Archive of Our Own

House Kiramman

Peace had managed to relatively settle upon Piltover. Surprisingly, in Zaun as well. A certain blue-haired, pink-eyed lawbreaker has been laying low for these past couple of months ever since the disastrous incident that involved the rocket of mass destruction.

If it hadn’t been for Councilor Medardaʼs shocking protective abilities, everyone in the council room would have met their end. Though each and every one of them had sustained severe injuries upon the explosion, they’ve ultimately recovered as time passed.

As everyone proceeded to the future, so did the progress of both districts. Once Caitlyn was appointed as the new Sheriff of the Enforcers, she started opening old, unsolved cases, cracking them one by one with not only her people, but also her new partner in law enforcement.

Projects and programs have also been established, ones that mostly involved Piltover setting aside resources to try and help the people in the fissures. It was a set of operations being overseen by Heimerdinger himself. The Yordle closely collaborated with Ekko and the other Zaunites, which openly gave room for peace negotiations and compromises.

With this newfound rhythm of work and absence of chaos, it gave practically everyone a chance for a conflict-free life. Vi was clearly not an exception to that.

The pinkette had been thrown into various changes within just a few days in leaving Stillwater Prison, and within these past couple of months, Caitlyn gave her free reign in investigating whatever trail Jinx could’ve possibly left behind.

For the past few months, Vi conducted her own work, yet it all led to a cold end of trails. Eventually, her consulting visits to Caitlyn at topside turned into something more permanent. After living her life by the day and settling wherever her investigation took her, Vi was given the choice to settle her roots to a more established residence.

It was a choice she accepted, and now she was staying in one of the many guest rooms of the distinguished home of the Kirammans.

The father of the household had been awfully welcoming, even more so than Caitlyn herself sometimes. Vi was also taken by genuine surprise when Councilor Kiramman took the first step in reaching out to her, asking her if she wanted to join her and Tobias for tea one afternoon.

Even now, whenever Vi walked the halls of the large abode, she still couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that she now lived in this house. She still felt like it was temporary and had even told Caitlyn and her family the same thought, but all of them waved off her worries in their own versions of dismissals.

All three of them assured her that she could stay as long as she wanted.

Apparently, they seemed to enjoy her company, despite taking time to adjust to it.

Vi was still in a form of disbelief whenever Cassandra would humbly ask her if she could make her the same tea Vander used to make whenever she, Powder and their two brothers were shivering in a cold night in Zaun.

There were also times when Tobias would ask Vi to come along with him whenever he went around the city, showing her around and even asking her for her opinions on the gadgetry he would contemplate in buying or investing in.

It was nice to feel included in something. To belong. The pain of thinking about her baby sister and how this could’ve been both of their lives fleeted across her mind rather regularly, but whenever it did, she would also recall Jinxʼs last say to her.

“Here’s to the new us.”

Vi had learned to live in the present and focus on the future instead of dwelling in the past. It was a painful thing to accept, but nonetheless she did. Eventually, at least.

Caitlyn would have her mind preoccupied with cases from the department, which would end up with the two of them staying up so late to the point of being treated like children whenever Cassandra would intervene and practically force them to go to their respective beds and get some sleep.

In Viʼs free time, whenever she wasn’t with any of the Kirammans or taking a break from furthering her ongoing investigation concerning her sister, she would either visit Ekko down at the fissures, or look for the exercise equipment Caitlyn used in the house.

Unfortunately, the little dumbbells and other amenities they had available in the house were all too light and not as fitting as it was for Vi compared to Caitlyn. It wasn’t too surprising, especially since all of the apparatuses were all there for the Sheriff in the first place. No one really anticipated they’ll be living with someone from the undercity, who preferred to improve her physical prowess in a regular basis.

Making her way down the main hall and into the living area, she found Tobias cleaning one of training rifles in their collection. The firearm was disassembled into various parts, each and every piece lined up in a row on a small table near the couch he was seated on.

“Mr. Kiramman?”

Tobias, whose eyes were slightly squinted behind the glasses he was wearing, raised his head, smiling immediately in greeting upon the sight of the pinkette. “Vi! I see you’re finally awake.”

The previous night was one of those all-nighters she and Caitlyn pulled. They were both so busy in finally figuring out the case they were handling that Cassandra and Tobias peered in their daughter’s room and told them to catch some rest.

An hour later, they tucked their finished reports and papers away and bid good night to one another, regardless of the rising sun showing through the large window in Caitlynʼs room.

Vi offered a sheepish smile, rubbing a hand over her nape. “Uhh, yeah... Sorry if we kept you and Mrs. Kiramman awake.”

“Oh no, no, you did nothing of such. All is well.” Tobias waved away her worries with an easing smile and a half-hearted gesture of his hand. “If you’re looking for Caitlyn, she already left an hour ago. Something about reporting in and getting a new case for you two.”

“She never stops to take a breath, does she?” Vi said with a chuckle, moving around and taking a seat across the older man.

“It’s what makes her a Kiramman.” Upon that line, the two shared a brief laugh before Tobias shook his head and asked, “Was there something you need, Vi? There’s food in the kitchen. Caitlyn left a sandwich for you there, if I remember correctly.”

“Oh, uh, not food. But, yeah, thanks for that. I’ll go get it later. Can you tell her thanks just in case I miss her today or something?”

“Of course.”

“I... actually wanted to ask.” Vi diffidently made a gesture to the direction where Caitlynʼs personal exercise room could be found. “Do you have any other exercise equipment in the house? The ones your daughter have aren’t really as... heavy as I’m used to.”

“Not challenging enough?” Tobias quipped with a knowing look, which coaxed a little chuckle from the other.

“Nope.”

