[Caitlyn considered approaching Vander via the network, but this feels like a conversation to have in person. She wants to tell him about Vi. Or, more specifically, the way she feels about Vi. It's not a conversation she's ever had before, the few girls she's...
Well, those girls are all in the past now. She's never quite felt about anybody the way she feels about Vi, and Vi's father is here, and it's possible he won't approve, given that he was none too complimentary about enforcers when they first met, and the fact that she's a Kiramman may only complicate things futher, and the family dynamic between Vander, Silco, Vi, and Jinx, which she doesn't entirely understand, already seems terribly complicated, and-- And she needs to stop thinking herself in circles.
Unfortunately, the time it's taking to knock on the wrong doors has only allowed her more time to overthink this. Taking a deep breath, posture so stiff her shoulders are practically at ear-height, she nervously knocks on another door.]
[Vander had taken an apartment that had been offered as soon as his Shimmer high had run its course. He had discovered where Sevika, Silco, and Jinx were staying by virtue that they couldn't help themselves in the usual tells, so he had chosen a place well away and on an upper floor. After all, he could probably survive the fall if it came to the ambush eventually.
He had picked up a work out routine again, both because he had nothing better to do to fill the time and because he saw a lot of fighting in his future. He hadn't exactly let himself go, but he hadn't dedicated the same amount of efforts as when he had been a youth. It was time to change that and return to form now that it seemed that fighting for Runeterra was the goal. That and it cleared his head for planning his next moves.
He paused in his push-ups at a knock on the door. Warily, he rose and walked to the door, grasping the kitchen knife he left there and hid it behind his back as he slowly turned the handle and opened the door wide enough to be able to see who was there.
Caitlyn Kiramann? He blinked and opened the door wider to check if Jayce was with her as well. No, just here. She looked... nervous.
Automatically, he leaned his shoulder on the door and his smile was warm and meant to be contagious.] To what do I owe this pleasure, Caitlyn. Come in. [He opened the door wider by simply leaning back with it, allowing her entrance to his sparse apartment. It wasn't like he owned anything but a single set of clothing.]
[She smiles a tight, awkward smile as she accepts his invitation to step inside.
She'd rehearsed a few potential phrases on her walk over here: how she wants to start off, the best way to tell him, what to say if he gets upset, that sort of thing. But she's finding it difficult to remember any of that now that she's actually faced with saying it aloud. To Vander. Vi's father. Who has had negative experiences with enforcers and Piltovans and-- And is Vi's father.]
It's Vi. I wanted to. She's very dear to me, and I-- [She's the bravest, kindest, most beautiful person I've ever met, she's changed my life in so many ways, and her lips-- No, she doesn't even want to finish that thought in Vander's presence.] We ought to be honest with one another, and so I-- I wanted to talk to you. About my relationship with her.
[He shut the door promptly once she was inside of his chosen apartment, not wishing for anyone from the Zaun side (except Jinx) to know where he was living. He was hoping to keep the place intact for longer than a month and that would never happen if certain people knew about where he was holed up. As he was certain she could imagine.
He expected Caitlyn was here because of how the meeting with everyone from their world had gone. She was someone who came across as having a purpose for everything, so he was a little thrown when she mentioned Vi. Jinx had confirmed his identity on that front, though he had not particularly come out and said it on his own. He suspected that Caitlyn had strong feelings for Vi, of course, as their conversations that easily given that away.
Vander moved to seat himself on the floor, leaving Caitlyn with the couch if she wanted it. As expected with everything in the room, it was made for a man of his size so everything was larger than usual.] This isn't the first time you've said that she's dear to you. You did have her released from prison and decided to follow her into the Lanes.
[He laced his fingers together as he rested his forearms on his upraised knees.] Are you about to inform me that you and Vi are romantically involved?
[She sits, primly, on the edge of the couch, feeling a little awkward about the fact that he's chosen the floor. Should she also sit on the floor? Is it rude to sit on the couch when one's host sits on the floor? Or would it be rude to sit on the floor? Her thumb taps nervously against the palm of her other hand as she folds both hands in her lap.
She's not at all expecting Vander to outright ask her that. Her head shoots up, her eyes wide.]
How did you-- [How did he know? Has she made it that obvious?] We aren't involved, exactly. She's-- My feelings for her are-- [She's never said this to anybody, not even to Vi. Vi knows, though. She must. She knew exactly when Caitlyn had meant when she'd asked 'What about us?' that night in the rain.] I do have romantic feelings for her, yes.
[This was not his first go-around when it came to romance, not that he could admit that. He'd been around the block before, especially when it was a teenager and learning about the world, and he'd also spent a lifetime watching people navigate their own emotions in his bar. People were very expressive when they were a few cups in, and look, Caitlyn was very obvious about her emotions when it came to Vi.]
Your facial expression softens and you get breathy when you talk about her to me. You're rather obvious about it. [He could pick it up anyway, but he had long ago mastered being a wingman for so many single souls in the streets, the brothel (yes, even there), shops, bars, the mines, the docks. Vander had... been around. It was the advantage of being the one of the socialites of his group.]
Alright, you have romantic feelings for Vi. Have you expressed your feelings to her?
[For all that Caitlyn tries not to, she's aware that she wears her heart on her sleeve, her thoughts and feelings clear to anybody who knows her well enough. And even some who don't. How could her face not soften, her heart not quicken, her breath not come a little more shallow when she speaks of Vi? Yet still, it surprises her how well Vander reads her.
Her eyes lower, her face falling, nerves slowly being overtaken by the deep ache she's felt in the pit of her stomach since Vi walked away.]
Not in so many words. But she knows. She... She told me that she isn't interested in anything between us. That we're too different. Oil and water. [It hurts to recall now, as it hurt to hear then. She should have run after Vi, she should have said something, she should have done something--] I can't believe she meant it, though. Not really. If I could only speak to her again...
[Oh she was smitten. Vander was not shocked by it, but he was curious as to the interactions that led to Caitlyn and Vi forming an attachment so quickly. After all, there was very little love found between the undercity and Piltover, and it was likely to be made worse by Caitlyn's high station as well. He didn't know a lot about Piltover families, but he assumed that a trencher would upset some kind of social decorum.
She looked so nervous and lost, and he understood why with Vi's rejection. His little heartbreaker taking after her father, huh? He watched Caitlyn with the patience of a man who had experience listening to the plight of other people.] So, you don't believe she knows what she wants, or you don't want to believe she may not feel the same as you do? [He spoke gently with sympathy and understanding.]
As for speaking with her, I'm afraid I can't help you with that presently. Can I get you something to drink?
Yes, thank you. [Caitlyn's not sure she could manage to drink anything just now, but it would be rude to refuse, wouldn't it? The last thing she wants, during this conversation of all conversations, is to be rude.] Tea? Or water, if you haven't any.
[And then she sighs, short and sharp, immediately back to thinking about Vi and the ways in which things went wrong between them, and how she could right everything the next time they meet.]
We'd just met with the Council to present evidence of Silco's crimes. They opted for a more diplomatic approach than she had hoped for, and she stormed out. She was angry with them. With topside. The way the Council treated her-- [Another sharp little sigh.] She was speaking out of anger. After everything we've been through together, I can't believe she truly wants nothing to do with me. Even if she doesn't return my feelings, there's no reason we can't be in each others' lives.
[Vander rose smoothly from the floor to pad to his kitchen, bemused by the request for tea or water. He put on the kettle and picked through the cupboards which were remarkably stocked full. Everything else might be sparse, but a man knew how to horde the essentials at all times, especially when shipments were known to be late.
He pulled down a mug and set it on the counter before he was opening a tin and adding tea leaves to a steep ball and put it in the waiting mug. From the kitchen area, he was listening to Caitlyn lay out the scene, his mind rolling over the details, and he was fully aware that this was the abridged version. Oh, Vi did not have the temperament to face off against the Council if her temper was anywhere close to the surface as it had been when he had last seen her.
He turned his head a little to regard her, and even though Silco's crimes themselves were not important, he was curious of what they had found.] Their verdict is not a surprise; they prefer diplomatic solutions to the undercity and have for decades. Patience for politics has never been Vi's strong suit. [He wasn't surprised that Vi redirected her frustration; it had been something he had been managing before his untimely demise.]
I expect she needed some time. Vi's needed opportunities to cool her head, but she usually comes around. She's got a good heart.
[The kettle began to scream and he poured boiling liquid into the mug and brought it over to Caitlyn. He didn't know how long she liked her tea steeped so would leave it in her capable hands with a spoon. He returned to sitting on the floor.]
Yes. She does. [Her voice is downright wistful. She'd said those exact words to Vi, once, and the truth of them is why she cares so much for Vi. One of the reasons, anyway.
She accepts the tea with a soft,] Thank you, [and gives it a little stir with the spoon, letting the ball sit a few moments longer.]
I wanted to let you know how I felt. What my relationship with Vi is. I-- [Her hands grip the hot mug awkwardly, the spoon left to sit in there with the ball, her eyes watching as deeper colour seeps out of the leaves into the steaming hot water.] You aren't upset?
[Once he was settled back on the floor, he raised a knee again so he could settle an arm across it. He flexed his wrist in the black brace that covered it, something he had been provided with the rest of his clothing from that egg. There was more comfort with the scar beneath hidden, and he had been thankful it hadn't been obvious when he was high on Shimmer.
He inclined his head slightly to acknowledge the fact that she had come all this way to inform him about how her heart was aflutter for Violet. He raised his eyebrows at the question, momentarily confused.] Should I be upset? You have romantic feelings for my daughter, whom I technically haven't seen for years by the time you meet her.
[Watching the tea can only occupy her for so long. She glances up at Vander as he sits again, noting the way he flexes, the brace on his wrist that wasn't there when they first met – he wasn't wearing much at all when they first met, really – and offering the faintest, and briefest, of smiles in response to his nod.]
I thought-- [She's not sure how to say this diplomatically, so she simply blunders ahead as best she can.] People make assumptions. About my name. And I'm not just a Kiramman, I'm an enforcer as well, and I thought-- I was worried you wouldn't approve.
[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.]
[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.
[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.]
[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.
[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?
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.
[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.
[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:]
[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?
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.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
action; apartment complex
Date: 2025-01-11 07:16 pm (UTC)Well, those girls are all in the past now. She's never quite felt about anybody the way she feels about Vi, and Vi's father is here, and it's possible he won't approve, given that he was none too complimentary about enforcers when they first met, and the fact that she's a Kiramman may only complicate things futher, and the family dynamic between Vander, Silco, Vi, and Jinx, which she doesn't entirely understand, already seems terribly complicated, and-- And she needs to stop thinking herself in circles.
Unfortunately, the time it's taking to knock on the wrong doors has only allowed her more time to overthink this. Taking a deep breath, posture so stiff her shoulders are practically at ear-height, she nervously knocks on another door.]
action;
Date: 2025-01-12 04:39 pm (UTC)He had picked up a work out routine again, both because he had nothing better to do to fill the time and because he saw a lot of fighting in his future. He hadn't exactly let himself go, but he hadn't dedicated the same amount of efforts as when he had been a youth. It was time to change that and return to form now that it seemed that fighting for Runeterra was the goal. That and it cleared his head for planning his next moves.
He paused in his push-ups at a knock on the door. Warily, he rose and walked to the door, grasping the kitchen knife he left there and hid it behind his back as he slowly turned the handle and opened the door wide enough to be able to see who was there.
Caitlyn Kiramann? He blinked and opened the door wider to check if Jayce was with her as well. No, just here. She looked... nervous.
Automatically, he leaned his shoulder on the door and his smile was warm and meant to be contagious.] To what do I owe this pleasure, Caitlyn. Come in. [He opened the door wider by simply leaning back with it, allowing her entrance to his sparse apartment. It wasn't like he owned anything but a single set of clothing.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 08:09 pm (UTC)[She smiles a tight, awkward smile as she accepts his invitation to step inside.
She'd rehearsed a few potential phrases on her walk over here: how she wants to start off, the best way to tell him, what to say if he gets upset, that sort of thing. But she's finding it difficult to remember any of that now that she's actually faced with saying it aloud. To Vander. Vi's father. Who has had negative experiences with enforcers and Piltovans and-- And is Vi's father.]
It's Vi. I wanted to. She's very dear to me, and I-- [She's the bravest, kindest, most beautiful person I've ever met, she's changed my life in so many ways, and her lips-- No, she doesn't even want to finish that thought in Vander's presence.] We ought to be honest with one another, and so I-- I wanted to talk to you. About my relationship with her.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 08:20 pm (UTC)He expected Caitlyn was here because of how the meeting with everyone from their world had gone. She was someone who came across as having a purpose for everything, so he was a little thrown when she mentioned Vi. Jinx had confirmed his identity on that front, though he had not particularly come out and said it on his own. He suspected that Caitlyn had strong feelings for Vi, of course, as their conversations that easily given that away.
Vander moved to seat himself on the floor, leaving Caitlyn with the couch if she wanted it. As expected with everything in the room, it was made for a man of his size so everything was larger than usual.] This isn't the first time you've said that she's dear to you. You did have her released from prison and decided to follow her into the Lanes.
[He laced his fingers together as he rested his forearms on his upraised knees.] Are you about to inform me that you and Vi are romantically involved?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 08:51 pm (UTC)She's not at all expecting Vander to outright ask her that. Her head shoots up, her eyes wide.]
How did you-- [How did he know? Has she made it that obvious?] We aren't involved, exactly. She's-- My feelings for her are-- [She's never said this to anybody, not even to Vi. Vi knows, though. She must. She knew exactly when Caitlyn had meant when she'd asked 'What about us?' that night in the rain.] I do have romantic feelings for her, yes.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 09:02 pm (UTC)Your facial expression softens and you get breathy when you talk about her to me. You're rather obvious about it. [He could pick it up anyway, but he had long ago mastered being a wingman for so many single souls in the streets, the brothel (yes, even there), shops, bars, the mines, the docks. Vander had... been around. It was the advantage of being the one of the socialites of his group.]
Alright, you have romantic feelings for Vi. Have you expressed your feelings to her?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 09:25 pm (UTC)Her eyes lower, her face falling, nerves slowly being overtaken by the deep ache she's felt in the pit of her stomach since Vi walked away.]
Not in so many words. But she knows. She... She told me that she isn't interested in anything between us. That we're too different. Oil and water. [It hurts to recall now, as it hurt to hear then. She should have run after Vi, she should have said something, she should have done something--] I can't believe she meant it, though. Not really. If I could only speak to her again...
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 09:38 pm (UTC)She looked so nervous and lost, and he understood why with Vi's rejection. His little heartbreaker taking after her father, huh? He watched Caitlyn with the patience of a man who had experience listening to the plight of other people.] So, you don't believe she knows what she wants, or you don't want to believe she may not feel the same as you do? [He spoke gently with sympathy and understanding.]
As for speaking with her, I'm afraid I can't help you with that presently. Can I get you something to drink?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 10:07 pm (UTC)[And then she sighs, short and sharp, immediately back to thinking about Vi and the ways in which things went wrong between them, and how she could right everything the next time they meet.]
We'd just met with the Council to present evidence of Silco's crimes. They opted for a more diplomatic approach than she had hoped for, and she stormed out. She was angry with them. With topside. The way the Council treated her-- [Another sharp little sigh.] She was speaking out of anger. After everything we've been through together, I can't believe she truly wants nothing to do with me. Even if she doesn't return my feelings, there's no reason we can't be in each others' lives.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 11:10 pm (UTC)He pulled down a mug and set it on the counter before he was opening a tin and adding tea leaves to a steep ball and put it in the waiting mug. From the kitchen area, he was listening to Caitlyn lay out the scene, his mind rolling over the details, and he was fully aware that this was the abridged version. Oh, Vi did not have the temperament to face off against the Council if her temper was anywhere close to the surface as it had been when he had last seen her.
He turned his head a little to regard her, and even though Silco's crimes themselves were not important, he was curious of what they had found.] Their verdict is not a surprise; they prefer diplomatic solutions to the undercity and have for decades. Patience for politics has never been Vi's strong suit. [He wasn't surprised that Vi redirected her frustration; it had been something he had been managing before his untimely demise.]
I expect she needed some time. Vi's needed opportunities to cool her head, but she usually comes around. She's got a good heart.
[The kettle began to scream and he poured boiling liquid into the mug and brought it over to Caitlyn. He didn't know how long she liked her tea steeped so would leave it in her capable hands with a spoon. He returned to sitting on the floor.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 11:28 pm (UTC)She accepts the tea with a soft,] Thank you, [and gives it a little stir with the spoon, letting the ball sit a few moments longer.]
I wanted to let you know how I felt. What my relationship with Vi is. I-- [Her hands grip the hot mug awkwardly, the spoon left to sit in there with the ball, her eyes watching as deeper colour seeps out of the leaves into the steaming hot water.] You aren't upset?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 11:40 pm (UTC)He inclined his head slightly to acknowledge the fact that she had come all this way to inform him about how her heart was aflutter for Violet. He raised his eyebrows at the question, momentarily confused.] Should I be upset? You have romantic feelings for my daughter, whom I technically haven't seen for years by the time you meet her.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 12:36 am (UTC)I thought-- [She's not sure how to say this diplomatically, so she simply blunders ahead as best she can.] People make assumptions. About my name. And I'm not just a Kiramman, I'm an enforcer as well, and I thought-- I was worried you wouldn't approve.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 01:01 am (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 02:08 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 03:13 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 04:14 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 04:57 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-13 05:24 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-14 05:09 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-14 07:19 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-14 02:22 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 01:11 am (UTC)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 subject
Date: 2025-01-16 04:36 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-16 05:11 am (UTC)[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.
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: