Vander | Hound of the Underground (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cantilevers) wrote2024-12-20 06:57 pm
cantilevers) wrote2024-12-20 06:57 pm
Inbox (Etraya)
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[Vander was keeping his own cards close to the chest about this situation. He would had preferred to confer with Vi on this topic, trusting her judgment even if he had twinges of reservations. He didn't believe Piltover would appreciate a mutt in their houses after all, and he didn't believe Vi would hold her temper back enough to not punch someone in the face. That was a quick downward spiral.
Unfortunately for him, he didn't know the details of their relationship. The Vi he knew was interested in girls, but she hadn't spent much time exploring that. She was trying to live up to what she thought his expectations were. There was a disconnect between what he knew and what was being presented. Still, Caitlyn was clearly earnest enough about her feelings.]
I couldn't say I care much about your name. I care about the contents of your character, Caitlyn. [He did actually tighten his hand a little at the enforcer bit. Old habits, nothing personal against her.] It's true enforcers are not my favourite people, but...
[If she only knew who his previous long-term relationship was to, she might be the one judging him and not the other way around.]
Unfortunately for him, he didn't know the details of their relationship. The Vi he knew was interested in girls, but she hadn't spent much time exploring that. She was trying to live up to what she thought his expectations were. There was a disconnect between what he knew and what was being presented. Still, Caitlyn was clearly earnest enough about her feelings.]
I couldn't say I care much about your name. I care about the contents of your character, Caitlyn. [He did actually tighten his hand a little at the enforcer bit. Old habits, nothing personal against her.] It's true enforcers are not my favourite people, but...
[If she only knew who his previous long-term relationship was to, she might be the one judging him and not the other way around.]
[A rueful smile steals across her face, just for a moment. If Vander's telling the truth, he may well be the first person she's ever met who doesn't care that she's a Kiramman. From the moment she was old enough to understand what that means, everyone she's spoken to, every person who's ever greeted her at a social function, every schoolmate who's tried to befriend her, every girl who's ever flirted with her, every fellow enforcer who's sneered at her, even her parents, even Jayce, everyone has made assumptions without ever bothering to consider whether those assumptions might be wrong. She's felt like a prized pet bird all her life, trapped in a beautiful, golden cage, the bars forged out of her name.
She can't help but think that Vander's made assumptions too, even if he won't share them.]
I know, whatever else may happen—
[And given what Sevika had said at the meeting, and Jinx telling her that she and Vi will part ways again, it does seem like her future will be... tumultuous...
Her hands tighten on the mug, her mind shying away from thinking about any of that just now. She came here to clear the air about her relationship with Vander's daughter, not to dwell on...]
–there are those who would frown on my having a relationship with a Zaunite. I want you to know that I don't care about them, or what they think. I care about Vi. It's true that she and I come from different worlds, and I can't promise those worlds will never clash, but I'm prepared to support her through whatever those clashes might entail. I'm not asking for your permission, but I... I am asking for your acceptance.
[She meets his gaze, serious and earnest and intent. Whatever her relationship with Vi might end up being, and whatever difficulties they may face together or apart, she hopes that Vander will approve. She rather likes Vander, and she doesn't want her feelings to cause strife between father and daughter, even if he has been dead for years.]
And if you have any– If you have questions. About me. Us. About Vi. I'll answer them, of course.
She can't help but think that Vander's made assumptions too, even if he won't share them.]
I know, whatever else may happen—
[And given what Sevika had said at the meeting, and Jinx telling her that she and Vi will part ways again, it does seem like her future will be... tumultuous...
Her hands tighten on the mug, her mind shying away from thinking about any of that just now. She came here to clear the air about her relationship with Vander's daughter, not to dwell on...]
–there are those who would frown on my having a relationship with a Zaunite. I want you to know that I don't care about them, or what they think. I care about Vi. It's true that she and I come from different worlds, and I can't promise those worlds will never clash, but I'm prepared to support her through whatever those clashes might entail. I'm not asking for your permission, but I... I am asking for your acceptance.