“I’m not surprised. Well, I have a solution in mind. That is, if you don’t mind walking.”

Vi wore an amused smile at the last part. “Mr. Kiramman, I manually make my way down the fissures. Walking won’t be a problem, don’t worry.”

“Alright,” Tobias pointed over Viʼs shoulder as he said, “there’s this establishment right across Cogswell Parts and Tools. They have various equipment there that would likely cater to your build. They have quite the amenities there, to be honest.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, but...” Tobias frowned. “...you have to be a member to be granted access though.”

Viʼs hopeful face fell. “Oh... So, uh, I’m not allowed there, huh?”

Tobiasʼ downturned expression shifted into one of determination. He shook his head and set aside the half-built rifle, murmuring that he’d be right back before leaving Vi to stare at the doorway he disappeared off to.

There was the distant sound of a door opening and closing, only to be followed a few seconds later with the re-emergence of the said man. He looked quite proud as he held up what seemed to be a gold signet ring that bore the crest of the House of Kiramman.

“Is that a ring?”

“It is. A family ring, specifically.” Tobias stopped across Vi and leaned over the table to lay the ring on the palm of her hand, closing her fingers around it after. “If I heard correctly, then they’ll have you sign a few papers here and there to become a member. In case they require something else from you for you to use their facilities, then just present them that ring.”

“This little thing?” Vi opened her hand and plucked the accessory from her palm, examining it much closely.

“You’d be surprised how far the Kiramman name will take you, let alone one of our family rings.”

“Wouldn’t Mrs. Kiramman mind? I mean, she is a Councilor, and I know she’s really conscious about the whole reputation thing. I wouldn’t want to, y’know, cause a ruckus.”

“Nonsense! The people of Piltover and Zaun are already aware of you residing with us. You carrying our family ring wouldn’t be much news to others, I’m certain.”

“Are you really sure about this?”

“Absolutely. My daughter trusts you, my wife trusts you, so yes, Vi. I am most utterly sure about this.”

“...Alright then.” Vi stood up, intending on packing a few things for her little trip. She flashed a grin at the bearded man, who returned it with a smile of his own. “Thanks a lot, Mr. Kiramman. You’re a real nice guy, you know that?”

Tobias chuckled. “I do try, thank you.”

As the Kiramman watched the pink-haired Zaunite take her leave, Tobias remained blissfully unaware of the chain reaction both he and Vi would be causing soon enough.

Oblivious of how the people would perceive the sight of Vi having a Kiramman family ring in her possession, Tobias returned his attention to the rifle he was cleaning, whistling as he thought about asking the pinkette to come with him and the rest of the family when they go to the shooting range next week. Cassandra did say she somewhat missed holding a rifle in her arms.

The thought of his wife taking up the firearm he had on his lap made him smile. He would make certain it was as clean as a whistle and be in tip-top condition for his beloved darling to use.

xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx

Clad in a pair of loose pants with straps of belts and buckles adorning the waistline and a sleeveless white shirt underneath her favourite red jacket, Vi whistled to herself as she made her way to the premises Tobias was more than happy to give her directions to.

Her trip didn’t last long, but throughout her way, she heard a few murmurs here and there about her. She didn’t thought much about them as much as she did in the past. They weren’t as hateful as they were and had become mostly curious and in awe.

Apparently, her public appearances with Caitlyn had done a great deal in shaping her reputation in Piltover. The people called her this mysterious person that was always beside the youngest Kiramman, sometimes seen arresting culprits, but always right beside Caitlyn. Some even referred to her as a bodyguard the Sheriffʼs parents hired for her protection while on duty. That particular rumour always did make Vi snicker, while Caitlyn would sigh in resignation.

In Zaun, a whole lot of them recognized her as their bridge to topside. A representative they knew wouldn’t forget her roots and would always be one of the handful of people genuinely working on bettering the life in the undercity.

The fitness center Vi walked into reminded her of the same businesses down at Zaun, but, of course, this one looked more pristine and less cluttered by random bits and pieces of machinery. Just by its shiny floor and flashy-looking decorations at the front desk, she could already see why it was a membership only establishment.

Approaching the staff stationed at the front, Vi only had to wait for them to finish catering to one person before it was her turn to go up to the desk. She adjusted the sling of her bulky worn-looking bag, feeling a bit self-conscious and out of place in such a sterile environment.

“How may I help you?”

“I’m here to...” Vi let her words trail off, choosing to just nod and gesture to where the previous client went off to.

“Uhh,” The woman cleared her throat, making an idle move in arranging the open record book and papers in front of her. “I’m not sure if you’re aware, miss, but this facility is for members only. I’m sorry.”

It didn’t have to take too long for Vi to notice how the receptionist had given her a once-over, which made it all the more obvious in what she thought about her. For a brief, silent second, Vi mentally thanked Caitlynʼs father for telling her what to expect upon her arrival.

“Oh, yeah, I know.” Vi then nodded down to the small stack of forms at one side of the desk. “Someone told me I could apply for a membership here. Just have to fill up some paper or something.”

Despite looking a tad bit reluctant, the woman nodded and took one of the forms, sliding it towards Vi with a pen on top. “Right, of course. The time of processing will take a while though. You won’t be allowed to use any of our equipment until your membership has gone through.”

Settling for a few more days with Caitlynʼs own exercise apparatuses back home didn’t seem too bad. Vi started filling up the form, shrugging as she said, “That’s fine. I’ll just come back in a couple of days.”

“Thank you for understanding, ma’am.”

Some scribbling here and a swift recall of her muscle memory during hers and Caitlynʼs practice in making her own signature, Vi was soon sliding the form and pen back to the other woman. The latter picked the paper up, eyes skimming through the information the Zaunite had written before showing it to the pinkette and pointing at the blank column where her last name was supposed to be.

