team, the fans and to Formula one as a whole." Caitlyn managed to grit out, practically forcing herself to maintain a neutral expression. "My actions were unbefitting and acted upon in the heat of the moment. It does in no way reflect the professionalism of Kiramman Racing. I have reflected on my actions and promise I would do better in the future."

From across the table Caitlyn can hear Vi's scoff but she remains unaffected.

Mostly.

If her eye twitches it's not to do with Vi, she tells herself.

The interview is winding down, there's nothing new they could ask that hasn't been already asked a thousand times over by now. Caitlyn's waiting for the formal dismissal from the press officer when a wave of confused murmurs break out from the mass in front of her. One by one she sees (and hears) the vibrating of cellphones, tablets and whatever latest gadget is in these days, going off and there's a voice in the back of her head that claims that whatever it is that's got the press this jittery, it can't be good. Caitlyn is itching to pull out her own phone from out of her pants pockets but refrains herself. The media would probably spin it as her being unprofessional in the midst of a press conference or some equally farfetched shit.

It takes a moment before the press is shouting, specifically at her and Caitlyn is finally clued in to the mayhem breaking out. Almost immediately she wishes she was left in the dark. The voices are booming and overlapping that Caitlyn at first can't make out what they are saying. The press officer is doing his best to calm the reporters but it's futile in the face of the breaking news.

"Miss Kiramman are you aware that you've been removed from Kiramman Racing team in the upcoming season?"

"Miss Kiramman, were you aware of this decision prior to the announcement?"

"Can we please get a statement on the latest development? Was this due to your recent lack of accomplishments and professionalism?"

"Has Kiramman Racing, a team owned by your family, finally decided that you're a liability than anything else?"

She's frozen in her seat, statue-like and eyes wide in the midst of the onslaught, fingernails digging into the wood surface of the table. Her mind racing as the statements and questions sink in. The voices eventually fade into nothingness, the only thing she can hear is the thundering of her racing heart in her ears, each beat like a gunshot. She glances to her right but she already knows, there's no one in support of her – unlike Vander who's hidden in the wings on Vi's side, a steady and supportive presence for the Shimmer Wolf driver.

Vi, who had already pulled out her phone, eyes darting to read the latest statement put up by Kiramman Racing. Her powder blue eyes are wide in shock, mouth parted slightly as she meets Caitlyn's gaze for the first time since the meeting started nearly an hour ago and Caitlyn knows deep down it isn't just a silly rumor to start off silly season. Vi looks just about floored as everyone else and Caitlyn could feel the burning of tears gathering but she refuses to let a single tear escape.

Her mouth is dry and she swallows, eyeing the full bottle of water just in reach but she knows it'll be a sign of weakness, hesitation in the face of the media. She straightens her shoulders, leaning to pull the mic stand closer to her. She may be lacking team support and direction but she didn't grow up living and preserving the Kiramman name for nothing.

Instantly the reporters quiet, all waiting for next words.

"No comment."

Previously:

The Racing Incident

It's Lights Out - Part 1

#arcane #caitlyn kiramman #f1 au #caitlyn arcane #vi arcane #caitvi #eventually. they just gotta get through the rivalry and anger and tension and jealousy lol

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