[She meets his gaze, serious and earnest and intent. Whatever her relationship with Vi might end up being, and whatever difficulties they may face together or apart, she hopes that Vander will approve. She rather likes Vander, and she doesn't want her feelings to cause strife between father and daughter, even if he has been dead for years.]
And if you have any– If you have questions. About me. Us. About Vi. I'll answer them, of course.
[Vander had been trained and coaxed along thanks to his association with Grayson. When he had been young and brash and hopped up on his own ego, he had definitely hated all enforcers and most of Piltover. He resented them and their pretty perfect lives while he punched and kicked his way to his next meal sometimes. He'd been stopped, frisked and even beaten by enforcers for no other reason than he was big and they could claim he looked to be trouble. Well, there was also Silco, who had a keen ability to instigate fights, especially with enforcers.
However, after much distrust and negotiating, Grayson had taught him some of Piltover, and he had taught her some of Zaun. They had made it work for the sake of the deal, which required them both to leave much of their prejudice at the door. He had kept much of the violence out of the Lanes, including that of enforcers, but that didn't mean he wasn't suspicious of Piltover either. The Council had been a distance uncaring entity for as long as he could recall. That she was the daughter of a Councilwoman did create a ripple of unease in him, but she had extended him a courtesy of safety and privacy when no one else would.]
Usually we don't entirely have a choice who we develop feelings for. Sometimes they bring out the best in us. Sometimes they bring out the worst. Or it's a combination of both.
[Case in point: Silco. Not that he would admit to anyone their former association, not so soon after arriving. He could call it a fall out of a friendship or a brotherhood and nothing more than that. His focus had to be on Vi, on what it was that she possibly wanted or needed. After all, she had lost everything including years, and that was a lot to make up for.]
Vi would face similar scrutiny in the undercity. Dalliances are common but actual relationships are rare given our... ah sordid history with one another. And none of this conversation actually matters because Vi isn't here to verify your story. I'd prefer to see you two together and understand how you two treat each other before I make any acceptances on what you've told me.
[He met her gaze in return, honest and without judgment. Caitlyn was nice enough, if reactive to Zaunites, which he expected he would have to work on her with. Both her and Jayce actually. Though, talking about Vi made his heart ache to see her, to want to make certain she was alright, to apologize that things had gotten so out of hand, for... abandoning her.]
Does... Vi still take no shit from anyone?
However, after much distrust and negotiating, Grayson had taught him some of Piltover, and he had taught her some of Zaun. They had made it work for the sake of the deal, which required them both to leave much of their prejudice at the door. He had kept much of the violence out of the Lanes, including that of enforcers, but that didn't mean he wasn't suspicious of Piltover either. The Council had been a distance uncaring entity for as long as he could recall. That she was the daughter of a Councilwoman did create a ripple of unease in him, but she had extended him a courtesy of safety and privacy when no one else would.]
Usually we don't entirely have a choice who we develop feelings for. Sometimes they bring out the best in us. Sometimes they bring out the worst. Or it's a combination of both.
[Case in point: Silco. Not that he would admit to anyone their former association, not so soon after arriving. He could call it a fall out of a friendship or a brotherhood and nothing more than that. His focus had to be on Vi, on what it was that she possibly wanted or needed. After all, she had lost everything including years, and that was a lot to make up for.]
Vi would face similar scrutiny in the undercity. Dalliances are common but actual relationships are rare given our... ah sordid history with one another. And none of this conversation actually matters because Vi isn't here to verify your story. I'd prefer to see you two together and understand how you two treat each other before I make any acceptances on what you've told me.
[He met her gaze in return, honest and without judgment. Caitlyn was nice enough, if reactive to Zaunites, which he expected he would have to work on her with. Both her and Jayce actually. Though, talking about Vi made his heart ache to see her, to want to make certain she was alright, to apologize that things had gotten so out of hand, for... abandoning her.]
Does... Vi still take no shit from anyone?
[This being the first time she's had this sort of conversation, she doesn't really know what she expected. Or what she ought to have expected. It makes sense that he'd want to talk to Vi about this before leveling any judgment, one way or the other, so perhaps this is the best outcome she could have hoped for.
At least he hasn't chased her out of the flat.]
I— Yes, I understand.
[If only Vi were here.
To his question, she responds,] No, [quite earnestly.] She doesn't. She's quite the forceful personality. I can't imagine her backing down from anything once she's set her mind to it.
At least he hasn't chased her out of the flat.]
I— Yes, I understand.
[If only Vi were here.
To his question, she responds,] No, [quite earnestly.] She doesn't. She's quite the forceful personality. I can't imagine her backing down from anything once she's set her mind to it.
[He knew that Vi would complicate things, that adding another to their ranks here was going to increase the chances of conflict between the groups. He was suspecting that Vi was now caught between the two cities as he might just be, no real alliances aside from those cultivated with the people she cared about. No doubt causing trouble just with her very being; the girls had always been able to make waves just being who they were.
Just like their mother.
Vander's expression softened and became incredibly fond as he nodded his head. His lips tugged in a smile, and he felt a relief that Vi still had her fierceness.] That's my girl.
[He was heartened by the earnest nature of Caitlyn's reply.] What was she charged with to be locked in Stillwater?
Just like their mother.
Vander's expression softened and became incredibly fond as he nodded his head. His lips tugged in a smile, and he felt a relief that Vi still had her fierceness.] That's my girl.
[He was heartened by the earnest nature of Caitlyn's reply.] What was she charged with to be locked in Stillwater?
[Ah. Now that's a more complicated question.]
I don't know. There weren't any records on her incarceration. I don't even know how long she was locked up. Given that the Sheriff was working for Silco, and Vi's... involvement with Silco... I— It's possible that the Sheriff was responsible.
[She can't be entirely certain, of course. Not without more information. But it's a reasonable assumption to make.]
When I met her, she'd been put in solitary confinement for breaking another inmate's jaw. One of Silco's henchmen. [Her voice drops lower. Her hands tighten even further on the mug, as though, if she grips it hard enough, its warmth could somehow be transferred to Vi.] Those cells are so deep, and so cold, and so dark... I shudder to think at how long she was there.
I don't know. There weren't any records on her incarceration. I don't even know how long she was locked up. Given that the Sheriff was working for Silco, and Vi's... involvement with Silco... I— It's possible that the Sheriff was responsible.
[She can't be entirely certain, of course. Not without more information. But it's a reasonable assumption to make.]
When I met her, she'd been put in solitary confinement for breaking another inmate's jaw. One of Silco's henchmen. [Her voice drops lower. Her hands tighten even further on the mug, as though, if she grips it hard enough, its warmth could somehow be transferred to Vi.] Those cells are so deep, and so cold, and so dark... I shudder to think at how long she was there.
[His fingers twitched as he considered the timing. Vi in prison likely soon after he had died, and based on what Powder had told him, it seemed to him that she had to be placed in Stillwater by an enforcer. It was neat and tidy wasn't it? Why keep her alive unless it was to potentially use against...
Marcus...?
After Grayson's death, there had been an exchange of blood money. A tie to Piltover that was necessary to keep the dealings of the undercity from slipping too far up the chain. Janna, he could see it, and no wonder keeping someone who was also known to shift conflicts just by her stubbornness, her will, the strength of her character and heart. She'd become Marcus' ace in the hole, yet Caitlyn had been the one to free her. Maybe he was far off base, but why else keep Vi alive?
He didn't have enough information to verify it as anything truthful, but he could see the connections. There was so much he didn't know, so much he could never know, and yet... that Vi remained alive and then returned to the Lanes. No crime, just a trencher lost in the system.]
Of course... it was his only option. ["I met an old friend of yours... he sure had some stories."] Heh, she had nothing left to lose... [He'd been in one of those deep, dark, cold cells before after the Day of Ash; it was a taste of what he would live like if he didn't take the deal or at least barter in some manner of good faith.
He turned his head to stare off across the sparse room to the wall.] I've heard stories... the darkest places are where they have their talks. But... you set her free. I'm grateful that you gave her a chance at a life again.
Marcus...?
After Grayson's death, there had been an exchange of blood money. A tie to Piltover that was necessary to keep the dealings of the undercity from slipping too far up the chain. Janna, he could see it, and no wonder keeping someone who was also known to shift conflicts just by her stubbornness, her will, the strength of her character and heart. She'd become Marcus' ace in the hole, yet Caitlyn had been the one to free her. Maybe he was far off base, but why else keep Vi alive?
He didn't have enough information to verify it as anything truthful, but he could see the connections. There was so much he didn't know, so much he could never know, and yet... that Vi remained alive and then returned to the Lanes. No crime, just a trencher lost in the system.]
Of course... it was his only option. ["I met an old friend of yours... he sure had some stories."] Heh, she had nothing left to lose... [He'd been in one of those deep, dark, cold cells before after the Day of Ash; it was a taste of what he would live like if he didn't take the deal or at least barter in some manner of good faith.
He turned his head to stare off across the sparse room to the wall.] I've heard stories... the darkest places are where they have their talks. But... you set her free. I'm grateful that you gave her a chance at a life again.
[ With her leg caught as it is, there's no avoiding her own scheme being turned against her. She grits her teeth against the sting of the needle stabbing into flesh, but it doesn't stop her from ripping the last one she had on her off her jacket and stabbing the needle into Vander's hand in a bid to free her leg. It's less about injecting any further sedative and simply stabbing him viciously with the needle this time.
Provided he lets go, she'll jump back, a step, two, and prepare for the real part of the fight. Now there really is a time limit, for both of them. ]
Provided he lets go, she'll jump back, a step, two, and prepare for the real part of the fight. Now there really is a time limit, for both of them. ]
[Caitlyn's grateful, too, to the circumstances that led her to find Vi. Now that she's met her, she can't imagine her life without her.]
She had one thing left to lose, [she says softly.] Her sister. From the moment I freed her, all she cared about was finding and saving Jinx.
[And for Vi's trouble, Jinx had set off more bombs, shot at both Vi and Caitlyn with a minigun, been nothing but violent and aggressive.
But she came here to talk about Vi, not Jinx.]
She still has a good heart.
She had one thing left to lose, [she says softly.] Her sister. From the moment I freed her, all she cared about was finding and saving Jinx.
[And for Vi's trouble, Jinx had set off more bombs, shot at both Vi and Caitlyn with a minigun, been nothing but violent and aggressive.
But she came here to talk about Vi, not Jinx.]
She still has a good heart.
[Vander's tolerance for pain had only increased with age, and he was so intent on getting her own drugs into her so they evened that playing field that he only grunted softly when she stabbed him with the needle. He didn't flinch, didn't pull away, just depressed the plunger on the needle. She could stab him multiple times and he remained that immovable object that had yet to meet the unstoppable force.
He released the syringe - leaving it in her leg - so she could back off. He decided to help her along taking a hard swing towards her head, and he picked out the syringe from his hand and tossed it aside without a care in the world about it. He raised his fists, fully intent to pound her into the grass under their feet.]
Clocks ticking.
He released the syringe - leaving it in her leg - so she could back off. He decided to help her along taking a hard swing towards her head, and he picked out the syringe from his hand and tossed it aside without a care in the world about it. He raised his fists, fully intent to pound her into the grass under their feet.]
Clocks ticking.
[Of course. Vi had always been protective of Powder, and with his last words being to take care of her sister, he had no doubt Vi had taken that seriously. The sisters had an inseparable bond even when apart, and he wondered what they were like together now that they were adults. He somehow had his doubts Powder had accepted a Piltie as a pick of the fair for Vi's affections.]
Sounds about right. Vi always had the best management skills when it came to Pow... er, Jinx.
[He corner of his lip twitched in a small smile. He drew in a deep breath and held it, allowing his ruse of 'being just fine' to remain and even solidify.]
Always did. From the moment she was born, I knew she was special. Both of them were.
Sounds about right. Vi always had the best management skills when it came to Pow... er, Jinx.
[He corner of his lip twitched in a small smile. He drew in a deep breath and held it, allowing his ruse of 'being just fine' to remain and even solidify.]
Always did. From the moment she was born, I knew she was special. Both of them were.
[ The swing catches her in the head, more due to how she opts to pull the syringe out over ducking. It's a split-second decision, but she can roll with it. She'll go down with that punch, only to roll out of the way of his fists as they come down. He can pound sand dirt, literally. ]
Not just for me.
[ From the ground, she lashes out with a boot, hard. Rolling out of the way had given her easy access to aim at the side of a knee, and that's what she lashes out for. Joints are vulnerable, no matter how big someone is. ]
Not just for me.
[ From the ground, she lashes out with a boot, hard. Rolling out of the way had given her easy access to aim at the side of a knee, and that's what she lashes out for. Joints are vulnerable, no matter how big someone is. ]
We'll see.
[With her on the ground, he was shifting his weight to stomp when her boot caught the side of his knee. It connected, and he performed a little hop to the side to avoid crumpling. The struck leg toe-touched the grass for a moment before he was swinging it in to kick her on her body. Even if she rolled away, he was shifting his weight to follow.
The ground was not a great position to be in, but he'd seen her come back from worse. He wasn't willing to not go all in here. If she dropped him and he succumbed to whatever she injected him with, he had no doubt she'd make him regret it.]
[With her on the ground, he was shifting his weight to stomp when her boot caught the side of his knee. It connected, and he performed a little hop to the side to avoid crumpling. The struck leg toe-touched the grass for a moment before he was swinging it in to kick her on her body. Even if she rolled away, he was shifting his weight to follow.
The ground was not a great position to be in, but he'd seen her come back from worse. He wasn't willing to not go all in here. If she dropped him and he succumbed to whatever she injected him with, he had no doubt she'd make him regret it.]
[ The kick connects, though it seems to be on purpose. She didn't roll away; she made sure she was in the way, and even as the boot to the gut winds her, she fights through it, teeth gritted against the choking cough of air leaving her lungs and wheezing in a gasp. She twists, using her legs to try and do what her one arm cannot: wrap them around Vander's leg so he can't pull his boot — or leg — back.
If he isn't quick to yank himself free, she'll use her full body to turn the leg and fling him to the ground with her, and, truly? That's a lot of muscle to turn against him in one go. The effort is great, but the outcome would feasibly be worth it. ]
If he isn't quick to yank himself free, she'll use her full body to turn the leg and fling him to the ground with her, and, truly? That's a lot of muscle to turn against him in one go. The effort is great, but the outcome would feasibly be worth it. ]
Edited 2025-01-15 03:46 (UTC)
[Well, that was a risky move, but he didn't fault her for it. His leg was caught with her own, and he actually let her do what she thought that she needed to. Her leverage was good, but Vander had height and weight on his advantage. As she twisted bodily, he lifted his leg from the ground with her still attached to it, wobbling a little on his other grounded foot.
Like a rooted tree, he took a swing for whatever part of her that he could for as long as she remained clinging to his leg. Of course, the first fuzziness of his vision became apparent to him, and he mentally and physically fought against the drugs creeping like rust from the injection point on his shoulder across his body.]
Like a rooted tree, he took a swing for whatever part of her that he could for as long as she remained clinging to his leg. Of course, the first fuzziness of his vision became apparent to him, and he mentally and physically fought against the drugs creeping like rust from the injection point on his shoulder across his body.]
[ That ends that gambit swiftly, although she does raise her arm to block the swing he takes down at her. ]
Just fall already.
[ Words growled in frustration. She can't hang on for long, regardless of her strength. The position is too awkward. Swing blocked, she'll release his leg and drop back to the ground. At this point, she's beginning to feel it, too, those sedatives. She isn't as massive as he is, she... she struggles to get to her feet, unsteady on them as she gets up and raises her arm back into a fighting stance. ]
Just fall already.
[ Words growled in frustration. She can't hang on for long, regardless of her strength. The position is too awkward. Swing blocked, she'll release his leg and drop back to the ground. At this point, she's beginning to feel it, too, those sedatives. She isn't as massive as he is, she... she struggles to get to her feet, unsteady on them as she gets up and raises her arm back into a fighting stance. ]
Sorry, done that once, and I don't plan on a second time.
[He withdrew his fist then his foot when she dropped to the ground. He backed off to allow her to her feet, surveying her stance before he stepped back in to test her guard with a quick three-punch combination, one towards each side of her ribs before a sharp jab towards her face.]
[He withdrew his fist then his foot when she dropped to the ground. He backed off to allow her to her feet, surveying her stance before he stepped back in to test her guard with a quick three-punch combination, one towards each side of her ribs before a sharp jab towards her face.]
[ Her guard is still solid despite her missing arm. First one, she blocks. The second one she dodges. Third one? She stumbles. Yeah, those drugs are kicking in. Fucking damn it, and that's the last thing she thinks for that moment as she catches the jab to the face. She's set reeling back a few steps, nearly toppling over again.
She recovers still, spitting out blood before lurching back into the fray. She attempts to duck past his guard to settle into his jaw with a right hook of her own, followed by a knee towards the gut. ]
She recovers still, spitting out blood before lurching back into the fray. She attempts to duck past his guard to settle into his jaw with a right hook of her own, followed by a knee towards the gut. ]
[Out of the pit of seeming emptiness and the rising fog, there was a sliver of pleasure at his fist connecting with her face, the blood he spilt, in this teeny tiny revenge for his boys. It would never undo the loss, but there was something about the idea of returning to form after so long being a presence without the need to simply lay someone out.
Vander held his ground as she came on, her fist impacting with his jaw. His head snapped to the side with the force of it, the pain radiating from the blow that would surely bruise. For a little while. He lifted a knee to deflect the blow for his gut. He stepped in to grab her shoulders, attempting to pick her up and throw her bodily into the building wall.
He turned his head and spat blood on the grass from where his teeth had cut into his cheek from her punch. He wavered on his feet, stumbling a little but shaking his head to force focus.]
Vander held his ground as she came on, her fist impacting with his jaw. His head snapped to the side with the force of it, the pain radiating from the blow that would surely bruise. For a little while. He lifted a knee to deflect the blow for his gut. He stepped in to grab her shoulders, attempting to pick her up and throw her bodily into the building wall.
He turned his head and spat blood on the grass from where his teeth had cut into his cheek from her punch. He wavered on his feet, stumbling a little but shaking his head to force focus.]
[ That's the end of it. Sevika took a risk getting in close for her attack, and now she pays the price. Vander grips her shoulders, and she feels her feet leaving the ground. The next thing she knows, she's colliding with the side of the hospital. She can feel something crack, but there's one blessing to the sedative — it doubles as a painkiller if nothing else, but waking up is going to be hell.
From the wall to the ground with a pained grunt, and that's where she'll stay. There's no getting back up from that, not with how dizzy she's left feeling. ]
From the wall to the ground with a pained grunt, and that's where she'll stay. There's no getting back up from that, not with how dizzy she's left feeling. ]
[He stood watching as she hit the wall and slumped to the ground, and he swayed a little on his feet before he grunted softly as he lifted a hand to wipe his mouth. He stepped forward, nudging her with a foot to see if she was faking unconsciousness. Nope, she was out.
Vander leaned down carefully and grabbed her by her hair, dragging her away from the wall before hauling her around the building to the hospital door. He dropped her there, expecting someone would provide medical care that he wasn't willing to bother with. It was more than he owed her.
After that, he swayed and lumbered his way back to the apartments to pass out on the floor.]
Vander leaned down carefully and grabbed her by her hair, dragging her away from the wall before hauling her around the building to the hospital door. He dropped her there, expecting someone would provide medical care that he wasn't willing to bother with. It was more than he owed her.
After that, he swayed and lumbered his way back to the apartments to pass out on the floor.]
[For a given value of 'special,' Caitlyn thinks bitterly. Jinx is clever, she'll give the girl that. But she's also...
No, she reminds herself firmly. She didn't come here to talk about Jinx. This is about Vi, and being honest with Vi's father, and assuring him that her feelings for Vi are genuine.
What else to say? She thinks back to the suitors her parents had tried to present to her. The things they'd said about the suitors' families' finances, their families' connections and histories. All the sorts of things a Kiramman should consider when choosing a potential match. Would Vander care about those things? Her family is one of the most wealthy and influential in the city, the Kiramman name carries weight with everyone in Piltover and even beyond. If he does care, he must already know that Vi would want for nothing, were she and Caitlyn to be together.
Of course, she'd feel the same way for Vi regardless of finances. Money isn't even a consideration when it comes to her feelings for Vi. But would it be a consideration for Vander? Is she the suitor in this instance? Should she be making the case for her families' finances and connections?
She can feel the seconds stretching between them, each one more awkward to her than the last, until she interrupts the silence by even more awkwardly blurting out:]
I can provide for her. Financially.
No, she reminds herself firmly. She didn't come here to talk about Jinx. This is about Vi, and being honest with Vi's father, and assuring him that her feelings for Vi are genuine.
What else to say? She thinks back to the suitors her parents had tried to present to her. The things they'd said about the suitors' families' finances, their families' connections and histories. All the sorts of things a Kiramman should consider when choosing a potential match. Would Vander care about those things? Her family is one of the most wealthy and influential in the city, the Kiramman name carries weight with everyone in Piltover and even beyond. If he does care, he must already know that Vi would want for nothing, were she and Caitlyn to be together.
Of course, she'd feel the same way for Vi regardless of finances. Money isn't even a consideration when it comes to her feelings for Vi. But would it be a consideration for Vander? Is she the suitor in this instance? Should she be making the case for her families' finances and connections?
She can feel the seconds stretching between them, each one more awkward to her than the last, until she interrupts the silence by even more awkwardly blurting out:]
I can provide for her. Financially.
[Caitlyn did not have the best poker face, and it was clear that she had thoughts about both of his daughters for better or for worse. He had been provided a bird's eye view of how Caitlyn and Jinx treated each other, and both of them had not voiced their faint displeasure with one another. Or in Jinx's case, it had been outright disdain for the relationship Vi had developed.
He was more of a wait and see type of person. He was usually not overprotective, but once his protectiveness was prickled, he would do anything for that person. He liked to think Vi was a good judge of character, and he was no slouch at it either.
He might not know everything there was about Piltover, but he did know that Councilors had considerable wealth. The mansion that he had briefly stayed at was certainly indication enough that wealth would never be a problem; would the opposite be true? The richest people in Zaun would hold no candle to the high houses.
He blinked at Caitlyn's sudden outburst. He huffed a sound of amusement and ran his fingers through his hair.]
Oh that much I'm aware of, and it's probably the least important aspect of your relationship with her. To me anyway. Did you... think it was important to me?
He was more of a wait and see type of person. He was usually not overprotective, but once his protectiveness was prickled, he would do anything for that person. He liked to think Vi was a good judge of character, and he was no slouch at it either.
He might not know everything there was about Piltover, but he did know that Councilors had considerable wealth. The mansion that he had briefly stayed at was certainly indication enough that wealth would never be a problem; would the opposite be true? The richest people in Zaun would hold no candle to the high houses.
He blinked at Caitlyn's sudden outburst. He huffed a sound of amusement and ran his fingers through his hair.]
Oh that much I'm aware of, and it's probably the least important aspect of your relationship with her. To me anyway. Did you... think it was important to me?
I don't— I've never done this before, and I wasn't— [She pauses, tries to gather herself. Is she making a poor impression?] Usually I'm being swarmed by eligible bachelorettes and— Not that—
[That probably isn't coming across the way she means it.]
That is to say, people usually... Since I came of age, my parents... [She doesn't really want to talk about her parents, either, since then she'll have to think about her mother, and then...] They made an effort to impress upon me the importance of making a suitable match. And they've tried themselves. To do so. To find 'appropriate suitors.'
[The quotation marks are audible; those had been her parents' words, not hers. And every suitor had been more unappealing than the last, a parade of heiresses who would never care for Caitlyn more than they cared for the wealth and prestige that Caitlyn's name could bring them.]
I was always told to consider their finances, and with whom their family was connected, as though there were no more important qualities I might look for. I thought, if those were things that might concern you... I... [She finally finishes, rather lamely:] I'm not sure how these things are normally done.
[That probably isn't coming across the way she means it.]
That is to say, people usually... Since I came of age, my parents... [She doesn't really want to talk about her parents, either, since then she'll have to think about her mother, and then...] They made an effort to impress upon me the importance of making a suitable match. And they've tried themselves. To do so. To find 'appropriate suitors.'
[The quotation marks are audible; those had been her parents' words, not hers. And every suitor had been more unappealing than the last, a parade of heiresses who would never care for Caitlyn more than they cared for the wealth and prestige that Caitlyn's name could bring them.]
I was always told to consider their finances, and with whom their family was connected, as though there were no more important qualities I might look for. I thought, if those were things that might concern you... I... [She finally finishes, rather lamely:] I'm not sure how these things are normally done.
[Vander found himself bemused by her explanation, and it wasn't so difficult to consider. There were those with wealth in the undercity, and they tended to be picky when it came to who they made matches with so that wealth was not particularly disseminated down or squandered. When one had scratched, negotiated, found good luck or simply took what they wanted to cultivate wealth, they were usually hard-pressed to give it up again.
Of course, he'd never taught his kids that lesson; he would prefer that they found connection where they would. They knew their own hearts better than he did, so how could he tell them who to settle down with? Love was often found in the most unexpected places. His job was to have them learn the skills necessary to navigate the pitfalls and complications of that... and well, maybe he was the worst role model for that.
Not that anyone knew. Okay, two people knew, but both of them would probably rather have their tongues removed than admit it.]
I know you're looking for my approval and trying to explain your position to me, but I honestly don't care, Caitlyn. If Vi likes you, then it's her decision. [So many years missed; he couldn't even tease her now about it as she wasn't here.] As long as you treat her as your equal, respect and care for her as I feel she deserves, you two can do whatever you like. You're both adults making adult decisions.
[He huffed a sound of amusement, turning his arm over where it rested on his knee and stared at the brace. He flexed his hand, feeling the tightness.] Well, I don't think there's supposed to be a recipe on how it's done. To each their own, hmm? You two did seem to meet in odd circumstances as it is.
Of course, he'd never taught his kids that lesson; he would prefer that they found connection where they would. They knew their own hearts better than he did, so how could he tell them who to settle down with? Love was often found in the most unexpected places. His job was to have them learn the skills necessary to navigate the pitfalls and complications of that... and well, maybe he was the worst role model for that.
Not that anyone knew. Okay, two people knew, but both of them would probably rather have their tongues removed than admit it.]
I know you're looking for my approval and trying to explain your position to me, but I honestly don't care, Caitlyn. If Vi likes you, then it's her decision. [So many years missed; he couldn't even tease her now about it as she wasn't here.] As long as you treat her as your equal, respect and care for her as I feel she deserves, you two can do whatever you like. You're both adults making adult decisions.
[He huffed a sound of amusement, turning his arm over where it rested on his knee and stared at the brace. He flexed his hand, feeling the tightness.] Well, I don't think there's supposed to be a recipe on how it's done. To each their own, hmm? You two did seem to meet in odd circumstances as it is.
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