“Oh, you forgot to fill out this one.”

“Uhh, what am I supposed to put there?”

The woman raised an eyebrow, letting out a chortle when she thought Vi was cracking a joke. “Your last name.”

“My last name?”

“Yes.” Again, the woman chuckled. “The name of the house you’re from.”

That seemed to light the figurative bulb above Viʼs head. “Oh! That. It’s Kiramman.”

Only the letter ‘K’ made it on the paper. With wide eyes, the brown-eyed woman lifted her gaze once more, now looking completely caught-off guard with the given response. Of all names she could hear, that was definitely not one of them.

“You’re from... House Kiramman?”

“Yep.”

Owlishly, the woman blinked back at her. “If you don’t mind, and I do apologize if I’m being invasive, but since when did you become a part of the Kirammans?”

“Since Caitlyn.”

The woman’s eyes bulged out in shock, interpreting Viʼs words as her stating that she became part of the Kirammans after marrying Caitlyn. “O-Oh! I...! I wasn’t aware! My sincerest apologies, Miss Kiramman!”

“What? Oh no, no. Miss Kiramman is Caitlyn. Not me. I’m just Vi.”

“Right, right. Of course. Miss Vi it is.” The woman swallowed the lump in her throat before asking, “Just to be, ahem, sure, you and Sheriff Kiramman are... partners?”

“Mm-hm.” Vi confirmed, thinking about how she and Caitlyn were quite an amazing pair of work partners, while the staff before her interpreted it as them being partners in a more romantic and intimate manner. To add fuel to the flame she started, Vi withdrew the signet ring, which was tied around her neck by a thin string of chain, from underneath her shirt.

With a simple tug, the clasp of the chain was unlatched and she was soon sliding the ring from it, presenting it to the flabbergasted woman in front of her.

“Her dad gave me this. Told me I should show it to you when I get here.”

At the sight of the Kiramman family ring, the woman fumbled with the cup of pens she bumped into, smiling and laughing sheepishly as she arranged her desk with jerky movements. She grabbed a stamp from the side and planted its mark on the bottom of Viʼs form after inputting ‘Kiramman’ as her last name, which made it official that Violet Kiramman was a part of the center’s special membership.

“Nevermind what I said earlier. Please, Miss Kiramman, go ahead and feel free to use whichever equipment you take a fancy to.”

“Uhh, I told you, Miss Kiramman is Caitlyn, not me.” Vi said, chuckling as she self-consciously ran a hand through her hair. “Just, just call me Vi, Violet or whichever between those two, okay?”

“Of course, Miss Violet! I deeply apologize for delaying you here. If I had known about you and Sheriff Kiramman, I wouldn’t have wasted your time! Again, my apologies.”

Vi could only sigh at the formality, waving off the apology while still incognizant of the misunderstanding she was causing. “Hey, no, it’s fine. No worries. I’m still getting used to this whole Kiramman thing myself.”

When she had uttered such, Vi thought about the things the Kirammans have been giving her and how they’ve been treating her ever since she moved in with them. But, of course, the misinterpretation continued like water flowing down the river.

The receptionist assumed Vi was referring to how she was still familiarizing herself of all the things that involved the family of high prestige and what they were capable of acquiring with just the utterance of their name.

“Please. I do hope you find our equipment here up to your standards.”

Vi shrugged once again, flashing an easygoing smile. “My standards aren’t that high, so I’m pretty sure your facility here is great.”

Waving, Vi proceeded inside, but not without offering another smile when the receptionist told her she should pick up her membership card later once she was finished with her routine for today.

Caitlynʼs father was definitely not wrong. The reach of their name went far and now, the word about a ‘new’ Kiramman would spread as much as their influence.

But first, a call.

.....

.....

.....

Sighing, Caitlyn climbed up the steps of her family abode, a new set of files in hand containing the new case she and Vi would be working on. The last one was officially handled and the criminal, which was a corrupt nobleman in one of the lower houses, has already been apprehended by the Enforcers she had sent.

Just thinking about that particular case made Caitlyn nearly skip a step and end up losing her footing on her way up the stairs. Like what was mentioned before, she and Vi had stayed up through the late hours of the evening just to piece the scattered pieces of the puzzle while their minds were in the midst of the heat.

One after another, they connected the dots and soon, they were looking at a messy but complete board of evidence that showed them the true mastermind behind the small yet illegal operations they discovered.

“We make a good team, you and I.” She had said to Vi at the time, offering a hand for the other to shake.

Instead of reciprocating the expected gesture, Caitlyn had found herself being embraced by the strongest, warmest and gentlest arms she had become oh so yearning for. It’s been a while ever since Vi had held her like that. The last time she did, it was when her mother was in the medical center and she had been so close in breaking down to a panic attack.

Even when Vi had been in the middle of coming to terms with losing her sister to the new side of her called Jinx, the brawler gathered her in those arms of hers and embraced her until her entire self, both mind and body, had calmed down. Caitlyn could only hope she had offered the same comfort when she reciprocated the gesture.

Caitlyn groaned, hiding her face behind the folders as she walked through the front doors of her home. The memories of the quirked eyebrows of her mother and the encouraging smile of her father’s flashed in her mind, the embarrassment she felt upon receiving them creeping up to her.

Those looks and faces were only given to her whenever they’d catch her gazing at Vi, or when she got carried away in discussing their most recently completed case. It wasn’t her fault Vi had vast contributions to each of them and that she wanted to highlight them in her stories. She just wanted to show her parents that Vi was definitely someone neither of them expected from the undercity.

But of course, that’s somewhat something Caitlyn kept saying in order to try and convince herself that it was all just admiration and awe.

Honestly, she wasn’t kidding any of her parents or herself.

As nice as the opportunity sounded, Caitlyn didn’t want to rush Vi into anything, especially during the time she was grieving for losing her sister to something unexplainable. The advances, the quips, the looks, Caitlyn never brought any of it up when everything finally settled down.

A part of her was afraid it would unearth memories Vi might want to just forget altogether, so she stayed her hand and her heart. Practically everyday, she worked with Vi alongside her. Only the spontaneous celebration hugs like last night and occasional winks and smirks were what she received, and she told her herself it was fine.

As long as Vi was a part of her life, then she was happy.

Krrriiiiinnnggg!

Caitlynʼs head snapped up, her attention drawn immediately towards the telephone at the main corridor. She had yet to take more than two steps towards the device when her father emerged from the living room and took the handset from its perch, bringing it up to his right ear.

“Tobias Kiramman speaking.” The man greeted, his idle smile widening slightly when his daughter was mentioned through the call. “Caitlyn? Oh, of course, of course!”

Turning around, Tobias made eye contact with his daughter. He let his smile blossom some more as he gestured for her to come close. Once she was in arm’s reach, the handset was passed towards her, prompting Caitlyn to switch her hold on the files with one hand while her right accepted the phone.

“Who is it?”

“It’s from that place near Cogswell’s. They’re looking for you.”

“The gym? Okay...? Thank you, father.”

Tobias stepped aside, wordlessly excusing himself and leaving his daughter to handle whatever it was she was needed to be spoken for.

Caitlyn brought the speaker against her ear. “Caitlyn Kiramman.”

“Ah! Sheriff! It’s certainly nice to reach you! I’m sure you have a busy schedule ahead of you, so I won’t take but a moment of your time.” came a woman’s enthusiastic greeting.

“What’s this about, if I may know?”

“I only called to inform you that your wife’s gym membership has been approved! And, I’d also like to offer my congratulations to the other half of the newlyweds.”

A silent beat.

The sound of folders falling and papers scattering on the floor filled the hall, causing Tobias to peer back out before rejoining his daughter. All he did was look at Caitlyn with a curious look before bending down and gathering the essential reports and prints, putting them all back in their rightful folders.

Newlyweds? Her wife?

Caitlyn was still standing, thankfully, yet she was unmoving. She had held her breath, eyes wide and heart on the verge of either beating erratically or stopping altogether. She was suddenly unsure if she was asleep and was dreaming, or if this truly was her reality.

She needed an affirmation.

“Pardon me, but I must have misheard you. Come again?”

“Your wife’s gym membership, Sheriff. She came over just half an hour ago and applied here in our fine business.” The caller clarified. “Again, it’s been approved and we would like to express how honoured we are to somehow lend a hand to the Kirammans. Even if it’s in such a small, indirect way.”

“...I see.” Caitlyn took a deep breath, exhaled before clearing her throat. “Thank you for approving her application and for notifying me, miss.”

“It is our utmost pleasure, Sheriff.”

Click!

The handset was carefully placed back onto the receiver, its previous holder still looking so shocked and red in the cheeks. This was real. Caitlyn knew it was, yet why was she married all of a sudden? Since when was she married, even?

“Was that the fitness center?” Tobiasʼ voice broke his daughter out of her trance, causing her to refocus her attention back to him as he neatly reorganized the files he now had in hand.

“Hex-Fitness, yes.” Caitlyn eyebrows knitted together as she looked at her father. “How’d you know?”

“Did Viʼs membership get approved?”

“I’m sorry, but whose membership?”

“Violet.” Her father repeated much clearer this time. “She wanted to challenge herself with other training equipment, and well, we both know yours aren’t as intense as she’s likely used to. I decided to recommend that place you mentioned to Vi.”

Caitlyn could feel her heart hammering at her chest at this point, while her blush threatened to worsen even more at the loop of the receptionist’s words about her wife’s membership.

“Wait a second. Father, you’re telling me that the one who applied for a membership at Hex-Fitness is Vi?”

Humming, Tobias nodded. “It’s good to know it got approved!”

One second Caitlyn was staring at her father with wide eyes, the next, she was rushing out of the house, leaving Tobias to call out to her. She didn’t stop, nor even looked back. This was a detail that would spread much faster than how shimmer gets passed and smuggled around Zaun.

Caitlyn needed to find Vi and clear up this vast misunderstanding, or else everyone on topside and the undercity would soon assume that she and Vi married one another behind everyone’s backs.

Oh, the chaos Jinx would cause when she finds out...

Meanwhile, at Hex-Fitness Center...

The Zaunite worked fast. In under an hour, she had already done her usual routine when it came to punching exercises. She left the bandages around her hands and forearms when she switched to a different session. Debating between push-ups and sit-ups, she eventually settled with the latter after remembering all the food she’s been devouring ever since she started staying in Piltover.

Vi knew she needed to keep herself fit and ready for all the possible pursuits and fights she may or may not be involved in, especially since she did wordlessly claim the task in protecting Caitlyn whenever they’re out on the field.

Just by the thought of the aforementioned sniper, Vi could only shake her head and suppress a smile. Caitlyn, and her family, had been nothing but supportive and understanding ever since they started opening up to one another.

Trusting her enough to put her life on her hands countless times and even saving her from perilous situations, they’re practically an unstoppable duo, especially when they put both their minds to it.

Speaking of which, Vi knew she was being a bit of a coward for not taking the first step between the two of them. Their last emotional talk about them was during that time they presented to the council. After that, everything was just a blur in their connection. It was pushed to the very bottom of their lists and just didn’t have time to bloom into something more meaningful.

Then again, Vi never did stop herself from truly looking at Caitlyn. She became more subtle though. So far, the only time she was caught her eyeing her partner in an ironically lovestruck gaze was when they visited Zaun to personally check on one of the rebuilding projects being conducted at one part of the fissures. Ekko apparently saw it, and Vi never heard the end of it for the whole week she stayed with the Firelights.

Lost in the memory lane of all things Caitlyn, Vi noticed her motions of performing sit-ups had come to a halt. She shook her head, wiping the sweat on her brow before pulling herself back up to resume her exercise.

Much to her surprise, the subject of her thoughts stood right there at the foot of the slanted bench she was currently using. Rather than letting herself fall back, Vi held onto the edges of the incline sit-up bench in order to meet the deep teal eyes right in front of her.

“Hey.” Vi greeted in a somewhat breathless manner, flashing a small dopey-looking grin.

Caitlyn, who had finally arrived at the exercise center, had her arms crossed, while her face was morphed into what she tried passing off as disappointed and admonishing. Yet, the second Vi wore that soft look in her eyes and that smile on her face, the sniperʼs resolve was quick to steady itself on a fragile form of resolve.

“We working on a new case?” Vi carried on in asking, assuming Caitlyn was there due to such.

Once she heard the query, Caitlyn mentally shook her head, train of thought somehow getting back on its original track. “Do you know what you’ve done?”

In that puppy way Caitlyn never admitted she found absolutely charming, Vi tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“What do I...-” Caitlyn lightly scoffed, shaking her head as she uncrossed her arms, ran a hand through her hair and started pacing in front of the other. She could never talk to Vi properly like this. Not with the brawler’s arms tense and flexing thanks to her current position. “Vi, you told the person at the front desk that you’re a Kiramman!”

“Uhh, no, I didn’t.”

“You didn’t?”

Vi shook her head.

“Then, why are they all suddenly assuming you’re part of the Kirammans?”

Eyebrows furrowing and lips downturning, Vi asked, “Am I... not?”

“Not what?”

“Not part of the Kirammans?”

Caitlyn snapped her gaze back to the Zaunite, her pace halting and her expression softening at the sight of silvery ceruleans that looked almost as if they belonged to a little pup. “No... No, I don’t mean it like that. It’s... You’re welcomed, and always will be, in mine and my family’s home, okay? I need you to remember that.”

“Okay...?”

“But, Vi...” Caitlyn now looked stressed and flustered at the same time. “You can’t just go around telling people you’re a Kiramman.”

“I told you, I didn’t!”

“Vi, you’re registered as Violet Kiramman in this membership you applied to.” Caitlyn explained, gesturing to the direction where the receptionist was. “People are starting to think you and I are married.”

That finally caught the pinkette’s full attention. Eyes wide and form tensing, Vi reacted with, “Wait, really?”

“Why do you look amused? Vi, this is a serious matter!”

Though Vi had this light pink colour in her cheeks, there was this unpaintable smile on her face as she averted her gaze from Caitlyn. “Just tell them we’re not, then. I don’t even know where it came from.”

When Vi laid back down on the bench and stared up at the ceiling, she still had that lovable smile playing on her lips. She honestly wasn’t aware where the whole issue came from and that she was technically to blame for it, but the thought of being called a Kiramman because of Caitlyn was something that sent her heart into a cute, little ride.

Caitlyn, thinking Vi was purposely ignoring her, huffed, advanced a step and leaned forward to try and pull the other woman up. “Vi! Get up! We need to talk about this and we need to fix it!”

Reeled out of her silly daze, Vi shook her head and made a swift motion on swinging her leg off and across the bench, completely missing the fact that Caitlyn had closed in. “Okay, okay, geez!”

What neither women anticipated was for Vi’s foot to get caught against Caitlyn’s hip. The dismount she tried doing was disrupted by the sudden obstacle, causing her to accidentally take Caitlyn down with her.

An audible surprised gasp echoed in the room, followed by the sound of something colliding against the bars of the weight machine nearby. There was a grunt in the middle of it, but no one was too sure who it came from.

Caitlyn felt like there was a rush of air from her fall, only for all of it to be gone and replaced by warmth all over, despite being tense and halfway curled up in hasty preparation for the unexpected descent.

Another yet softer grunt before a quiet, concerned voice reached her ears. “You okay?”

Eyes hesitantly opening, Caitlyn found herself half-pressed against on top and Vi’s side, one arm holding her around the waist, while one hand was securely holding the back of her head. It was due to Vi that not only had she fallen, but was also saved from having her hit the neighbouring bench.

Caitlyn raised her head, surveying her surroundings for a second before returning her gaze back to Vi. Hair slightly disheveled, the young Kiramman was suddenly unaware on how to function properly. Any chances of recovering smoothly from this was vanquished the second a bandaged hand reached towards her face, covered knuckles brushing against her cheek before fingers dove into her hair and pushed them away from her face.

“You okay, cupcake?”

“I...”

Body tensing even more than before, all the nerves melted away immediately after once Vi moved her hand from her hair down to delicately cupping her by the jaw. Hands rough yet so gentle to the touch, the practically nonexistent proximity between them could honestly stop Caitlyn’s heart right then and there.

“Was the fall that shocking or was the thought of being married to me seemed so bad?”

“...No.” The reply was so softly spoken, so full of unsaid feelings, so much weight in one mere word.

The smug, little smile on Vi’s face gradually faded into a surprised yet sincere expression, lips parting hesitantly and eyes glancing between Caitlyn’s gaze and lips. The room was virtually crackling with the emotion and tension between, their hearts spilling its craving in the soundless yet contradictingly loudest way possible.

“Vi...-”

“Cait...-”

“Caitlyn!”

Both of their heads spun towards the horrified voice of one familiar Councilor, their eyes landing on none other than Councilor Talis and Kiramman.

Eyes as wide as it could get and cheeks burning bright, Caitlyn scrambled off Vi with evident haste, only for a loud thunk! to echo around the room upon the collision of her head against the bar above them. The two councilors winced, while the Sheriff forced herself to push through the pain and assume a standing position.

Vi chanced on reaching out a hand, and thankfully, Caitlyn was willing to take her eyes away from her mother and brother-figure just to help her on her own feet.

“Hello there, Mrs. Kiramman.” Vi casually greeted, offering a sheepish yet genuine smile to the older woman before morphing her lips to a sly, teasing grin as she turned to Jayce. “To you, too, pretty boy.”

Jayce couldn’t even react to the sarcastic quip. Beside him, Cassandra was the first to snap out of her shock. She took a step forward and made a gesture for Caitlyn to speak before she started assuming the worst of the worst. “Explain. Now.”

“This was all a misunderstanding.” Caitlyn hurriedly started, pointing at both herself and Vi. “I swear, it is, mother.”

“I come in here because I have been receiving commendations for being such an accepting Councilor and congratulations for what apparently is a wedding my own daughter forgot to invite, nor mention, to me.”

“Or me.” Jayce said, looking wounded that Caitlyn didn’t even bother telling him she had married.

“Vi and I aren’t married.” Beside the Sheriff, Vi, who looked utterly unaffected by the correction, nodded affirmatively, her easygoing look causing the two council members to think otherwise.

While Cassandra looked absolutely skeptical, Jayce frowned and said, “That’s... kind of hard to believe. Especially after what we literally just saw.”

“What you saw was a complete misunderstanding.” Caitlyn tried defending the rather compromising position she and Vi were in a moment ago. “I was only helping Vi up and there was a bit of miscommunication here and there.”

“Likely story.” Cassandra’s stern look and crossed arms didn’t last for too long. She sighed, shaking her head at the events of today. She nodded her head over her shoulder, saying, “Come now. We clearly have a few things to discuss at home.”

Caitlyn deflated, nodding like a little girl who just got scolded. She spared a parting glance to Vi, but when her mother noticed that she was the only one who made a move to follow, the older woman clicked her tongue and shot the pinkette a look. The latter was quick to perk up and notice the given stare.

“Mrs. Kiramman?”

“You as well, Violet.”

“Oh, but I, uhh...” Vi feebly pointed over to the other workout machines, but when she met the Councilor’s eyes, she sighed and said, “Yes, ma’am. I’m just going to change clothes and, y’know...”

Cassandra nodded, satisfied with the response. “We’ll be waiting outside, then.”

While Vi stepped to the farther part of the gym, the three left the building and waited for the brawler at the front of the establishment. Councilor Kiramman had mastered the art of patience and facades, so between their little group, only Jayce and Caitlyn seemed to be on the edge throughout their wait.

Inching two to three steps away from the Kiramman matriarch after a few minutes of waiting passed, the two had to resist huddling together as they both spoke in hushed murmurs.

“I can’t believe you. You got married and didn’t even invite me to the ceremony?” Jayce spoke with disbelief, nudging Caitlyn with the box of pastries he’s been apparently holding ever since they arrived. “Was it a private one? Do Zaunites have a different way of hosting ceremonies or something?”

Caitlyn gave the other a hard elbow on the side. “I told you, Vi and I are not married.”

“Cait, people have been talking. For a bit of a long while now, actually. They’ve been drawing a great deal of speculations about you and her.”

“Why? Is this the first time they’ve seen a topsider always with an undercity citizen?”

“Oh, you’d be surprised.” Jayce said with a huff of a laugh. “Also, it’s not just that you two are partners at work. People see Vi go in and out of the Kiramman house on a daily basis. They know she lives with you and your family, Cait. I’d honestly be more surprised if they didn’t think you two were anything but professional colleagues.”

“You used to live in a Kiramman owned property. Our penthouse, specifically. How is Vi any different?”

Jayce looked like he was suppressing a wide grin. “Other than the fact that you clearly have a crush and have this massive soft spot for her, Cait, you know there’s a lot of differences.”

“There is not.”

“There definitely is.”

“Is not.”

“Is there.”

Caitlyn was just about to elbow him again when Cassandra suddenly started addressing them both, causing them to jump half a step in surprise and turn back to the older woman with smiles that made it clear they were caught red-handed.

“Once you two are done with your childish bickering there, maybe one of you is willing to share what seems to be so interesting?”

“Oh, it’s, it’s nothing, Councilor Kiramman.”

“It’s nothing at all, mother.”

“What’s nothing?”

The trio spun around to face Vi, whose hair was still damp from the water she probably just splashed over herself to freshen up in such a limited span of time. She was back in her clothes from earlier, minus the red jacket, which was slung over the duffel bag she had hanging over her right shoulder.

“Not you, clearly.” Cassandra murmured with a small sigh before beckoning the three to trail after her. “Come.”

On their way back to the Kiramman estate, Jayce made a flimsy excuse about remembering an appointment he had with Councilor Medarda. He deposited the box of treats to Caitlyn’s grasp, purposely ignoring the muttered, “Traitor.” that came from the latter as he made his escape.

This left Caitlyn and Vi the only ones who went home with the other Councilor. Upon their arrival, Tobias proudly told them about how he was almost finished in cleaning the training rifles and that they could definitely push through with plans for a shootout at the range this upcoming weekend.

Cassandra sighed at her husband’s enthusiasm, placing a hand on his shoulder before lightly pulling him towards the living room, which was where they were apparently going to discuss the matter at hand.

“Oh, what’s this all about?” Tobias asked, glancing at his wife before turning his gaze to both Vi and Caitlyn, who sat across them.

“It’s about how the people suddenly think our dear Caitlyn here is married...” Cassandra said, glancing over to where their daughter was seated before her eyes trailed over to the person situated beside her. “...to Vi.”

“Oh.” Tobias was clearly surprised and looked thoughtful for a moment before he smiled and said, “Whatever caused this happy misunderstanding?”

While his wife raised an eyebrow and his only child widened her eyes at his choice of words, Vi lightly sighed and withdrew the signet ring he provided her, lifting the accessory between the pads of her thumb and index finger.

“I think it’s because of this, Mr. Kiramman.”

“Wait, how did you even manage to get your hands on one of our family rings?” Caitlyn asked, looking but not taking the circular object being held up by callous fingers.

“Your dad gave it to me.” Vi shrugged, resting her forearms on her lap after tossing and catching the ring in the air.

“You gave her one of our family rings?” Cassandra asked Tobias, sounding surprised rather than horrified.

“Well, she’s been nothing but an absolute help to not only us, but the people of Piltover as well.” Tobias didn’t seem to see the big fuss about it. “I knew she’d need some help of her own when it comes to this membership at Hex-Fitness, so I took the initiative and gave her the ring. I assume it helped? I heard they approved of your membership.”

Vi nodded and was just about to utter a reply when Cassandra spoke up and asked, "And they all just assumed you and Caitlyn were married because of that?”

Again, Vi shrugged, while Caitlyn sighed and answered for her. “They asked Vi what house she’s from and she told them she's from ours.”

“You told them you’re a Kiramman, then?”

“No, I told them I’m from the House of the Kirammans.” Vi said, making a face as she continued with, “There’s a difference. I live with you guys, don’t I? Doesn't that make me, I don’t know, a part of the house?”

Once the question was asked, Vi hunched her shoulders, showing some effort in making herself look small under all the attention presently focused on her. When she heard no vocal response from any of the Kirammans, she figured it was her cue to further explain her point.

“Back down at the Lanes, as long as you’re a part of something. A part of a group, live in the same house or not, you’re family. As long as you belong, there’s kinship.” Vi proceeded on expanding her clarification. Sighing as she finally realized what triggered the whole mini-fiasco. “You have last names and noble houses here. We never had those down at the fissures.”

Vi recalled the times when she and her siblings would either peer over or sit on the bar top while they watched and listened to the people of Zaun converse among one another with plans for each other’s future in the quaint atmosphere of the Last Drop. She smiled to herself in nostalgia, missing the much simpler, less violent times she had with the family she lost.

“I figured... since you’re the only ones who welcomed me here on topside, I thought I was a part of your family.” Vi stole a quick glance towards Cassandra and Tobias. “Guess that’s not how it works up here. Sorry.”

Taking a breath, Vi straightened up and reached over the table to hand over the signet ring. Rather than stretching a hand out and accepting the accessory, Tobias and Cassandra turned to one another, a silent conversation commencing between them.

The pinkette was patient. She stayed her hand, let it hover above the coffee table and waited for the ring to be taken.

“Keep it.” was Cassandra’s abrupt statement, fixing her gaze back to Vi.

“Keep what? The ring?”

“Yes.” Gesturing at the brawler, she said, “And the thought as well.”

“Thought?”

The councilor hummed, expression appearing insouciant as she waved a hand. “You are a part of this family.”

“I am?” Vi sounded genuinely surprised, yet there was a hint of hope behind those two words of hers and the eyes she possessed. They looked so close in sparkling. A feat possibly made by the reflection of the flame from the fireplace.

“You are.” Tobias concurred with his wife’s words, looking all too pleased and proud. “Even if you weren’t, you likely would be in the future.”

At the finish of the last part, both older Kirammans directed their eyes from Vi to their daughter, whose back straightened upon their gazes. Caitlyn was clearly taken off-guard by the knowing, expectant looks of her mother and father, and it certainly didn’t take more than a few seconds for her to realize what the man meant.

“Father! Mother!” Caitlyn gasped out in shock, unable to believe her parents would expose her like this.

“We said nothing, Caitlyn. Refrain from shouting.” Cassadra nonchalantly said, while she gestured for her husband to fetch the tea he apparently prepared for this afternoon. “We are merely aware of your relationship together, despite not outright telling us about it.”

Now that particular statement made Caitlyn and Vi react with wide eyes, giving way for shock to once again take over their faces. While Caitlyn was in absolute disbelief and started stumbling with her words, Vi only let herself relax on the sofa, her gaze trailing towards the Sheriff’s distressed face.

Steel blues lingeringly stared, the ring in her fist feeling almost as warm as the heart beating inside her. She tilted her head in wonder, truly looking at Caitlyn like she had when she first spoke to Ekko about helping the undercity. The sight reminded her why she felt connected to Caitlyn.

“Wish that was the case.” Vi mumbled, but it sounded as if it was shouted with how Caitlyn suddenly silenced herself, while Cassandra returned her attention to her and Tobias briefly paused at the doorway with a tray in hand.

“You... and Caitlyn,” The older woman began, narrowing her eyes. “are you not involved with one another? Romantically?”

Caitlyn flushed red at her mother’s words, while Vi merely donned a light blush on her own face as she replied with, “Er, no. We... We haven’t really... talked about that.”

“Oh dear.” Tobias placed the tray down on the table before turning to his wife. “I think we should give them some privacy.”

Cassandra resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the pair, suppressing the shake of her head. She flipped the box of sweets open, withdrawing two cupcakes and placing it on the tray her husband brought in. Tobias seemed to understand her intention.

With a smile, he poured two cups of tea and placed it right beside the open box before lifted the tray back up and said, “I’ll be at the lounge.”

Tobias smiled at Vi and gave his daughter a wink, turning away and taking his leave. This, of course, left the duo to fix their focus back on Councilor Kiramman, who stood up, dusting herself as she spoke.

“Regardless of where you both stand with this connection of yours,” Cassandra fully turned her eyes on Vi. “you are and will always be a part of House Kiramman.”

Vi, whose eyes had turned and met the councilor’s, softened from where she sat. She smiled, remembering the warmth of her mother’s voice as she took in Cassandra’s affirming words. “Thank you.”

“Now, if you’d both excuse me.”

Silence was quick to cloak over the pair, the councilor’s clicking of heels nothing but a distant echo down the hall. There was the quiet crackle of wood and flames from the fireplace and whenever it reached their ears, Caitlyn would dart her gaze towards it before returning her attention back to her fidgeting fingers.

As for Vi, she took a fair moment’s worth of time to absently stare at the two teacups Tobias left for them before letting her gaze wander back to Caitlyn. As if it wasn’t already before, her eyes softened and turned more tender. The usual furious and threatening stare she wore in combat or the smug and confident look she donned when in front of others were nowhere to be found.

In her eyes, Caitlyn was a sight to behold. A scene to forever commemorate into memory. A woman so close yet so unreachable. A beacon of hope she clung to in the darkest point of her life.

“Stop that.” came Caitlyn’s feebly uttered demand.

“Stop what?”

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like...-” Caitlyn pursed her lips and met Vi’s gaze completely, her own heart beginning to escape its confines. “Like I mean something to you.”

The corner of Vi’s lips curled, eyebrows slightly furrowing. “But you do.”

Caitlyn wanted nothing more but to let her walls down. To just let Vi in again. The last time she did, she was left to stand under the rain. Cold and alone. She had a great deal of regrets towards that moment in her life, reaching the point of wishing she could rewind time. Unlike Vi though, she wouldn’t, not now, not ever, be able to turn her back on someone that mattered to her as much as Vi did.

“Why did you leave, then?”

Even without specifying, Vi knew what Caitlyn meant. Her shoulders slackened, the surrender she felt showing through her actions. “I didn’t want you to get hurt. You know she would have come for you if I stayed.”

“She did anyway.” Caitlyn found herself speaking nearly through gritted teeth.

“I know...”

“You didn’t think that maybe that was a decision you should’ve given me?”

“You would’ve made the choice that would’ve gotten you hurt, Cait.”

“You’re right. It would have been my choice.” Caitlyn shifted from her place, halfway facing Vi. “But you didn’t give me the opportunity to make it for myself. Why?”

A deep and heavy sigh. One that sounded as if thousands were weighing her down. “Because I lost everyone I’ve ever loved.”

The frustration that was beginning to show on Caitlyn’s face faded, her emotional aggravation faltering.

“My mom, my dad, Vander, Claggor, Mylo... Powder.” Vi opened her hand and gazed down to the golden Kiramman ring on her palm. “I knew that if I had lost you to... to Jinx, then it would’ve been the last straw.”

There was a strong urge to reach out, but suddenly, Caitlyn was unsure if it would be welcomed. She pushed it down, focusing on Vi’s words and just listening to what she had to say.

“Vander told me that no matter how hard the world tries to break me that I shouldn’t lose my heart.” Vi’s gaze lingered a moment more on the ring before wandering back to Caitlyn. “But... what if my world is the one that breaks? What do I do, then?”

Caitlyn took a breath, searching for the words she felt the need to say to offer at least a sliver of comfort. “I know Powder means a lot...-”

“I’m not talking about Powder.” Tables turned yet hearts still the same and almost beating as one, Vi reached out, bruised knuckles caressing the soft skin of Caitlyn’s cheek and brushing aside midnight tresses. “I’m talking about you.”

There was no mask anymore, nor were there any walls that continued to hold. Caitlyn’s throat constricted for a moment, lips parting in the slightest and eyes evidently widening. Her heart had been won over once more.

“I never want to lose you.”

Silence returned, but the tension wasn’t as discomforting as before. Caitlyn let her actions speak for her. Her hands, ones so delicate and soft to the touch, grazed over Vi’s knuckles before she tucked them over her lap, left hand messily interlocked with coarse fingers. Her right arm wound around Vi’s left, pulling herself close as she vanquished the space between the two of them.

Tender lips were laid on Vi’s shoulder, where Caitlyn rested her head over, barely reaching the inked part of her skin. She closed her eyes for a moment, relishing the warmth coming from the other.

“Would you let me choose now?”

“Not like I can stop you.” Vi said with a light scoff, a tiny smile making its way to her lips as she slightly turned her head to try and catch sight of Caitlyn’s face.

“I choose to stand by you. No matter the cost.”

“Is that right?”

Caitlyn hummed, nuzzling her cheek against Vi’s arm. “I choose... to love you.”

Vi moved her head until she was looking directly at the Kiramman, whose head shifted as well and was now meeting her eyes with so little distance between them. Heart pounding so loud, so strongly in her chest, Vi could practically feel the emotion coursing through her veins.

“Will you let me?” Caitlyn asked in a soft murmur, the hand that was once intertwined with Vi’s now reaching up to move a few strands of pink aside.

“Will you let me?” Vi returned the question, voice and gaze sounding and looking vulnerable. “I hurt you when I walked away, but would you still let me in? After everything?”

“...I already have.”

Eyes closing and heads leaning against one another, they stayed close and kept each other warm in a way no flame was capable of doing. They remained how they were until the tea in their cups were less than lukewarm and the box of sweets was left forgotten.

For the first time in a long while, Caitlyn and Vi finally felt at home in the grand walls of the Kiramman estate.

xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx